480020 KO Colloquium Bosnia/Croatian/Serbian (2024W)

The course focuses on the literary works of Dositej Obradović and provides an overview of Enlightenment thought in 18th century Serbian literature.

Dositej Obradović, the most prominent representative of the Enlightenment in Serbian literature, published several influential texts, books and translations throughout his life. His best-known work is the autobiography „Život i priključenija“, which offers a profound insight into his life and ideas and is the first book of this kind in Serbian literature. The book follows the life of young Dositej, from a boy fascinated by the Church and religious books to one of the most influential thinkers and advocates of the Enlightenment in the Balkans. Obradović's life and work are characterised by his sharp criticism of the clerical system, his fight against superstition and his advocacy of the establishment of schools in Serbia.
In addition to his autobiography, Obradović's most important works include „Pismo Haralampiju“ - a call for subscriptions to his book „Sovjeti zdravago razuma“ and Obradović’s manifesto, in which he spoke out in favour of the use of the vernacular („naš“) and religious tolerance. Last but not least, Obradović made significant contributions through his poetry (e.g. his patriotic poem „Vostani Serbie“) and his translations of Aesop’s fables, which emphasised moral and educational values.

In this course, students will explore the concept of the Enlightenment and its impact on literature, focusing on Obradović's efforts to promote reason, education and secularism through his writings. The course will cover his major works („Pismo Haralampiju“, „Sovjeti zdravago razuma“, „Basne“, „Život i priključenija“, etc.) and their historical and cultural contexts.

Teaching language is German.