German 250
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The course, taught in English, with an optional German language component, focuses on the significance of Berlin as Germany’s former and present political and, arguably cultural capital.
The history of Berlin parallels in many ways the history of Germany in the late 19th and 20th centuries. We, therefore, will focus on Berlin as a microcosm of German society, exploring the historical, political, literary, architectural and cinematic aspects of this vibrant city. The course will give a chronological overview of Berlin’s past and present (with a glimpse of its future) and provide the historical, political and artistic context of the city’s development. Required Reading: *Burns, R. German Cultural Studies *Ladd, Brian. Ghosts of Berlin. On Reserve in the Library: Schneider, Peter. The Wall Jumper. (novel) Taylor, Ronald. Berlin and Its Culture. (excerpts). Large, David. Berlin (excerptes) Schurer, Ernst. The Berlin Wall. (excerpts). Friedrich, Otto. Before the Deluge. (excerpts). Andreas-Friedrich, Ruth. Berlin Underground 1938-1945 (excerpts). Tusa, Ann. The Last Division. (excerpts). Kramer, Jane. Culture of Memory (Letters from Berlin). (excerpts). Requirements: · Regular attendance, punctuality and thorough preparations are crucial for the successful completion of the course. More than 3 absences will negatively affect the final grade. · Each student will give a short presentation on a film or a reading in class that will focus on pertinent issues for discussion. The typed preparation (e.g. power point) must be handed in and is part of your grade. ·
Papers have to be handed in on time. No excuses will be accepted. Late
submission of assignments will result in a lower grade. No electronic
submissions, please! Please type your papers
double-spaced and with a 12-point font. · Regular quizzes and tests are part of the grade. · The mid-term and final will be given in the form of take-home exams. Attendance: Attendance for this course is crucial for your own progress and the progress of the entire course. We will meet only twice per week and cannot afford any delay in our schedule. If you must miss class for unforeseen and serious reasons, please let me know before class. If you miss more than two classes, 3% will be deducted from your final grade for each additional absence. You are responsible for knowing
the material presented on a given day, even
if you are not present in class that day. Please contact a fellow student for
that information, assignments, etc. Homework: Assignments are due on the scheduled day. If you have to miss class, make sure you inform me before class by email and leave your assignment in my mailbox in Van Meter (not campus mail). Homework is an integral part of the final grade. Late assignments will be subject to a 5% deduction per day of delay. I will not accept assignments later than 3 weekdays after the scheduled date. A short paper is usually due once a week; longer papers as mid-terms and finals. The videos need to be viewed outside of class. Oral presentations: Each student will, at one point in the semester, lead a class discussion on a particular film or reading. I ask that you prepare a written version of the presentation and hand it in at the beginning of class. Both the oral presentation and your written preparation will be part of your grade. Request: Please turn off your mobile phones during classes and screenings. Grading Attendance/Participation 20% Tests 20% Homework, papers 20% Mid-term 15% Final 20% In-class presentation 5% NOTE: This is a tentative schedule. Minor changes are quite possible during the semester. The reading assignments will vary, additional material will be provided. You will receive further assignments during the semester. We will schedule occasional video screenings outside class. September 4-September 18 Topic I: The Berlin Wall Reading: Ladd, B., p.7- 40. Tusa, A., p. 301-341. Schneider, P. The Wall Jumper (novel) due in Nov.
Film: The Promise September 23- September 25 Topic II: Berlin
- Germany’s first capital The Wilhelminian period. Reading: Taylor, R., p. 153-184. Ladd, B., p.41- 82. Burns, R., p. 9-50. September 30 – October 23 Topic III: The
Weimar Republic German
Modernity. Jewish Life in Berlin. Reading: Ladd, B., p. 83-127. Taylor, R., p. 210-262. Burns, R., p.53-97 Friedrich, O.
Film: Berlin-Symphony of a Great City. Metropolis. MID-TERM due by
Tuesday, October 21. October 28 – November 11 Topic
IV: Berlin and the Third Reich Nazi propaganda and “degenerate art.” Exile
and Holocaust. German Resistance. Reading: Taylor, p. 262-286. Ladd, B., p.127 – 174. Burns, R., p. 101-144. Andreas-Friedrich. R.
Film: Olympia (clips). Wannsee Conference (clips). White Rose. November 13 – December 2 Topic
V: Divided Berlin – Divided Germany Cold War in East and West. Reading: Taylor, R., p. 287-302. Ladd, B., p.175 – 216. Burns, R., p.147-204; p. 257-322. Film: Legend of Rita. Wings of Desire. December 4 –
December 11 Topic
VI: The New Berlin Berlin reunited and capital of post-unified Germany Reading: Ladd, B., p. 217 – 235. Burns, R., p.325-347. Tusa, A., p.371-385. Kramer,
J. Film: Run,
Lola, Run. FINAL due by Thursday, December 11 (last day of classes). |
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