From Dictatorship to Democracy: State and Society in the Bonn Republic 1949-1989
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC1168 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 1 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- MLAC1168
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module offers an introduction to the study of the political and historical development of West German democracy between the end of the Second World War and the unification of the two German states in 1989/90. We will focus on the development of the core institutions of state, economy and society that shaped democratic culture in the Bonn Republic in both the domestic and international political contexts. Through a combination of weekly lectures and seminars based on the analysis of primary sources, we will examine three broad historical phases of development over the period: the immediate post-war consolidation of “managed democracy” and the “Economic Miracle” between the 1950s and 1960s; the political and economic challenges to the post-war consensus during the 1960s and social-liberal era of the 1970s; the “neo-liberal” turn of the 1980s and development of new, post-material political currents across the political spectrum. Through the module, we will examine the development of the main political parties and wider political culture in response to changes in the domestic and international context, assess the durability and flexibility of core institutions of state and society and evaluate the role played by the ongoing engagement with the aftermath of the National Socialist regime in reconfiguring conceptions of western democracy in the Bonn Republic.
Target Students
Available for First Year UG Students of German and Modern European Studies, History, Liberal Arts, Exchange and Subsid students. Also available to year 2 post-Beginners students of German.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: 2,000-2,500 word essay based on primary source analysis
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To introduce students to a key period in modern German political history by developing students’ understanding of the core institutions, political, economic and social development of West Germany 1949-1989. The module will provide a foundation in the area of German history for UG students on the German Studies programme and MES and will be open to subsidiary students from across the faculty. Work with primary sources from the period (in German and English translation) will introduce students to some of the core skills required of historical and political analysis. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the foundations and development of West German institutions and political culture and be familiar with the core methodological and theoretical approaches relevant to the study of political history.Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop their knowledge of a core period in modern German history and of the techniques required when reading and critically interpreting primary sources in German and English translation (A2, A3).
- Students will develop their ability to absorb and evaluate information of a political and theoretical nature, to assemble evidence and draw independent conclusions from their work with primary sources (B1, B3, B5).
- Students will also learn to reflect critically and judge in the light of evidence and argument (B2), to identify and to describe questions and problems via independent research and study (B4) and, through work in seminars, develop their ability to work independently with sources (C7) and exchange ideas critically with their peers (B7).
- Formative and summative assessment will require students to express ideas clearly and effectively in the context of a well-constructed argument (B6) in line with academic conventions (C8). Formative assessment (source text analysis) will provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their learning and progress (D9) in preparation for the summative assessment at the end of the semester.