Course objectives:

This course explores major trends in European culture in the context of political

and social events following World War I. The focus will be on political events and their significance for culture (e.g. fascism, World War II, the Holocaust and repercussions in the second half of the 20th century, the political reorganization of Europe, protest

movements), new trends in thought (e.g. existentialism, structuralism, postmodernism,

feminism) and the arts and letters (e.g. neorealism, epic theatre, new wave cinema).

Learning outcomes:

Students will acquire critical tools and apply appropriate interdisciplinary

methodologies to explain the interaction between cultural trends and social and

political developments in (mainly) France, Italy, Germany and Spain from the

1920s to the 1980s. Students will contextualize cultural products in a variety of genres and media (from literature, film, art, music) within an historical, ideological and aesthetic context. They will also enhance their critical and creative thinking as well as reinforce their literacy, global understanding and intercultural communicative competence.

Requirements:

7.50 credits

Restrictions:

None

Textbooks:

Method of presentation:

Lecture and in-class discussion

Evaluation method:

TBA

More information about the courses can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar [1]