Queer Histories of Berlin - Einzelansicht

This class will explore a queer history of Berlin in the twentieth century. We will look at ways in which lesbians, gay men, trans people and others lived, gathered, and challenged and re-shaped norms around sexuality and gender – as well as how understandings of different identities have changed over time. This is a global history understood through the local: we will think about how the unique culture of Berlin has been shaped by migrants, travellers, and transnational intellectual and activist exchange.

Through research with both primary and secondary sources, participants will work together to develop a project to tell historical stories connected to particular places.

Participants in this workshop will gain:
- knowledge of LGBTQ+ lives in twentieth century Berlin, and of some of the social, cultural and political structures created by queer people
- an understanding of some key concepts in queer history
- experience in working with primary sources and familiarity with key archives
- experience in collaborative research and writing.

Key texts and classroom discussion will be in English. Some primary sources and additional readings will be in German but German proficiency is not essential.

A reader will be provided.

2 ECTS for participation and a group project. Up to 10 ECTS with a final research paper.