German Studies 223GM - Germany/Migration/The Other

Spanning the period from the 1950s to today, we investigate the shifting notions of national and cultural identity in East, West, and reunified Germany. We study both the history of migration as well as debates on German citizenship, nationhood and belonging to the society. The seminar combines philosophical texts, newspaper articles, literary materials, and films with public discussions and personal reflections on the topics of the seminar. Students are introduced to literary and film analysis, and encouraged to draw on current events which manifest anew Germany's complex role in a globalized world.

Prereq: Previous study of German, normally equivalent to 3 semesters of College German, or 3 or more years of high school German.