Critical Social Inquiry 0251 - History, Art & Culture

Berlin has been at the center of German politics and culture all throughout the twentieth and twenty-first century. Through a series of case studies and a focus on select political events, we will discuss major changes in German culture and society since the end of WW I. Topics might inlcude: the revolution of 1918 and the assassination of Rosa Luxemburg; gay culture in the 1920's; the rise ofNazism and the burning of the Reichstag; Jews during WW II; Russians in Berlin; the building of the wall in 1961; Rudi Dutschke and the student rebellion of 1968; GDR dissidents; the Turkish community; the squatter movement; reunification and gentrification; club-culture; African (and Syrian) migrants and refugees. We will read fiction and creative non fiction as well as scholarly literature. A film series will accompany the course with a German discussion session. Assignments are flexible and can incorporate artistic productions. This course might be of particular interest to students who will participate in the Berlin program in the spring of 2017.

Culture, Humanities, and Languages Independent Work Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.