The history of Germany's first parliamentary democracy is a dramatic one, dominated by economic woes, political violence, and a general perception of crisis and decline. The ill-fated republic bore the burden of a devastating war and suffered from an increasing lack of popular support. Democratic procedures were constantly undermined by radical and reactionary forces. Cultural pessimism was nurtured by the overwhelming experience of historical contingency, i.e., a fundamental lack of confidence in the predictability of modern life.

This course will focus on the cinema of the Weimar Republic (1918-1933) and discuss classics such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Metropolis, and M, as well as many newly restored discoveries from this rich and influential period of film history. We will explore the stylistic impact of these films on mainstream genres such as horror, science fiction, and film noir, and examine how they have shaped our view of the conditions and crises of modernity. Whether technological war, gender and sexuality, class struggle, or the rise of fascism, Weimar cinema addresses the most pressing questions of its time -- and our time -- by creating a radically new film language and new ways to tell a story. Throughout the course, we will bring German cinema into dialogue with Hollywood, from classics like Dracula and Frankenstein to current productions. The course will be conducted in the most interactive way possible through open discussions in class, group presentations, and weekly posts on bCourses that comment on the readings and films. No knowledge of German is required.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills