German Culture Ii
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Continuing where the first-year course left off, this course consists in a structured, diachronic presentation of the main cultural features of German-speaking territories between the 19th and 20th century. This is a crucial moment in the process that led to the birth of a modern State and to Germany's position in the global geopolitical arena. The focus will be on turning points in the history of Germany and Austria (the two World Wars, the Nazi dictatorship, the Holocaust), which contributed to subverting the cultural and social structure of both countries. Examining various forms of cultural production, students will be encouraged to develop an advanced understanding of the connections between historical facts and their representation in different areas of public discourse.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to navigate the diachronic sequence of historical, social and economic changes that occurred in German-speaking countries. This should be complemented by the ability to make references to some macro-characteristics of the history and culture of European countries during the same period. Students are also expected to strengthen some of their skills acquired during the first-year course, with particular regard to the analysis of different text types (both fictional and non-fictional) and the use of critical thinking tools.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course will outline the intersection between power and cultural production in 20th-century Germany. The lessons will revolve around key historical moments: the turn of the century, the world wars, and the postwar period. There will be a critical reflection on how nonfiction, visual art, prose, theater, architecture, and journalistic writing respond to the major ruptures in the history of German ideas. The teaching material will address issues such as the individual in relation to the law, the dichotomy between morality and hegemony, collective responsibility, and interpretations of the past.
Prerequisites for admission
It is advisable for students to have a general knowledge of European and German history between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Teaching methods
Lectures, seminars, and workshops
Teaching Resources
● K. Kraus, La Fiaccola (Premessa, Viaggi promozionali all'inferno)* and Gli ultimi giorni dell'umanità (Premessa, III. 11, III.24, III.29, IV.XXIX )*
● F. Kafka, Davanti alla legge*
● P. Celan, Todesfuge*
● N. Sachs, Chor der Geretteten*
● B. Brecht, Madre Coraggio e i suoi figli (any Einaudi edition, preferably with facing-page text)
● V. Braun, Passione Coloniale, Del Vecchio, 2014
● A selection of images and photographs discussed in class*
● G. L. Mosse, Le origini culturali del Terzo Reich, Il saggiatore, 2015 (9-44; 89-136; 159-214; 293-315, 336-389)
*Materials marked with an asterisk will be made available on Ariel. Students are encouraged to read Mosse's text before the start of the course, especially pages 9-44, which will be the subject of the first lecture. Given their brevity, students are asked to read the texts during the semester before they are discussed in class. Optional supplementary materials will be uploaded on Ariel.
● F. Kafka, Davanti alla legge*
● P. Celan, Todesfuge*
● N. Sachs, Chor der Geretteten*
● B. Brecht, Madre Coraggio e i suoi figli (any Einaudi edition, preferably with facing-page text)
● V. Braun, Passione Coloniale, Del Vecchio, 2014
● A selection of images and photographs discussed in class*
● G. L. Mosse, Le origini culturali del Terzo Reich, Il saggiatore, 2015 (9-44; 89-136; 159-214; 293-315, 336-389)
*Materials marked with an asterisk will be made available on Ariel. Students are encouraged to read Mosse's text before the start of the course, especially pages 9-44, which will be the subject of the first lecture. Given their brevity, students are asked to read the texts during the semester before they are discussed in class. Optional supplementary materials will be uploaded on Ariel.
Assessment methods and Criteria
An oral exam will assess students' understanding of the course content and of the assigned texts.
L-LIN/13 - GERMAN LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Campobasso Maria Giovanna
Professor(s)