HS 340 - Past to Present: From the "Reichsgruendung" (1871) to the "Berliner Republik" (21st Century)

This seminar focuses on the history of Germany from 1871 to the present. The course will concentrate primarily on the fundamental elements of German history and, in particular, how they relate to each other. Thus, the course objective is to gain a comprehensive overview of the essential history of Germany, but also to understand the reciprocal effects connected to various major events, time periods and historical developments. In addition, it is important to understand German history within an international context; events such as World War I and World War II as well as German history during the Cold War up to reunification cannot be fully grasped without this perspective. Further, students will learn basic scientific methods of historical scholarship and how to apply them (i.e., critical assessment of original sources on various topics). As the course is being taught in Freiburg, topics covered will also be put into a local context, meaning that original testimonies from witnesses of historical events as well as short- and long-term effects on historical developments in Freiburg and the region will be discussed. To supplement the classroom experience, local excursions within Freiburg and the region are also planned.