Von Weimar zur DDR: Deutschland im Wandel

Structurally:

Von Weimar zur DDR: Deutschland im Wandel is a six-week German history and conversation course for learners at the B1–C1 level who want to deepen their understanding of German history while practicing their German. Building on the Weimar series, the course will explore the major political and social developments from the Weimar Republic through National Socialism, World War II, the division of Germany, and the founding and development of the German Democratic Republic (DDR). Students will work with accessible German-language historical texts, primary sources, images, videos, and other authentic materials.

Functionally:

Students will use German history as a starting point for reading, listening, discussion, and analysis. Through short texts, historical documents, videos, guided questions, and group conversations, students will practice describing historical events, explaining cause and effect, comparing perspectives, expressing opinions, and discussing how political and social developments shaped everyday life in Germany. The course will place particular emphasis on the transition from the Weimar Republic to dictatorship and war, the postwar division of Germany, and life and society in the DDR. Topics and materials may also be adapted to the interests and questions of the group.

Objectives:

At the end of the six-week course, students will be able to describe major political and social developments in Germany from the Weimar Republic through the history of the DDR, identify important events and turning points, and discuss their significance in German. Students will be able to summarize and discuss historical texts and sources, compare different perspectives, express and support their own opinions, and participate actively in discussions about German history and society. Students will expand their historical and political vocabulary, strengthen their reading, listening, and speaking skills, and gain greater confidence discussing complex topics in German.

Course Dates, Location, & Time:

This is an in-person class that meets for 6 weeks on Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm at the GAI. Each class session will include a selection of German-language materials, vocabulary activities, and guided discussion. Come ready to explore German history, share your perspectives, and practice your German!

Course Materials:

Historical texts, primary sources, photographs, short videos, and other authentic German-language materials will be provided by the instructor. Students may be asked to read or watch a short piece of material before class to prepare for discussion.

Prerequisites:

This course is intended for German learners at approximately the B1–C1 level. Students should have a basic ability to communicate and discuss ideas in German. Because the course focuses on historical topics, reading, and conversation, students should be prepared to participate actively in German at their individual level.

Minimum Enrollment:

If there are too few students registered to run the class, the Director of Language Education will contact the student(s) in the week prior to the course start date to discuss other class options.

Questions?

Contact our Language Education Department at [email protected].