2020 Spring GERMAN 160K 001 LEC 001

Spring 2020

GERMAN 160K 001 - LEC 001

Politics and Culture in 20th-Century Germany: The Weimar Republic: Politics and Culture 1918-1933

Berlin/Hollywood: Cinema and the Modern Experience

Anton J Kaes

Jan 21, 2020 - May 08, 2020
Mo
11:00 am - 01:59 pm
Jan 21, 2020 - May 08, 2020
Th
05:00 pm - 06:59 pm
Class #:32654
Units: 4

Offered through German

Current Enrollment

Total Open Seats: 0
Enrolled:
Waitlisted:
Capacity:
Waitlist Max:
No Reserved Seats

Hours & Workload

3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week, 1 hours of the exchange of opinions or questions on course material per week, and 8 hours of outside work hours per week.

Final Exam

TUE, MAY 12TH
07:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Internet/Online

Other classes by Anton J Kaes

Other classes by Anton J Kaes

Course Catalog Description

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.

Class Description

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.

Rules & Requirements

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills

Meets Historical Studies, L&S Breadth
Meets Social & Behavioral Sciences, L&S Breadth

Reserved Seats

Current Enrollment

No Reserved Seats

Textbooks & Materials

Associated Sections