German Politics and Culture

Kursbeschreibung / -kommentar

"German Politics and Culture" has a dual objective, as both "area studies" and applied social science theory seminar.

On the one hand, the class is an "area study" of German history, politics and culture. It charters the various German Sonderwege (unique, separate historic path) and Irrwege (meanders) from its late industrialization, failed democratization, the fascist catastrophe and holocaust to Cold War division, European integration, reunification and economic modernisation. Germany is interesting in its own right, as a leading economy and European pioneer, but also serves as a powerful prism of the dynamics, disruptions and contradictions of western (post?-)modernity. In addition, of course, it is the home to Jacobs University and its international students.

On the other hand, the class applies selected theoretical perspectives from the breadth of social sciences to contextualize the German experience, including influential works from Political Sociology, Political Science, Social Psychology and Political Economy. The theoretical readings serve both to train students in their application as well as to elucidate what is specific to the German experience and what can be generalized.

The class focuses on critical reading and analytical synthesis. Students prepare presentations, write several (short) essays and participate actively in class discussions.

The class is supplemented by a field trip to the nation's capital, Berlin, where students will visit institutions, museums and experience the flair of contemporary urban life in a once again vibrant metropolis.