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Berlin since 1945: History and Culture (Level 6)

Overview

Module description

This module offers an introduction into the history of the city of Berlin during the 45 years of division and the decades since reunification in 1990, as well as allowing you to explore 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.

Indicative module syllabus

  • 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

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will:

  • be able to interpret and articulate issues arising from the historical development of Berlin since 1945
  • have knowledge and appreciation of some important literary texts and films set in Berlin since 1945
  • have critically engaged with both historical sources, literary texts and films  
  • be able to express an informed opinion on the subject matter of the module in oral and written form
  • be able to demonstrate sound study and essay writing skills
  • be able to demonstrate skills of independent research.