Franz Kafka is justly regarded as one of the seminal writers of the 20th century. The simplicity of his language, combined with fantasy-based situations, produces texts with surprising twists, dark humor, and great spiritual depth. They capture the deliberations of a man both fascinated and imprisoned by language and life. Issues of freedom/restrictions and imprisonment/liberation are central to Kafka’s writings. Works to be read are: Amerika, Der Prozess, Gesammelte Erzaehlungen, etc. Note: This course is conducted in German.