This course taught in English offers an introduction to important historical events, figures, movements and ideas that have shaped the culture of German-speaking countries. Students learn about aspects of daily life, traditions, philosophical movements, and cultural artifacts in architecture, literature, art, film and music.
In the Spring 2023 semester, the course will focus on the theme of nostalgia and Vergangenheitsbewältigung, i.e., attempts to overcome the past that dominated 20th century German culture and continue into the 21st century. Films, which are cultural monuments to this epoch, will serve in this course as anchors to each of the course’s subtopics, and will be contextualized via readings in German history and engagement with cultural artifacts such as literature, art, and music. We will investigate how the medium of film was used to come to terms with the Holocaust and the Second World War, but also the divided Germany that emerged from the war, and the East-West, Socialism-Capitalism divides that defined the post-war years. All readings, materials, and assignments are in English (films are dubbed or have subtitles). No knowledge of German language is required.
