German/History is a German conversation course with a difference.
Over the span of 4 weeks, (20th of July to the 10th of August) participants will get the chance to practice and improve their German skills while learning about historical events and periods which have been intrinsic in forming the Germany we live in today. Lead by Christian Knauer, an experienced Berlin-born German teacher, Germanist and philosopher, this conversation course will focus on reading, comprehension and, of course, conversational skills, and is appropriate for those with an established German level of B2 and above.
The course will run for 2 hours on Saturday afternoons, and each week participants will read about and discuss a different period of German history and different area of German (speaking) cultural in a comfortable yet challenging environment in a way that enriches confidence and knowledge. Although the course is structured thematically week by week, participants who have a particular interest they would like to explore more are encouraged to let us know upon registration so that we can try and make sure this is incorporated into the course.
PROGRAM:
Saturday 20/07/2019
13-15 The Origins of Germany: From the Germanic Tribes, to The Thirty Years’ War, to the Enlightenment.
16-18 German History Condensed: A look at the key historical events and political figures that have informed and inspired German culture.
Saturday 27/07/2019
13-15 The Foundation of the German Idea: From the rise of Prussia to the end of the Great War.
16-18 German Philosophy: From Hildegard von Bingen, to Kant, to Wittgenstein.
Saturday 3/08/2019
13-15 Fragile Freedom, Unyielding Terror: From the Weimar Republic to National Socialism.
16-18 German Literature: From Early Manuscripts, to Goethe, to Kafka.
Saturday 10/08/2019
13-15 The Story of Two States: From the Wall to the Fall.
16-18 German Music, aka How Could That Happen?!: From Bach to Helene Fischer.
The cost of the course is 80€ for 4 weeks (8 hours in total), which will include a comprehensive reader for each participant that contains articles, essays, poetry and short stories. For students, single parents and those who are currently unemployed the cost is 60€.
Registration is limited to 15 participants in order to make sure everybody gets a chance to participate and ask questions. We are also offering a course called German/Kultur, which focuses on different areas of German culture such as literature, philosophy and culture.
If you are interested or have more questions please send an email to christianknauer@yahoo.de.
