Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942 to the present
Classes
Friday 05 March - Saturday 06 March 2027,
2 sessions - Check class timetable
Overview
The Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942 to the Present short course will guide you through the extraordinary transformation of a nation from Nazi rule to the present Federal Republic of Germany. It will introduce you to major themes and controversies and show you how historians work with a variety of sources and voices from the past. You will explore the historian's craft which will prepare you for further study of history, at BA or MA level, or for your own future research.
You will attend classes in historic Bloomsbury and be taught by the award-winning historian and author of Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942-2022, Professor Frank Trentmann.
The course will cover major topics such as:
- perpetrators, complicity, guilt and shame
- reconstruction and divided Germany in the Cold War
- the Berlin Wall - life in the German Democratic Republic
- migration
- reunification in 1990 and polarisation to the present.
You will learn through examining a mix of sources (documents, popular voices and a film screening) and a blend of teaching modes such as seminar discussions, in-class exercises and lectures. This course is great for those with historical curiosity.
There will be required pre-reading of approximately 200 pages, which will be shared in good time.
As a learner on this course, you will study alongside fellow professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge in the subject area, giving you the opportunity to make connections with like-minded colleagues and network.
You will also receive a Birkbeck certificate of participation upon completion of the course.
This course is non-credit bearing, so carries no credit points.
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Most of our short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.
Approximately 200 pages of pre-reading will be shared.
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 can book directly onto the short courses you would like to take, using the Register button above which will direct you to the relevant booking page.
We offer a 20% discount to those who are members of Birkbeck’s alumni, as well as the student and staff community. If you are eligible to claim this discount, please contact the Innovation Support Unit so that we can process your booking.