German

Since the Middle Ages, Germany has been part of wider transnational networks of commerce, religion, diplomacy, scholarship, exploration, tourism, and migration that have involved encounters with other peoples, languages, and customs. This course explores ways in which German literature and culture, at different points in its long history, has engaged with these networks and has imagined the resulting encounters with nations, cultures, and languages beyond its boundaries, both in Europe and further afield. Always bearing in mind that these encounters take place as much in the imagination as in reality, students study a range of texts and other forms that represent journeys, whether real or imagined, and the course considers what light can be shed on these by critical theories that explore ideas of otherness, boundaries, and identities.

This course uses Berlin as a case study to analyze the origins of hate discourses and the so-called "gender ideology" by integrating key concepts of queer theory and gender studies into the discussions to explore the cultural politics of emotions and affect. Questions posed include why has Berlin become one of the foremost LGBTQIA+ capitals in the world? What social and political challenges does the Berlin queer community face, such as the emergence of a new wave of far-right movements? Students examine the evolution of a contemporary, multicultural, and artistic queer Berlin. Topics include the 1920s, the rise of fascism and Nazi atrocities, the division of Germany, and its different approaches to sexual liberation movements. The course considers the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the Reunification of Germany and the 1990s to understand today's vast and diverse queer scene. It explores recent theoretical advancements in critical queer and gender studies, complemented by workshops and cultural excursions, covering topics such as body politics, queer diaspora and migration, and critical solidarity.

This course explores the complex historical and contemporary dynamics of German colonialism, anti-colonial resistance movements, and the impact of colonialism on present-day German society. Divided into four themes that intersect throughout the classes, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of the German colonial past, anti-colonial struggles in Berlin, contemporary Berlin as a site of colonial heritage, and the emergence of post-colonial and decolonial movements in the city. The first main theme is the German colonial era, which examines key historical events, colonial practices, and the territories under German control. The course explores Berlin as a physical and symbolic space that reflects the remnants of German colonialism and consider how these remnants shape the city's identity. The second focuses on resistance movements against colonization. It studies the diverse strategies and initiatives employed by individuals and communities who fought against German colonialism both in the colonies and in Berlin and the capital of the German empire. The third theme investigates the effects of colonialism on contemporary German society. It examines how colonial legacies continue to shape social, political, and cultural structures in Germany today. Topics include the influence of colonialism on immigration policies, racial dynamics, cultural heritage, and the representation of marginalized communities. The fourth theme engages with postcolonial and decolonial contemporary movements. It critically examines different theoretical frameworks and approaches used to deconstruct colonial power structures, challenge Eurocentric narratives, and envision alternative futures. It also explores the global context of decolonial movements and their relevance to Germany and Berlin specifically.

This course is conducted in the German language and is designed to teach students who are new to German or have basic German skills the basic expressions and grammar necessary for daily life. The course enables students to develop the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in German in a range of predictable situations and contexts and allows students to interact in a simple way orally and in writing. 

This course combines seminars and site visits to take students on a cultural, literary journey through the many layers of Berlin. The course takes a historical look at 1920s Berlin, the liberal republic and how the Fascist government came to be. It then goes on to post WW2, when it became a frontline of the Cold War. Students explore the fall of the Wall in 1989 and the birth of Berlin in a new era as a center of creativity.