220075 Perspectives on the GDR: Historiographical Interpretations in Germany and Beyond (S) (WiSe 2022/2023)

A creature desired by Stalin or a product of the casualty and forced circumstances of the Cold War? A totalitarian state or a dictatorship, and what kind of dictatorship? A highly centralized entity, or one in which regional, provincial and local authorities and institutions somehow played an important role? The history of the GDR has been tinged with controversy since its inception. The complex process that led to German reunification on October 3, 1990, and the demise of the bipolar system have imposed new questions about a state that Hans Ulrich Wehler provocatively described as a “footnote of world history” (Fußnote der Weltgeschichte) but which was home to millions who are now citizens of Germany.

In this seminar students are expected to reflect dialogically and interactively on these and other interpretative questions, to be seen in the light of political, social and economic, as well as in historiographical post-1989 changes. Texts and materials produced by researchers from Germany and also from other international contexts will be discussed, so as to highlight the perspectives of observers and scientists both from “inside” and “outside”.

The discussions will be held in English. A perfect knowledge is not required – but willingness to actively read, get involved and confront the challenges of a study and research that increasingly requires dealing with an international audience.
It will be possible to conduct the examination (written or oral) in German or in English.

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This module consists of two main blocks: a historical contextualization in German language [220073, Geschichte der DDR (1949-1989)], which aims to convey the main lines and themes of the history of the GDR from its construction up until 1989-90; and a more research-oriented debate seminar [220075 Perspectives on the GDR: Historiographical Interpretations in Germany and Beyond], which will cover historiographical interpretations of the GDR after 1990. The seminar will focus on older and more recent debates in reunified Germany, but also in research developed abroad, and will be held in English.