Fascism without Borders. Fascist Movements in Comparative Perspective

Overview

What you will study

We will compare various Fascist movements and regimes that existed in different times and spaces with a focus on Europe. 

The Fascism without Borders. Fascist Movements in Comparative Perspective course from Freie Universität Berlin will start with a discussion of a wide range of theories and definitions of Fascism, both contemporary and scholarly. From there, we are going to analyse distinct key aspects of historical Fascism in the first half of the 20th century (ideology, organisation, practices). 

The second half of the course deepens the comparative aspect when we look at very different movements and regimes across the globe that have been labelled as either “Authoritarian”, “Populist”, or “Fascist”. Relating and comparing such different political systems to each other as well as to the historical Fascist regimes helps us to get a better understanding of what exactly might be “Fascist” about them.

Learning Objectives 

In this course, students develop an understanding how conceptual terms like “Fascism” are always politically framed and loaded and at the same time can still be very useful analytical tools. They will acquire basic knowledge of various Fascist regimes across the globe and how they relate to each other, i.e. learn about similarities and differences, entanglement and dissociation. 

In addition to introducing students to historical and contemporary debates of Fascism, this course uses guided readings, discussions, and frequent writing to help students discover and pursue their own intellectual interests. Finally, the course emphasizes how to formulate productive critical questions, how to draft concise analytical summaries of the issues raised by texts, and how to develop and push forward own research interests.

Housing

Wheelchair-accessible housing is available upon request. Please see our website for a full description of the furnished single-occupancy studio apartment and note that the registration deadline for this housing option is one month before the regular registration deadline!

About FUBiS

The Freie Universität Berlin International Summer and Winter University (FUBiS) is an intensive, academic program through which students can earn credits that may be counted towards their degrees at their home institutions. FUBiS sessions run for three to six weeks and take place both in summer and winter.

Courses

Students can choose between subject courses (mostly taught in English) and German language and culture courses. The 50+ subject courses are offered within the fields of Architecture, Art History, Politics, Law, History, Media Studies, Economics, Sustainability, Literature, Philosophy, Film, and Music. German language and culture courses are available for up to five different levels of proficiency.

Field Trips

Field trips are an integral part of all our courses. In addition, FUBiS offers excursions such as to the Berlin Reichstag building (seat of the German Parliament) and a guided tour through the underworlds of Berlin, or a day trip to Potsdam.