Berlin since 1945: History and Culture (Level 5)
Classes
Wednesday 14 January - Wednesday 25 March 2026, 6pm-7.30pm
10 sessions -
Check class timetable
Availability limited
Overview
In this Berlin Since 1945: History and Culture short course we introduce you to the history of the city of Berlin during the 45 years of division and the decades since reunification in 1990, as well as exploring cultural responses to the changing shape of the city in film and literature. The module will be taught in English and all course material will be available in English.
We will cover:
- Surviving in a destroyed city
- Roberto Rossellini, Deutschland im Jahre Null (Germany Year Zero)
- Berlin as a hot spot of the Cold War (1948-1961)
- West Berlin as an allied protectorate
- Peter Schneider, Der Mauerspringer (The Wall Jumper), 1982
- Wim Wenders, Der Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire), 1987
- East Berlin - capital of the GDR
- Konrad Wolf, Solo Sunny, 1980
- The challenges of unification: Berlin since 1990
- Hannes Stöhr, Berlin is in Germany, 2001
Assessment is via a 2500-word essay (100%).
As a student on this course, you will study alongside Birkbeck students enrolled on one of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses, giving you the opportunity to network with a range of Birkbeck current students whilst you learn.
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Most of our short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.
This short course has no prerequisites.
As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.
International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.
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How to apply
How to apply
You register directly onto the classes you would like to take. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early. If you wish to take more than one short course, you can select each one separately and then register onto them together via our online application portal. There is usually no formal selection process, although some modules may have prerequisites and/or other requirements, which will be specified where relevant.