GERM 280 Metropolis: The Modern City As Vision, Text, and Experience

The onset of industrialization in the 19th century created the modern metropolis and the angst and attraction of the lifestyle that went with it. In this course we will examine how writers and intellectuals of the late 19thand early 20th century described their experience of this new urban environment--analyzing their discoveries and discontents. In addition to fiction by Rainer M. Rilke Emile Zola Irmgard Keun Alfred Döblin Walter Benjamin and others we will also discuss seminal texts by architects urban planners and theorists and look at how visual artists and filmmakers depicted the emerging streetscape of modernity. Students will have the opportunity to explore the impact of modern urbanization in a contemporary and global context through field trips and class projects. The course is taught in English. This course is not open to 1st year students