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FUBiS Term III: Die Metropole Berlin in Literatur und Kultur von der Jahrhundertwende bis 1945
(course # 3.06)
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Type: |
A-Track |
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Instructor(s): |
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Language: |
German |
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Contact hours: |
48 (6 per day) |
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Credit Points: |
4 |
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Capacity: |
18 |
Resources
Course description
This seminar explores which changes Berlin has undergone as a city and cultural text starting from the 19th century up to the time of the Third Reich. Instead of a chronological overview of German literature, the main focus is placed on different perceptions of Berlin as formulated by writers and artists in three different time periods, Prussian German Wilhelminism, the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich. With observation of fundamental aesthetic, political, social and anthropological positioning, the following problem complexes serve as an outline for the discussion of selected texts: (1) Influence of technology and urban development on art and literature, (2) Position on the political and social function of art, (3) The city as a space of competing views of national identity. The texts will be discussed against the background of their respective social, political and cultural contexts. Furthermore, excursions to museums and literary or artistic places of production offer an opportunity to experience Berlin “first-hand” and to get to know different facets of the city’s artistic and literary business through talks with authors, scientists and publishers. The course “Berlin Metropolis in Literature and Culture from 1945 to Today” can be taken as a complementary course and represents a chronological and thematic continuation.
Student profile
Other than the language requirements below, participants must have no particular knowledge of German literature or history. The seminar is aimed at students from various subjects with an interest in history, literature and the history of ideas from the turn of the century to the present. Although the seminar is principally conceived for Bachelor and Masters students, others e.g. postgraduates, depending on research interests, can also take advantage of the teaching and excursion course to deepen their knowledge.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of German at least B2 level (German Intermediate II).
Brief description of B2 proficiency: Is able to understand the main content of complex texts with concrete and abstract themes; in the own subject area is also understand specialised discussions. Is able to speak spontaneously and fluently so that a normal conversation with native speakers is possible without any great effort being required on either part. Can express themselves over a broad spectrum of subjects clearly and in detail and can express an opinion on a current question as well as expressing the advantages and disadvantages of different possibilities.
Seminar requirements and Evaluation
- Regular and active participation. Due to the seminar format a lively participation in discussions is expected (absences must be verified, e.g. by a medical attest): 25%
- Two short essays (approx. 500 words = 2 pages) on the three thematic focuses: 25%
- Short presentation (approx. 15 minutes). The presentations should provide an initial insight to the text concerned, formulate questions or arguments and stimulate discussion. The themes will be assigned in the first week: 25%
- A term paper of approx. 10 pages (= approx. 2,500 words): 25%
Reading
A Reader will be provided in the first week.
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