Lehrende/r: Dr. Martin Rißmann
Veranstaltungsart: Übung
Anzeige im Stundenplan:
Unterrichtssprache: Englisch
Min. | Max. Teilnehmerzahl: - | 12
Inhalt: Since 1918, Germany has gone through various political disruptions and transitions: from monarchic rule to parliamentary democracy, from Nazi dictatorship to complete military defeat, from two separate states to one reunified country. The seminar provides an introductory historical overview. It is open to incoming students from all academic disciplines and levels. Based on historical sources and literature we will analyze major phases of German history: Why was the democratic system of the Weimar Republic so unstable? How did the Nazis establish their regime of terror? What were the main reasons for Germany to split into two antagonistic states and how did they develop till the fall of the Berlin Wall? Looking at the process of reunification since 1990 we will also address major ongoing topics such as European integration, migration, and re-emerging nationalism and their respective historical foundations. In addition to political programs and action, we will also look at underlying economic, social, and cultural changes as well as foreign relations. While the course will be based on historical analysis it will invite participants to also share their insights and experiences they are making during their stay in Germany. It is planned to have at least one excursion: Heidelberg (visit of the Friederich-Ebert-Gedenkstätte) and/or to Bonn (Haus der Geschichte) Outline of Study Program “Collapse of democracy”: The Weimar Republic (1919 – 1933) “Rule of terror and war”: The Nazi State (1933 – 1945) “Hour Zero” (1945 – 1949) “Divergence and hostility”: Germanys during the “Cold War” (1949 – 1961) “Consolidation and cohabitation”: Two Germany side by side (1961 – 1989) “Courage and dissent”: German unification (1989 – 1990) “New challenges”: Continuing transformation in a uniting Europe (since 1991)
Empfohlene Literatur: The course is mainly based on selected sections of the following books: • Mary Fulbrook, A History of Germany 1918–2014: The Divided Nation, Fifth Edition. Chichester 2021. • Peter C. Caldwell/Karrin Hanshew, Germany Since 1945. Politics, Culture, and society: London et alt. 2018 (recommended to buy). • Helmut Walser Smith (ed.): Oxford Handbook of Modern German History, Oxford et al. 2011. • Helmut Walser Smith: Germany. A Nation in its Time. Before, during, and after Nationalism, 1500-2000, New York 2020.
Zusätzliche Informationen: Participants & Engagement Participants - All incoming students from all academic fields are welcome - History students from abroad are also invited to join the team - No specific requirements, just interest in the overall topic and historical work - Ability to read scientific texts in English Engagement - Regular attendance - Preparation reading and active participation in seminar discussions - Two homeworks in writing (upload in Moodle prior to the session) - One classroom presentation to kick-off seminar discussion This is a special course bringing together students who do not study history to get to know Germany better from a historical perspective. It is not a lecture. In fact, good discussions and results will largely depend on active participation and sharing of different views. Preparing the sessions properly and getting a good grasp of the reading materials will be key. Grading • 8 ECTS (seminar + tutorial) • Assignment as indicated • Exam: o Option 1: Written exam (60 minutes) o Option 2: Oral exam (15 minutes) o Option 3: Term paper (6 – 8 pages) • Credit points o 5 ECTS (class, no tutorial); assignment and exam as indicated o 2 ECTS (class, no tutorial); assignment as indicated; no exam or term paper o The number of ECTS depends on the workload. In some cases, it can be adjusted individually depending on the requirements of the home university.
