This course is designed to deepen understanding of history, culture, ethnicity, and other universal themes as they are portrayed in various German-language cultural texts, including film and literature. It explores commonality and difference between different forms of creative expression, and the ways in which historical events are portrayed and discussed in culture. Topics vary. Viewing of films, readings. Taught in English. Can be taken as a cognate course for the German major.

In the global debate on the threats of climate change, Germany has the reputation of being a green model for how countries can meet the increasing environmental, social and economic challenges. Social movements pushing for action regarding climate change and other environmental destruction play a key role in public debate and politics in contemporary Germany. Situated in Berlin and in Leipzig, part of former East Germany, this course explores East Germans’ historical relationship to environmental social movements through literature, film, and other media. Once a site of mining that ravaged the landscape of the region, the “Paris of Germany” today represents the transition to renewable solar and wind energy. The main focus of the class will be the historical understanding of the “German” relationship to nature through media and the depiction of the youth-driven environmentalist movement in German media in relation to policy-driven economic initiatives. Underlying all our discussions will be the question of how we negotiate the production and consumption of environmental media amid climate collapse. The course will include brief lectures, readings/film viewings, and discussion sessions. In terms of experiential learning, the course will engage with the unique opportunities provided by a study abroad experience, such as museum visits (indoor and outdoor), attending talks with local authors, directors, and curators, and visiting regional natural and historical sites.