German Studies 300aa - Topics in German Culture and Society-Anders als die Anderen

What does it mean to be “different” in the Germans-peaking countries of Europe? What does it mean to “be” German, Austrian, or Swiss? The course considers the reciprocal relationship between those two positions and examines how marginalized groups have played and continue to play key roles in shaping and (re)defining social norms in central Europe. The course asks how the gay rights movement beginning in the late 19th century influenced definitions of “difference” and traces the intersections of queer identities, Jewish and Black communities, the history of the German Turkish population, and contemporary immigration more broadly. The course focuses on primary sources in German ranging including literature, journalistic texts, visual works, podcasts, interviews, and talks. The course develops reading, comprehension, speaking, and writing skills. Prerequisite: GER 250. (E)

[CE] GER 250