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Literary Writing from Research
Literarisches Schreiben aus der Forschung
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:21:27
Abstract
Science occupies a prominent position in contemporary literature, as evidenced by the new boom in science fiction, auto-theory, theory-fiction, nature, or feral writing. We'll take the way there: what happens when you step out of study and research into literary writing and turn it over to the dynamics and rules of poetics?
Objective
The goal of this course is to practice literary writing and examine it for how it connects to and complements the practices of scholarship. The aim will be first to literarize invisible practices of research (lab cleaning, programming, commuting) and second to defamiliarize them with poetic practices (poetry, science fiction, protocols).
Content
"[A]s soon as you hear the word science, you know you're in for an intensification of sensation." (Kodwo Eshun) Science occupies a prominent position in contemporary literature, as evidenced by the new boom in science fiction, auto-theory, theory-fiction, nature, or feral writing. But literary writing obeys different rules than scientific writing and produces a different kind of thinking. We take the way there: what happens when one moves out of study and research into literary writing and surrenders this production of knowledge to the dynamics and rules of poetics? Is it possible to make visible and convey aspects such as derivations, boring data searches, sparking thoughts, late trips home, disappointing results, or the cheerfulness of science? In the seminar, we read and discuss literary texts that use science as an intensifier, regularly compose and discuss our own texts, try our hand at writing exercises, and go into the field to record science in literary form. In collaboration with literary institutions such as the Aargauer Literaturhaus Lenzburg, we will bring our findings to the public and convey science poetically. We are addressing people who are interested in literary writing and would like to work intensively on it. What is required is the willingness to write texts at regular intervals and to discuss them in a confidential setting.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Literarisches Schreiben aus der Forschung |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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