German Studies 221 - Diversity of German Culture

'This course highlights diversity as characteristic of German culture and society in the present and the past, contrary to the popular image of German cultural homogeneity. Hitler's nationalistic volkisch myth propagated this historical fiction that had already begun with the 1871 political 'unification from above.' We investigate the many forms of diversity in the German-speaking area: political, social, economic, ethnic, gender identifications, sexual orientations, abilities. Close readings of films, printed texts, and a variety of other media help us discover the changing forms of Vielfalt. Introduction to transcultural writing and speaking, also in preparation for abroad experiences.'