PO 340 - Germany in the 21st Century: A Country Between Past, Present and Future

The course deals with some of the most significant developments in modern Germany. At the heart lies an analysis and discussion of the Federal Republic of Germany in the context of the most recent events. The seminar will examine the major changes in 1989/90 and will progress to the current role and influence of the first female chancellor, Angela Merkel. The students will be introduced to the German political and economic system. There is also a closer look at major policy areas that shape the role of today's Germany. We shall be pursuing the growing influence of common foreign policy challenges for a country like Germany within the European Union. By analyzing current topics with attention to certain historical and cultural backgrounds, the students will not only learn about the new role of Germany in theory, but will also experience it first-hand by visiting and talking to German officials at the European Parliament.

In general, students will develop both intercultural awareness and competencies, including a fresh perspective on the students visiting country, as well as a deeper understanding of the history and the political processes within Germany.

The course encourages students to think “outside of the box” and to analyze on their own the substance, background and future of the complex situation of Germany, basing their judgments on academic debate, key documents, basic facts and first-hand reliable information sources.