Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942 to the present

About this course

The course examines major themes in modern German history, including complicity and guilt, post-war reconstruction, the Cold War division, life in the German Democratic Republic, migration, reunification and recent polarisation. It introduces aspects of historical research through documents, popular voices and a film screening. Teaching combines lectures with seminar discussions and in-class exercises, allowing participants to consider different sources and interpretations of Germany’s development from 1942 onwards.

What you'll learn

• Trace key changes in Germany from Nazi rule to the present Federal Republic.
• Examine historical debates about perpetrators, complicity, guilt and shame.
• Compare documents, popular voices and film as sources for studying the past.
• Discuss reconstruction, divided Germany, migration, reunification and subsequent polarisation.
• Explore how historians work with sources and competing interpretations.

Is this course right for you?

Listed as All Levels, the course is intended for learners with an interest in modern German history, including those exploring the subject for further study or independent research. Participation involves seminar discussion and in-class exercises, alongside approximately 200 pages of required pre-reading.

• Requires preparation through substantial pre-reading.
• Includes discussion-based and exercise-based class participation.
• May suit learners considering further study or future historical research.

Before you go

• Approximately 200 pages of pre-reading are required and will be shared in advance.
• A Birkbeck certificate of participation is provided on completion.