The demise of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Germany's reunification in October 1990, and the federal parliament's decision in June 1991 to make Berlin not only the country's capital but also home of its national government, have triggered major changes in Berlin's political, economic, social, and cultural life. In no other European city do "east" and "west" encounter one another so vividly and dramatically as in the old/new German capital.
The main objective of this course is to explore contemporary Germany with particular emphasis on the old, recent, contemporary, and future Berlin with all its diversity and richness as a major European metropolitan area, within a broader German or at times comparative European perspective. Students completing this course will leave with a deeper appreciation of the complexities characterizing Berlin's urban life and history as well as Germany's overall reunification experience. The course will consist of a series of lectures, group discussions, student presentations, and local excursions to sites of interest.
Period
28-05-2011 - 09-07-2011 (6 weeks)
Target group
This course should be of particular interest to students with majors in political science, urban studies, and history. Both graduate and undergraduate students are welcome. Students who have had some course work on modern history, modern Europe, or Germany may find themselves at a small advantage in digesting the material covered in this course. There is no upper age limit, as far as participating students are concerned. Students should be able to participate in the various field-trips, some of which require more extended walks through the city than others.
Course aim
The main objective of this course is to explore contemporary Germany with particular emphasis on the old, recent, contemporary, and future Berlin with all its diversity and richness as a major European metropolitan area, within a broader German or at times comparative European perspective.
Credits
6.0 ECTS creditsGradingPaper 40%, Final Exam 40%, Participation 20%
Course fee
EUR 1200: Tuition
EUR 250:Program fee
Course leader
Dr. Dirk Verheyen
Freie Universitat Berlin FUBiS
Address: Otto-von-Simson-Str. 26
Postal code: 14195
City: Berlin
Country: Germany
Website: http://www.fubis.org/
E-mail: fubis@fubis.org
Phone: +49 + 30 + 838 73472
Exploring Contemporary Germany and Berlin
