German in Its Cultural Contexts

The course invites students to explore the culture and civilization of the German-speaking world from hindsight. Beginning with the year 2000, we will discuss texts in reverse chronological order, allowing us to start our inquiry within the more accessible world of the present and then proceed to the less familiar past. Such an inversion will utilize our familiarity with events of the recent times to enhance comprehension of what preceded them in history. Thus, the more removed a topic is, the more insight the reader can bring to its investigation. A montage of written and visual materials will expose students to high-brow, mainstream, and marginal cultures alike. (Formerly GRMN 0310) 3 hrs. lect.