This module aims to examine the representation of the German Democratic Republic, which existed from 1949 to 1990. By looking at a range of textual and visual sources, students engage critically with ways of understanding this “other” Germany and its distinctive cultures, ideologies and histories. The aim is to investigate a range of stories, essays, poems, films, posters and photographs, in order to compare and contrast the different perspectives afforded by different media and genres. Works, which address aspects of the GDR, are divided into two groups: those made before 1990 (semester one) and those made after 1990 (semester two). Aspects to be explored include: Cultural policy in the GDR; Writers, artists and intellectuals; The workers’ and peasants’ state; The Stasi; Nostalgia for Eastern culture.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Show knowledge of a range of aspects of cultural life in the GDR and the critical frameworks in which they have been, and are being, discussed and analysed.

Intellectual Skills:

Argue competently, using evidence, debate an issue, draw conclusions

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

Read materials in German, show sensitivity to cultural context, use appropriate terminology and approaches

Transferable Skills:

Writing skills, structuring thought, independent study skills

How the module will be delivered

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Reading
• Film viewing

Writing skills, structuring thought, independent study skills

Stories, essays, poems, films, radio, posters and photographs, which address aspects of the GDR, divided into two groups: those made before 1990 (semester one) and those made after 1990 (semester two). Aspects to be explored include: Cultural policy in the GDR; Writers, artists and intellectuals; The workers’ and peasants’ state; The Stasi; Nostalgia for Eastern culture.