Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - HIST 332 D100

Politics and Culture in Modern Germany (4)

Class Number: 3910

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including six units of lower division history.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of major themes in German history from the establishment of a united German Empire in 1871 to the reunification of Germany in 1990. Emphasis will be placed on issues related to the formation of German national identity and the problems associated with modernization and militarism. Attention will be given to the difficulties of Weimar democracy, the nature of the Third Reich, and contrasting developments in East and West Germany after 1949.

COURSE DETAILS:

What constitutes the story of Germany between 1900 and 1990? How can we understand the evolution of Germany on the European continent over the course of the twentieth century, through world war, revolution, genocide, division and occupation, and reunification?

This course examines German history by focusing on its trajectory through the twentieth century. We will investigate diverse themes within the dual framework of continuity and change, with particular attention to Germany’s geographically central position on the European continent. Units will include, among other topics, the idea of a German “special path” of development starting in the mid-nineteenth century; the German aristocracy, militarism and the world wars; German nationalism, imperialism and colonial practice; the development of the German party system and especially the socialist movement; the Nazi dictatorship and its legacy in the post-45 period; the experience of a divided nation during the cold war; concerns about regional and national identity, religious difference, and immigration across the decades; and the challenge of overcoming political and social division after 1989.

Grading

  • Primary Document Assignments (5% each) 10%
  • Participation (includes in-tutorial assignments) 20%
  • Primary Text Assessment 30%
  • Final Research Project 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Bernhard Schlink, Guilt About the Past (2009)
  • ONE of the following (any edition or format):
    • Ernst Jünger, Storm of Steel*
    • Joseph Roth, What I Saw: Reports from Berlin*
    • Hans Erich Nossack, The End
    • Ruth Kluger, Still Alive
    • Anonymous, A Woman in Berlin: Eight Weeks in the Conquered City (A Diary)*
    • Jana Hensel, After the Wall

* Denotes books that can be read in their original German if the student is interested.

Plus various articles and short readings made available via Canvas.


RECOMMENDED READING:

Optional Text

Martin Kitchen and Lauren Faulkner Rossi, A History of Modern Germany: 1800 to the Present, 3rd edition (2023)

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Learn more about studying History at SFU:

History areas of study


Why study History?

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.