OSPBER 1Z:
Accelerated German: First and Second Quarters
A jump start to the German language, enabling students with no prior German to study at the Berlin Center. Covers GERLANG 1 and 2 in one quarter.
Terms: Aut, Win
| Units: 8
OSPBER 2Z:
Accelerated German, Second and Third Quarters
Qualifies students for participation in an internship following the study quarter. Emphasis is on communicative patterns in everyday life and in the German work environment, including preparation for interviews.
Terms: Win, Spr
| Units: 8
| UG Reqs: Language
OSPBER 3B:
German Language and Culture
Completion and refinement of First-Year grammar, vocabulary building, reading literature and news, writing skills, esp. journal. Extensive use of current materials, such as local Berlin and national news, and emphasis on building speaking skills for everyday situations and discussions.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 7
| UG Reqs: Language
OSPBER 4:
The Role of Technology in Modern Life: A Comparison between the U.S. and Germany
Technology as a part of our everyday lives and differences between experiences in the U.S. and those in modern Europe, as exemplified by Germans in Berlin. Ways in which technology is intertwined with our lives to the point of not recognizing it. Introductory lectures bring some of these technologies to the fore so students can explore manifestations in modern European life. Topics include transportation, housing and the home, finance, entertainment, and urban/suburban infrastructure. Lectures and group meetings combined with field work.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-EngrAppSci
OSPBER 5:
What is Engineering? A look at engineers and their work
Nature of the work that is needed to create the engineered products and services around us. Using a set of bridges in Berlin and the surrounding area as case studies, students engage in substantive exercises in three major activities of engineering: engineering design, engineering analysis, and product manufacturing/construction. Field trips, complemented by problem sets, in-class labs, readings and discussions expose students to these engineering activities in a hands-on manner.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-EngrAppSci
OSPBER 17:
Split Images: A Century of Cinema
20th-century German culture through film. The silent era, Weimar, and the instrumentalization of film in the Third Reich. The postwar era: ideological and aesthetic codes of DEFA, new German cinema, and post-Wende filmmaking including Run Lola Run and Goodbye Lenin. Aesthetic aspects of the films including image composition, camera and editing techniques, and relation between sound and image.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-4
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, GER:EC-GlobalCom, WAY-A-II
OSPBER 21B:
Intermediate German
German language skills for Intermediate students. Refinement of German grammar; vocabulary building, writing practice via journal and essays; German culture, including current news and issues, literature and films. Special emphasis on comprehension and speaking skills for discussions, everyday situations, and in-class presentations. Prerequisite: completion of first-year German.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: Language
OSPBER 24:
Berlin: Through a Lens - Independent Study
Process of using a camera for artistic expression. Still or video camera used as a passport to gain access to people, places, and events that might otherwise remain off limits. Short exercises culminate in a final project. Optional field trips to several local museums (Film and Television Museum in Berlin, The Museum für Fotografie, Topography of Terror, and/or the Stasi Museum) to view their photography collections.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1-2
OSPBER 24B:
Advanced German Grammar
Syntax and organizational patters (connectors, structuring and cohesive devices) for various types of texts and arguments, contrastive vocabulary practice, and reading strategies. Skills for writing well-structured critical essays, giving effective presentations, and reading extensively as well as intensively.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 2
OSPBER 25:
Architecture, Memory, Commemoration
Exploration of questions about architectural form together with a sense of place in Berlin and surrounding regional cities. Interdisciplinary approach to the study of urbanism and memory through the concerns of cultural geography, anthropology, history, fiction and films. Trips to sites to explore how memory is visualized in the built environment. Themes of the course include: "About Form," "Mapping the City," and "Heritage and Commemoration."
Last offered: Autumn 2014
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum
OSPBER 30:
Berlin vor Ort: A Field Trip Module
The cultures of Berlin as preserved in museums, monuments, and architecture. Berlin's cityscape as a narrative of its history from baroque palaces to vestiges of E. German communism, from 19th-century industrialism to grim edifices of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1
OSPBER 35:
Documentary Film: Issues and Traditions
Conceptual and historical overview of the forms, strategies, and conventions of nonfiction film with a particular focus on the European tradition of social and political documentary. Building on John Grierson's assertion that documentary film is a "creative treatment of actuality," examine films that proffer a point of view and eschew a pretense of objectivity. Topics include nonfiction storytelling, the documentary aesthetic, filmmaker voice, and the ethics of representation. Historical, political, and social issues from the 1920's to the present as seen through films, considering both form and content as a springboard for analysis.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-A-II
OSPBER 37:
Leading from Behind? Germany in the International Arena since 1945
Germany's changing role in European and world politics. Have old principles based on lessons from World War II become obsolete? Can Germany be a leading power in global affairs?
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-SI
OSPBER 39:
Globalization and the Fate of Western Art Music
An activity based directed group. Attendance of several concert performances required.
Last offered: Autumn 2014
| Units: 2
OSPBER 40M:
An Intro to Making: What is EE
Is a hands-on class where students learn to make stuff. Through the process of building, you are introduced to the basic areas of EE. Students build a "useless box" and learn about circuits, feedback, and programming hardware, a light display for your desk and bike and learn about coding, transforms, and LEDs, a solar charger and an EKG machine and learn about power, noise, feedback, more circuits, and safety. And you get to keep the toys you build. Prerequisite: CS 106A.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
OSPBER 41:
Directed Reading on Global Issues/International Relations
Directed reading/tutorial on a wide range of international relations topics including China's rise, grand strategy, nuclear proliferation, and climate change. Students will be expected to demonstrate understanding of key ideas, core issues, and possible implications of alternative hypotheses. Choice of topic will determine whether a paper is required or mastery of subject can be demonstrated through discussion alone.
Last offered: Winter 2015
| Units: 3
OSPBER 44:
Berlin and its Artists
Visual environment of Berlin, shaped and reshaped by artists who in turn were transformed by the city. Links between their biographies and Berlin. Retracing artists' lives to unveil contemporary background and characteristic circumstances under which their work was created. Images of Berlin through the eyes of those who contributed to shaping it ¿ from Schlüter to Liebermann to Elíasson. Visits to museums and locations related to the life and work of the artists complement the theoretical discussions. Introduction to the art of drawing, using sketchbooks as a tool for exploring the artworks in Berlin and for understanding what moved the artist to create them.
Last offered: Autumn 2014
| Units: 4
OSPBER 46:
Gardens of Earthly Delight: Berlin's Culture of Landscape and Public Space
This course examines the cultural geography of Germany¿s social spaces as sites for the development of the personal, social, and political experiences of a German cultural identity. Focusing on literary forms, landscape art, and garden history in Berlin and its environs, we consider the roles of landscape and garden design and how they represent the cultural and social ideology of their times. Activities include readings and field trips. Additional writing for students who choose the 2 unit option.
Last offered: Spring 2015
| Units: 1-2
OSPBER 50M:
Introductory Science of Materials
Topics include: the relationship between atomic structure and macroscopic properties of man-made and natural materials; mechanical and thermodynamic behavior of surgical implants including alloys, ceramics, and polymers; and materials selection for biotechnology applications such as contact lenses, artificial joints, and cardiovascular stents. No prerequisite.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-EngrAppSci, WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
OSPBER 60:
Cityscape as History: Architecture and Urban Design in Berlin
Diversity of Berlin's architecture and urban design resulting from its historical background. Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and his artistic ancestors. Role of the cultural exchange between Germany and the U.S. Changing nature of the city from the 19th century to the present.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II
OSPBER 66:
Theory from the Bleachers: Reading German Sports and Culture
German culture past and present through the lens of sports. Intellectual, societal, and historical-political contexts. Comparisons to Britain, France, and the U.S. The concepts of Körperkultur, Leistung, Show, Verein, and Haltung. Fair play, the relation of team and individual, production and deconstruction of sports heroes and heroines, and sports nationalism. Sources include sports narrations and images, attendance at sports events, and English and German texts. Taught in English.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-A-II
OSPBER 68:
Protestant Reformation
New forms of Christian religious thought and practice that emerged in Western Europe in the early to mid-sixteenth century and decisively shaped the course of Western history. Religious status quo and other forms of religious dissent that challenged late medieval Christendom; proposals for reform exemplified by Martin Luther, Andreas Karlstadt, Thomas Müntzer; impact of the changes in religion and the conflicts over religion for society more broadly.
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum
OSPBER 70:
The Long Way to the West: German History from the 18th Century to the Present
Battles still current within Germany¿s collective memory. Sources include the narrative resources of museums, and experts on the German history in Berlin and Potsdam. Field trips.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, GER:EC-GlobalCom, WAY-SI
OSPBER 71:
EU in Crisis
Challenges confronting Europe as a whole and the EU in particular: impact of the sovereign debt crisis of the Eurozone, mass migration, external and internal security challenges, as well as political and social needs for reform. How the EU and its members respond and if the opportunities of these crises are constructively used for reform - or wasted (Crisis = Danger + Opportunity). Analyse institutions, interests and competing narratives to explain the current situation in Europe. Excursion to Athens or similar to get a non-German perspective on the crises.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: WAY-EDP, WAY-SI
OSPBER 72:
Economics and the City: Evidence from the Division and Reunification of Germany
Introduction to Urban Economics, from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. Emphasis on the use of "natural experiments" used by social scientists to learn about the economics of cities without the ability to conduct randomized control trials. These principles applied in the context of Berlin, whose remarkable division and reunification can teach us about the forces that cause cities to exist and the role that they plan in the wider economy.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
OSPBER 73:
Independent Study Projects Concerning German Economics Policy
Current topics in economic policy, as relevant, or applied, to Germany. Possible topics to include: government policy to foster economic growth and fight recessions; inequality and the role of the tax system in redistributing income; social insurance; international trade and finance; immigration; industrial policy; innovation policy; environmental policy; and government regulation of key sectors of the economy.
Terms: Win
| Units: 1-3
OSPBER 99:
German Language Specials
May be repeat for credit
Terms: Win, Spr
| Units: 1-5
| Repeatable
1 times
(up to 10 units total)
OSPBER 101A:
Contemporary Theater
Texts of plays supplemented by theoretical texts or reviews. Weekly theater visits, a tour of backstage facilities, and discussions with actors, directors, or other theater professionals. In German. Prerequisite: completion of GERLANG 3 or equivalent.
Terms: Aut, Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II
OSPBER 115X:
The German Economy: Past and Present
The unsteady history of the German economy in the Wilhelmine Empire, the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, the post WWII divided and united Germany. Special attention on the economic policy of the Third Reich and the present role of Germany in the world economy
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, GER:EC-GlobalCom, WAY-SI
OSPBER 126X:
A People's Union? Money, Markets, and Identity in the EU
The institutional architecture of the EU and its current agenda. Weaknesses, strengths, and relations with partners and neighbors. Discussions with European students. Field trips; guest speakers.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, GER:EC-GlobalCom, WAY-SI
OSPBER 161X:
The German Economy in the Age of Globalization
Germany's role in the world economy: trade, international financial markets, position within the European Union; economic relations with Eastern Europe, Russia, the Third World, and the U.S. International aspects of German economic and environmental policies. The globalization of the world's economy and Germany's competitiveness as a location for production, services, and R&D, focusing on the German car industry.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, GER:EC-GlobalCom, WAY-SI
OSPBER 174:
Sports, Culture, and Gender in Comparative Perspective
Theory and history of mass spectator sports and their role in modern societies. Comparisons with U.S., Britain, and France; the peculiarities of sports in German culture. Body and competition cultures, with emphasis on the entry of women into sports, the modification of body ideals, and the formation and negotiation of gender identities in and through sports. The relationship between sports and politics, including the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. In German. Prerequisite: completion of GERLANG 3 or equivalent.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, GER:EC-Gender, WAY-EDP
OSPBER 198D:
Humboldt Universitat: Humanities 2
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
for credit
OSPBER 198F:
Humboldt Universitat: Social Sciences 2
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
for credit
OSPBER 198H:
Freie Universitat: Humanities 3
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1-5
| Repeatable
1 times
(up to 5 units total)
OSPBER 198K:
Weissensee Art University 1
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1-4
| Repeatable
10 times
(up to 40 units total)
OSPBER 198L:
Weissensee Art University 2
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1-4
| Repeatable
10 times
(up to 40 units total)
OSPBER 198M:
Weissensee Art University 3
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1-4
| Repeatable
10 times
(up to 40 units total)
OSPBER 198N:
Künste Universität 1
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1-4
| Repeatable
2 times
(up to 8 units total)
OSPBER 199A:
Directed Reading A
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 2-4
| Repeatable
for credit
OSPBER 199B:
Directed Reading B
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 2-3
| Repeatable
for credit
OSPBER 199C:
Directed Reading C
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
9 times
(up to 3 units total)
OSPBER 199D:
Humboldt Universitat: Humanities
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
6 times
(up to 18 units total)
OSPBER 199F:
Humboldt Universitat: Social Sciences
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
for credit
OSPBER 199G:
Freie Universitat: Social Sciences 1
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
for credit
OSPBER 199H:
Freie Universitat: Humanities 1
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
for credit
OSPBER 199J:
Freie Universitat: Natural Sciences 1
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
for credit
OSPBER 199K:
Freie Universitat: Social Sciences 2
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
for credit
OSPBER 199L:
Freie Universitat: Humanities 2
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
for credit
OSPBER 199M:
Freie Universitat: Natural Sciences 2
Course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
for credit
