16882

WiSe 18/19: Childhood, Youth and Youth Culture around 1900

Anna Lena Kocks

Information for students

Is this course suitable for you? The course is open to students from the Social Sciences, Cultural Studies, Arts and Humanities. Students should be prepared to study a number of academic and literary texts as well as historical sources in English and should be interested in discussing and analysing aspects of social and cultural history.
Workload and Assessment: In order to obtain 5 ECTS credits, students will have to attend the course regularly (at least 13 out of 16 sessions), participate actively in group work and seminar discussions, give a short presentation (15 minutes) that requires independent research, study the weekly course materials, and pass the written examination (90 minutes). close

Comments

In the 19th century, the topic ‘childhood’ reached an unprecedented and lasting prominence. At the beginning of the 20th century, the focus shifted to include ‘adolescence’. Although the perception of childhood and youth as distinct and important phases in one’s life had influenced philosophical and pedagogic discourses long before, it now increasingly attracted great attention in society, politics and culture. Views on youth inspired the arts and the emerging consumer society. The turn of the century saw a boom in toys, fashion, books, magazines and leisure pursuits for children and adolescents as well as in youth organizations. In urban surroundings, forms of youth culture emerged as a subculture. At the same time, concerns about rebellious youth and growing fears of juvenile delinquency or youth-related political extremism fuelled political and public discourses.
This course combines aspects of social and cultural history and takes a closer look at exemplary phenomena of childhood and youth around 1900 in a European context. We will trace the impact of industrialisation, urbanisation and democratisation on growing up and coming of age. The course will analyse the living conditions and experiences of everyday life of children, teenagers and young adults from different social backgrounds. We will investigate the interrelation of youth and popular culture, discuss conflicting views on adolescence that were published in the early 20th century and take a closer look at examples of youth culture. close

16 Class schedule

Regular appointments

Fri, 10:00 - 12:00 16 Class schedule

Fri, 2018-10-19 10:00 - 12:00

Lecturers:
Anna Lena Kocks