GERM 308 - German Cultural History I: Uniting and Dividing Germany

This course prepares students with intermediate German language skills for upper-level courses in German Studies through advanced language instruction combined with a critical investigation of important political, social, and aesthetic topics in German cultural history. These topics may include the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon (1813-1815), the 1848 European revolution, the impact of industrialization, the foundation of the German Reich (1870/1871), the economics and philosophical critique offered by socialism, the feminist movement, imperialism and WWI (1914-1918), the aesthetic revolution of modernism in the arts, and the beginning of the Weimar Republic (1918-1933). In the late part of the course, we shall also introduce ourselves to aspects of living on the East side of the wall dividing Berlin (1961-1989). In addition to historical sources, we shall read literary texts and view art and films relating to these topics. Taught in German. Three hours per week plus one hour of intensive language practice. Prerequisite(s): GERM 204 or permission of instructor. Fall semester. (4 Credits)