GERM 295: Berlin: The German Metropolis
Instructor, Kai HerklotzGerman
Fall 2011
Today Berlin is at the center of unified Germany and an evermore-united Europe. This course will trace the significance of Berlin for both Germany and Europe, taking a historical as well as comparative approach. Representations of Berlin in theoretical essays, literature, art and film, as well as Berlin as site of history, will provide the starting point from which we will explore many facets of twentieth century modernity, German-Jewish history, the Cold War, and the New Europe.
Introduction
Students on the Berlin program will examine the city through theoretical essays, literature, art, and film, completing visual assignments (mapping, drawing, photographing) along the way. The students will explore the city using Hypercities ( This site may be offline. ) , an interactive and collaborative research and education platform incorporating the historical layers of city spaces.Learning Goals:
- Students develop contextualized language skills through readings, class discussion and writing assignments in German
- Students deepen their understanding of German and European history and cultural studies
- Students learn about urban geography
- Students develop critical thinking skills through analysis of various textual and visual sources, such as:
- 19th and 20th century painting
- contemporary graphic novels
- historical photographs and maps
- feature film
- educational internet sites
- museums
- the city itself
- Hypercities
Sample Assignment:
- Read Arnt Cobbers. Kleine Berlin-Geschichte [A Short History of Berlin]. 106-125.
- Use Cobbers' historical background reading in conjunction with Hypercities maps to show the development of an important building or city feature; please focus on one or two of the following points:
- Buildings and city planning of the new political center
- Historicism in architecture
- Expansion of the city and technological innovations