16921

WiSe 21/22: German democracy in American perspective

Daniel Louis Nethery

Comments

Subject: Following the German federal election in September Angela Merkel will step down after sixteen years as chancellor. Her departure comes at a time when many observers around the world warn of democratic decline. Such warnings came with particular urgency from commentators in the United States during the previous American presidency, and appeared to be born out by the storming of the Capitol building in January of this year. In these analyses of democratic decline, German history inevitably looms large. But is such pessimism warranted with regard to German democracy today? Program: We will read works on German democracy written in American perspective. We will alternate between theoretical texts and those which cover pivotal moments in German history: the revolution of 1848, the institution of democracy in the German Empire, its suspension under Hitler, and the fate of democracy in Germany divided. Was Germany under Bismarck a democracy? Was Hitler elected by a majority? How democratic was the German Democratic Republic? These are some of the questions which the course will address. By the end of the semester you will have a broad understanding of the history of democracy in Germany, be familiar with important themes in the theoretical literature, and see some of the strengths and weaknesses of comparative approaches to politics. Is this course for me? This course is open to students in the humanities, social sciences and cultural studies. There are no prerequisites. Workload and assessment: To qualify for 5 ECTS points you will need to attend the course regularly, engage with the course materials, and pass the final written examination. close

16 Class schedule

Regular appointments

Fri, 12:00 - 14:00 16 Class schedule

Fri, 2021-10-22 12:00 - 14:00

Lecturers:
Daniel Louis Nethery