CULTURE IN 20TH CENTURY BERLIN
In the twentieth century, Berlin functioned as the seat of government and as a showcase for conflicting ideologies during the Cold War, and it now faces the challenge of returning to its function as reunified Germany's capital without ignoring its past. Through it all, Berlin has maintained a reputation as a center for artistic experimentation and a mecca for alternative culture. Examine the various arts and forms of entertainment from the turn of the century through the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, the Cold War, and the reunification, in an effort to determine how politics, economics, and demographics have come together to shape a unique Berlin culture.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: None Course Designation: Core GenEd - Humanities & Arts Breadth - Humanities Level - Elementary L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Learning Outcomes: 1. demonstrate a thorough understanding of the historical conditions that shaped Berlin’s unique culture Audience: Undergraduate 2. demonstrate an awareness of the living circumstances of Berliners throughout the tumultuous changes they experienced in the twentieth century Audience: Undergraduate 3. recognize the similarities as well as difference between Berlin culture and cultures of other contemporary societies through cultural phenomena that include the arts, media, literature, entertainment, taste, education, gender roles, national identities, and belief systems Audience: Undergraduate 4. apply oral and written skills in interpreting memoirs and contemporary films (with English translations) in their historical context Audience: Undergraduate 5. gain an appreciation for Berlin’s changing role in the world Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. demonstrate a thorough understanding of the historical conditions that shaped Berlin’s unique culture Audience: Undergraduate 2. demonstrate an awareness of the living circumstances of Berliners throughout the tumultuous changes they experienced in the twentieth century Audience: Undergraduate 3. recognize the similarities as well as difference between Berlin culture and cultures of other contemporary societies through cultural phenomena that include the arts, media, literature, entertainment, taste, education, gender roles, national identities, and belief systems Audience: Undergraduate 4. apply oral and written skills in interpreting memoirs and contemporary films (with English translations) in their historical context Audience: Undergraduate 5. gain an appreciation for Berlin’s changing role in the world Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027