This course will survey the political, economic, social, and cultural development of Germany since 1914. Special attention will be paid to the impact of World War I; problems of democratization under the impact of defeat, inflation, and depression; National Socialist racism and imperialism; the evolution of the German Federal Republic and the German Democratic Republic; unification and its problems; and modern Germany's role in Europe.

This course will survey the political, economic, social, and cultural development of Germany since 1914. Special attention will be paid to the impact of World War I; problems of democratization under the impact of defeat, inflation, and depression; National Socialist racism and imperialism; the evolution of the German Federal Republic and the German Democratic Republic; unification and its problems; and modern Germany's role in Europe. Perhaps most importantly, you will learn to question and evaluate historical sources and evidence, in the process becoming informed thinkers and critical readers, rather than just passive recipients. You will also develop a sense of how historians analyze and interpret the past, and through the writing of a historical research paper, try your hand at the craft of history. Class sessions are collaborative enterprises, so please complete the assigned reading beforehand and come prepared with questions, concerns, or ideas you would like to discuss. It is the student’s responsibility to have prepared for each session accordingly. All assigned reading will be due weekly on the Monday before class begins. Instructor bio: Philipp Lenhard is DAAD Professor of History and German at UC Berkeley. His research focuses on modern German and Jewish history, comparative European history, and Intellectual history, especially the Frankfurt School.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills