From Democracy to Volksgemeinschaft: State, Society & Ideology in National Socialist Germany 1933-39
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC2205 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 2 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- MLAC2205
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
From Democracy to Volksgemeinschaft will examine the social, economic, and political-ideological factors that led to the destruction of Weimar democracy and consolidation of the National Socialist dictatorship 1933-1939. We will begin with an examination of the construction of a democratic order out of the crisis of 1918/19 and analyse the process through which the NSDAP rose to become the central anti-republican party during the late Weimar years. After examining the destruction of constitutional democratic order in 1933 we will focus on the process through which the National Socialist social order of the Volksgemeinschaft was consolidated politically, economically and ideologically in domestic and international policy through to 1939. Working with primary sources available in translation the module will examine the role played by traditional elites and institutions as well as National Socialist actors and agencies in reordering German state and society as a racial community or Volksgemeinschaft. Through the study of key historiographical approaches to this process, students will be introduced to some of the main theoretical insights (and their limitations) that have been brought to bear on the NS period as a response to the crisis of classical modernity in the early twentieth century.
Target Students
UG students in CLAS and History.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: Essay 2,000-2,500 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To introduce students to a key period in modern German (and European) political history by developing their understanding of the core institutions, political, economic and social development of Germany during the inter-war period. The module will build upon foundations laid down during the first year in the area of German history for UG students on the German Studies programme, MES and History. Work with primary sources from the period (in German and English translation) will develop students’ analytical skills in the field of historical and political analysis. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate a sound empirical and theoretical knowledge of the historical context in which Weimar democracy was overthrown and German state and society reordered as a Volksgemeinschaft and have a more developed understanding of 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 (B5), 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.