Cold War Stories

German 160C (4) Cold War Stories.  Balint

What was the Cold War? How does contemporary literature remember the conflict between East and West? Why does the battle between socialism and capitalism matter today?  While the political landscape of the world has changed drastically since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Cold War and state socialism have been popular objects of artistic production. Examining literary and filmic narratives from Germany and countries of the former “East,” the course offers an in-depth study of the socialist period through its remembrance. Our attention will be dedicated to forms of memory and modes of historical storytelling. We will also ask how these fictional works engage larger issues such as social justice and utopia; ideas of individualism, freedom and community; state violence and repression; as well as possibilities of revolt and resistance. Authors include: Herta Müller, Ingo Schulze, László Krasznahorkai, Wioletta Greg, Jenny Erpenbeck. No German required. Readings, discussion, coursework in English.