Olaf Berwald (University of North Dakota)
German Thought and Culture: An Interactive Introduction
This online course will include weekly mini-lectures. Participants in this dialogic project will engage in continuous transatlantic discussions. Everybody will explore a wide range of themes, both individually and as a team member.
Unit 1: Interpersonal Communicative Styles: Cultural Differences
How do people greet and talk with one another in daily life in Germany and Switzerland? What are the expected facial expressions, in what ways does their body language differ from that of other cultures? Do they heap compliments on one another, do they criticize each other honestly? Are Germans and Swiss good teamplayers? What kinds of humor will you encounter in a German or Swiss lab, café, at professional meetings, and private gatherings? We will focus on these practical questions on the praxis of dialogue in this first unit.
Unit 2: Germany and the United States: Mutual (Mis-)Perceptions
We will examine the dynamics of (pride and) prejudice that often perpetuates mutual misunderstandings of cultures. Taking into account the complex historical background, we will discuss the close yet ambivalent relationship between Germans, Swiss, and Americans.
Unit 3: Cultural Identities: World Fusion or Patriotism?
Do Germans still define themselves as Germans? What are Germans and Swiss most proud of, or ashamed about with regard to their home countries? Why do Germans often prefer to be called Europeans? And how do immigrants and their children and grandchildren define themselves in Germany and Switzerland? We will talk about the phenomenon of hyphenated identities (e.g., Turkish-Germans). Readings include quotes from Nietzsche and Einstein.
Unit 4: Racism in the United States, Germany, and Switzerland
Even in 2007, neither the United States nor Germany or Switzerland (whose strongest party is openly racist) have completely outgrown hatred against everyone who is perceived to be too “different.” Why are some people still susceptible to close-mindedness and racism even in the “most advanced” nations? We will try to understand these questions and also discuss positive inititatives to overcome this dilemma. We will discuss some useful German phrases.
Unit 5: German Culture and Science, 1800-1900
Sample readings of some of the most creative and stimulating minds, many of whom had to live in exile, will include selections from Lichtenberg, Goethe, Schelling, and Büchner.
Unit 6: German Culture and Science, 1900-2008
Stimulating short selections from Lise Meitner, Christa Wolf, Max Frisch, and others.
Unit 7: Science and Ethics in Contemporary Germany and Switzerland
We will focus on public debates on stem cell research and nuclear energy, on genetic engineering and alternative energy sources. Is there a specific German/Swiss approach to debating the responsibility of scientists today?
Unit 8: Human Rights, War, and Democracy: European Values
What do Europeans think about the fact that the U.S. practices torture and ignores the Geneva Convention and international human rights? Why does the German constitution not allow for warfare? How different are the core values and ethical convictions in Germany/Switzerland on the one hand, and the United States on the other? These selections from Nietzsche, Hesse, Broch and Pinter might spark our discussion.
Unit 9: Pop Culture and Globalization in Germany and Switzerland
Has globalization leveled off most cultural differences? What films do Germans and Swiss watch, what kinds of music are popular in Europe? Do the world’s cultures simpluy imitate one another, do we still have original “authentic” cultural products?
Here you can find a brief list of popular and influential German films and musicians.
Unit 10: Cultures in Dialogue: Creative Transatlantic Connections
After outlining past examples of fruitful collaboration between Germans/Swiss and Americans, we will invite well-known German writers, artists, and scientists to participate in this discussion. And to end, or rather to begin with, each of you embodies the future of transatlantic exchange of ideas.