GM4075 Berlin: Modernity and the Metropolis

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof S D Allan

Prof S D Allan
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module seeks to (a) examine the particular role that Berlin has played in the development of German culture and politics (from late Wilhelmine Germany to its re-instatement as capital of a re-united Germany); (b) analyse the way in which the emblematic status of Berlin has been reflected in, and continues to exercise a decisive influence on, a variety of different art forms (including poetry, the novel, painting, architecture, and the cinema); (c) consider Berlin’s dual role during the Cold War as a political and cultural capital on the border between East and West;(d) explore the concept of division - topographical, political, cultural and psychological - as reflected in Berlin and the texts it has inspired; (e) examine the relationship between past and present and the particular significance of cultures of memory in contemporary Berlin; and (f) determine the extent to which the city has managed to maintain a continuous identity in the face of repeated political upheaval.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

ENTRY TO HONOURS GERMAN

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

90 min seminar (x10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

23

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

123

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • understand the particular role that Berlin has played in the development of German culture and politics
  • demonstrate how the emblematic status of Berlin has been reflected in, and continues to exercise a decisive influence on, a variety of different art forms
  • understand Berlin's dual role during the Cold War as a political and cultural capital on the border between East and West
  • understand the concept of division - topographical, political, cultural and psychological - as reflected in Berlin and the texts it has inspired
  • develop knowledge of the relationship between past and present and the particular significance of cultures of memory in contemporary Berlin