This course examines topics in the cultural history of German-speaking spaces and peoples, from the time of German Unification (1871) to today. Each course offering may focus on a different historical period (e.g. Imperial Germany, the Weimar Republic) or theme (e.g. migration, fascism and authoritarianism, student activism). Readings will include primary sources (e.g. memoirs, radio broadcasts, manifestos, songs) and secondary sources (e.g. documentary films, scholarly book chapters, articles). Students who have taken German courses will have opportunities to work with source material in German. This course is taught in English and may be repeated for different topics. This course will be offered in academic years ending in odd numbers.
Especially appropriate for students in German, History, International and Global Studies, and those interested in WPI’s global project centers in Europe.
Intermediate-level language proficiency in German and familiarity with cultural perspectives and practices in German-speaking Europe as addressed in GN 2512.