16845

SoSe 15: Berlin: From the Capital of Squatters to Creative Metropolis

Jens Manuel Lutz

Information for students

NEUER RAUM!

Additional information / Pre-requisites

Englischkenntnisse: B2 - C2 (CEF)

Comments

Berlin has undergone immense changes throughout the last three decades from frontier city in the cold war era to Europe's trendiest metropolis. This development is not only a result of political and economic changes on a national and on a global scale, but also the result of local controversies. Berliners have shaped the city through different forms of protest and resistance. This history of urban contestations is a relevant aspect of the present state of Berlin: each generation of urban social movements has produced particular outcomes that manifest themselves in buildings, urban practices, sites of struggles, and policy changes. Investigating the history of urban social movements in Berlin provides insights into how Berlin was co-shaped through its citizens. The seminar will provide an understanding of urban social movements, their emergence and their impacts on urban development. Reading Berlin through the perspective of urban social movements, the seminar will give an historical overview, focusing on recent phases and changing themes of urban contestations: o the 1980s squatters movement in West-Berlin o squatting in re-unified Berlin in the early 1990s o struggles against mega-projects in the new capital and aspiring global city o struggles against gentrification and rising rents o struggles for citizen's participation Assessment: Participants are expected to attend the seminar regularly, to study the course materials, and to participate actively in the discussions. On a rotating basis, participants are required to hand in brief summaries of the main points of the sessions. Additionally, there will be final written exam (90 minutes) based on the course readings, seminar discussions and excursions. close

14 Class schedule

Regular appointments

Wed, 10:00 - 12:00 14 Class schedule

Wed, 2015-04-15 10:00 - 12:00

Lecturers:
Jens Manuel Lutz