Modernity is commonly defined as a novel kind of society that emerged in the West during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, characterized by social, political, economic and cultural “modernization”, i.e. industrialization, democratization, mass culture, etc. This course discusses the everyday experience of these profound transformations, using historical case studies such as Fin de Siècle Paris, Weimar-era Berlin, the Holocaust and Cold-War Europe. Students will learn how we can access the experiences of common people who lived through these times, using approaches like microhistory and Alltagsgeschichte (history of the everyday). There will be a strong focus on the role modern technology (including mass media like the cinema, the telegraph, radio and TV) played in shaping these experiences of modernity.

The entrance requirements for Exchange Students will be checked by the International Office and the Programme coordinator. Acceptance is not self-evident.