Culture Clash! Beyond the Berlin Wall Instructor: David Canfield-Budde, Germanics The Berlin Wall brutally divided a city, families, and the world for over a quarter century. This course will look at personal stories of how the Wall affected those living in its shadow, why this border was erected and torn down, and how it shaped national identity in the East and the West at the height of the Cold War. We’ll consider how today, on the 20th anniversary of its demolition, a “Wall in the head” still separates minds on each side of the old divide. We will see how texts and movies portray the Wall, how secret police controlled life in the East, and we’ll learn from experts and eye-witnesses about life after the Berlin Wall. The Wall itself also has a story to tell, which we will explore through virtual and on-site tours (Wall segments can be found in Seattle). Beyond the Berlin Wall, we’ll talk about national identity and migration more broadly, including how cultures are divided and oppressed, but also the unique challenges of bringing cultures and nations together in an increasingly transnational world. Students will be able to document their own narratives on national identity and interact with UW students studying in Berlin. This seminar provides excellent background for anyone anticipating study abroad, and may be of special interest to students considering the Humanities or Social Sciences. Meets: MTWTh 9:30-12:00
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