Berlin: Capital of Modernity

Berlin has been the site of numerous terrible, momentous, and astounding events in the twentieth century. Take a closer look at the modern geography and history of this city demonstrates inspiration and warnings to the current century and communities. This is a month-long seminar on interdisciplinary subjects that mixes the sounds and sights of contemporary and old Berlin while focusing on the experiences, causes, and consequences of World War II with intellectuals, writers, bohemians, architects, artists, activists, and politicians based in the city.

The cultural monuments, memorials, buildings, and streets of Berlin provide personal records of despair and hope, lyrical ballads of brutal honesty; chilling testimonials of retribution and crime; inspiring tales of physical and intellectual courage; and a cautionary tale on the folly of nationalist ambition. Depending on the viewpoint, this can all be seen as segments of a grand epic based around World War II. We adopt this perspective in the course. We begin this course prior to World War I while ending in the impressive building boom of post-Wall 1990s through to the early 2000s.