Program Overview

Program Overview

The Spring Break Study Abroad Berlin program is designed for individuals interested in German history and film. This excursion is an integral part of the HNRS 2013: The 20th Century, Surveillance States of Germany course, scheduled to be offered during Spring 2026.

Course Description

The HNRS 2013 course provides an overview of the surveillance states of Germany during the National Socialist period and the years of the former East Germany. Participants will delve into the concept of "Big Brother" societies as portrayed in various texts and films, including The Lives of Others (2007) and Triumph of the Will (1935).

Program Requirements

• Enrollment in the HNRS 2013: The 20th Century, Surveillance States of Germany course is mandatory to participate in this program.
  • The course will examine the surveillance states of Germany in depth, focusing on the National Socialist period and the former East Germany.
  • Participants will analyze the concept of surveillance states through the lens of film and literature.

Program Details

Eligibility

Participants must be enrolled in the HNRS 2013 course to be eligible for the Spring Break Study Abroad Berlin program.

Curriculum

The program's curriculum is centered around the HNRS 2013 course, which covers:

• The history of surveillance states in Germany
• The portrayal of "Big Brother" societies in films and texts
• In-depth analysis of The Lives of Others (2007) and Triumph of the Will (1935)

Research Areas

The program focuses on the following research areas:

• German history
• Film studies
• Surveillance states
• National Socialist period
• Former East Germany