The Metropolis of Film: Film & Political History in Berlin

  Germany

• Berlin: 
Berlin

Term: Spring 
Dates: May Session 2009

Description: In 1990, the undivided city of Berlin became the capital of newly unified Germany and a building boom with exciting new architecture began as the German government relocated to Berlin from the West German city of Bonn. Throughout Germany's turbulent history, German cinema has been centered in Berlin in important ways, and it is the close relationship between German film history and German political history that we will explore in our global seminar.

Highlights:
*Coursework
This course examines films that are classics of German film history and were produced in Berlin. These films document the various phases of German political, cultural, and aesthetic history. Students will visit the sites in and around Berlin where that history was made. There are few cities so scarred by a traumatic history and reborn. This is Berlin's legacy and it has been well documented by films from the entire span of the 20th century and into the new one.

*Excursions
Several excursions will be planned as part of the program. These may include a visit Potsdam, a weekend trip to Dresden, the Film Museum, the new Jewish Museum, and the Olympic Stadium which was originally built for the 1936 Olympics and then modified to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

*Housing & Meals
Students will live in shared housing in Berlin. A welcome dinner and farewell dinner are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be taken in the housing or at the variety of local eateries in Berlin.

*On-Site Support
On-site support is provided by a local learning abroad center. Students may have access to a computer lab, a classroom space, and a library. On-site staff provide information to students regarding cultural activities as well as ensuring 24-hour emergency support.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.