COURSE DESCRIPTION
What was life like under “actually existing socialism?” What films, books, music, and other media did people in the German Democratic Republic (or East Germany) consume and how did they cope with their country’s dictatorship? How can the experiences of people—particularly women—living in the GDR provide useful context for contemporary socio-political issues in the United States and beyond? We will discuss topics such as gender equality, education, health care, and queer life in the GDR. Taught in German.
Prerequisite: GERM 204 or equivalent. Distribution Requirements: International Studies, Humanistic Inquiry. 6 credits, GWSS elective course. Spring 2021 Tue/Thu 2-3c (Covid Schedule) We will meet synchronously 10:30-11:45am. online |
Course Objectives
- factual knowledge:
- Students can recall and evaluate important developments in East German society and culture with respect to gender and sexuality, relationships, children, and the social system.
- procedural knowledge:
- Students work on increasing their German writing and critical reading skills beyond the intermediate level, grammar instruction and exercises as needed.
- Students can improve their ability to summarize, explain, and justify their reflections about class topics.
- metacognitive knowledge:
- Students can reflect on their own interests in relation to the material and their respective cultures.
- Students can understand themselves and the social reality in which they live to a greater extent.
Dr. Juliane Schicker |