Overview
What you will learn
In this Rebels, Radicals, Revolutionaries - Resistance and Protest in Post-War Europe 1953-1989 course at Freie Universität Berlin we account for the nature and intensity of post-war European protest movements by examining the historical context of the traumatic impact of recently defeated fascism on the continent, and the division of Europe into spheres of interest reflecting the Cold War world.
We examine the post-war socio-economic developments that led to the massive expansion of higher education in Western Europe, promoting a generational divide which saw a radicalized younger generation turn on their parents and other members of the older (Nazi) generation or the so called ‘system’, sometimes in rage and violence, as in the examples of the Red Army Faction in Germany and the Red Brigades in Italy.
We compare this to examples in Eastern Europe, where resistance movements against Communist regimes, such as in Hungary, Czechoslovakia and East Germany, were met with deadly force and violent oppression.
The course keeps as its particular focus East Germany (GDR) and West Germany (FRG), but we will also encounter the student-led uprisings against Sovietized Communism in Hungary in 1956 and during the 1968 ‘Prague Spring’, as well as the curious case of the ‘Soviet Hippies’.
Throughout the course, the city of Berlin will serve as a backdrop: as a place of often very radical anti-government movements in West Berlin, compared with the muted and hidden resistance to authority over the Berlin Wall in East Berlin.
We will also examine how ‘resistance’ in Western Europe often meant solidarity with anti-colonial movements in the Middle East, Africa and South America. Last but not least, we will also discuss the gestation and rise, within these larger movements, of political parties such as the Green Party in Germany.
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.
The sports fans among your students may be interested to know that Germany will be hosting the UEFA EURO 2024 football (soccer) tournament from June 14 to July 14, 2024. The tournament schedule coincides with FUBiS Term II and the final match will be played in Berlin on July 14. There is no direct impact on the program, but the atmosphere around the city will surely be extra special, with lots of live viewing opportunities expected to be available.
Programme Structure
Topics include:
- Post-War Western Europe and the Demographic Explosion
- Student Politics and the Rise of the Extra Parliamentary Opposition (APO) in West Germany.
- West Berlin: the Death of Benno Ohnesorg and the Days of Infamy: 1967-1969
Formation of the RAF (Baader-Meinhof Gang): Key figures and moments
- Resistance in Eastern Europe: the Hungarian Uprising of 1956 and the Prague Spring of 1968
Audience
Student Testimonials
- "I've had a great experience here and would definitely recommend FUBiS to anyone looking to study abroad."
- "The teaching quality was excellent! I am very glad that I came to this course."
- "Am appreciative for the FUBiS staffs for taking quick actions and responses to any needs from the students.
Lecturers
Instructor: Dr. Lauren van Vuuren
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 42 days
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
History Modern History Political Science View 12 other Short Courses in Political Science in GermanyAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.
Other requirements
General requirements
Students should be able to speak and read English at the upper intermediate level (B2) or higher. No prior knowledge is required but the willingness to think beyond the usual framings on migration.
Required language skills
The language of instruction is English. Language proficiency on an advanced Intermediate level (Mittelstufe II) is a prerequisite for participation. For orientation purposes, you can assess your language skills via the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Tuition Fee
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International
1850 EUR/fullTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 1850 EUR for the full programme during 42 days. -
EU/EEA
1850 EUR/fullTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 1850 EUR for the full programme during 42 days.
Programme fee: € 300
Early registration discount: - € 50
Living costs for Berlin
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.