16846

SoSe 17: From ‘Rubble Films‘ to ‘Berlin School‘. Urban Memory and Identity in German Cinema

Berit Hummel

Comments

Subject: The overpowering presence or at times apparent invisibility of urban memory is a central issue in a city with a history as changeful and charged as Berlin‘s. Its role as an archetypal city of twentieth century memory becomes apparent in films depicting the destroyed cityscape in the Trümmerfilm (rubble film) genre, through the prototype East German city in GDR film productions to the realism of the Autorenkino (authors cinema) and more recent examples from the Berlin school. The interest of cinema in the urban spaces as everyday environments is at the same time linked to the role of place as a visually and mentally recognizable pattern, locating an urban identity in the image of the city.
Program: Approaching film as historical artifact and visual archive, we will study how it engages with urban space: how does cinema contribute to a structural understanding of the city and by which means does it mediate an experience of a cityscape? While the focus will be on films dealing with the Berlin contemporary to their production, we will look at other examples from German cinema and draw comparisons to contemporary European as well as international films. Based on introductory readings on urban memory and identity, we will read and discuss texts on Berlin urban planning in relation to the films highlighted in the seminar. Students will learn to interpret cinematic conventions and to critically reflect on how cinema depicts the city and the processes related to their transformation. Each session highlights one topic on the basis of a film to be introduced through student‘s presentations, and relevant comparisons discussed in class or small groups. The films will have to be viewed individually before the sessions, screenings can be organized if necessary. Course materials will be available as a digital reader.
Is this course suitable for you? The course is open to students from all academic fields with an interest in the topic and in critical reflection of visual material in general. Students should be prepared to read texts and view the films in preparation of the classes to be able to actively participate in the group discussions. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, texts range from cultural and urban studies to film studies and social science. The presentations will be based on individual research and analysis of a given film and the corresponding literature.
Workload and Assessment: In order to obtain 5 ECTS credits, you will have to

Attend the course regularly (at least 12 out of 14 sessions);
Study the course materials (between 15 and 30 pages English texts per week, average) and prepare questions from these readings for class discussion;
Give a presentation in class (10-15 min, handout);
Pass the written examination (90 minutes).

14 Class schedule

Regular appointments

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

Wed, 2017-04-19 10:00 - 12:00

Lecturers:
Berit Hummel