Lehrende/r: Dr. Martin Rißmann
Veranstaltungsart: Übung
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Unterrichtssprache: Englisch
Min. | Max. Teilnehmerzahl: - | 30
Anwesenheitspflicht: 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.
Inhalt: As a result of the Second World War Germany was cut into two states that belonged to two hostile blocs. The Cold War brought about a divided nation with very different political systems, economic structures, and social experiences. While it appeared more and more unlikely for the two German states to reunite at some point this prospect was never given up. It was to the big surprise of most people, however, when reunification barged its way against all odds. In the wake of the legal unification the process of uniting mentally and emotionally is still ongoing. The seminar is open to incoming students from all academic disciplines and levels. Together we will look at major phases of German history in the period of 1950 to 2000: How was Germany torn apart during the Cold War? How did the two Germanys live side by side and developed a more pragmatic cohabitation till the mid-1980s? What the reasons for the socialist countries to shed their communist rule? What were the steps to implement the unification? And finally, how is Germany transforming within a uniting Europe? In addition to major political developments, we will also look at underlying social and cultural changes and how the lives of German people changed during this period.
Empfohlene Literatur: The course is 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 - Helmut Walser Smith (ed.): Oxford Handbook of Modern German History, Oxford et al. 2011.
Zusätzliche Informationen: It is planned to have one excursion: for example: Bonn (Haus der Geschichte) Grading Credit points 5 ECTS active participation in class + class assignment + exam (see below) 2 ECTS active participation in class + class assignment, no exam The number of ECTS can be adjusted individually depending on the requirements of the home university. Exam - Option 1: Written exam (60 minutes) - Option 2: Oral exam (15 minutes) - Option 3: Term paper (6 – 8 pages)
