Berlin's Socio-Political Landscape in Transition: Divides, Debates, and the struggle for the Common Good - Detailseite

Berlin is often seen as mostly progressive due to its left- leaning and multicultural image, but the city's socio-political landscape is more nuanced. The Berlin Wall's legacy still shapes socio-economic divides between East and West, influencing political positions. The city center, inside the Ringbahn, leans left/green, while the conservative/right lies outside this transport boundary. Historical changes include the integration of GDR infrastructure and the revival of Prussian heritage, alongside the gentrification of some areas. Rising rent prices have sparked debates over housing, with a plebiscite by Deutsche Wohnen und Co Enteignen proposing communal control of real estate. This highlights tensions on the role of the market. Berlin also reflects global trends like the rise of far-right movements and neoliberalism rooted partly in historical East-West societal divides. These conflicts, however, reveal broader debates on societal values and the common good. Tthis course will explore these debates through subtopics such as gentrification, inequality, and political polarization, e.g. on environmental and housing policy.

Language Requirements: English B2, German A2-B1

• The detailed syllabus for this course is available on the Berlin Perspectives website:
   https://hic.hu-berlin.de/en/berlin-perspectives/courses 
• This course is part of the Berlin Perspectives program for international exchange students. Regular degree-seeking students are also welcome to attend within the elective part of their study program. Courses are offered by the Career Center as part of the elective program üWP.
• Berlin Perspectives seminars are specifically designed for undergraduate-level students. As a Master's student, please check with your university beforehand to confirm whether the study points can be recognized.
• Upon completion of the seminar, students will receive 5 ECTS.
• Places are allocated via Agnes through a lottery procedure (not on a first-come, first-served basis).
• Registration for the Summer Semester 2025 is open until Wednesday, 9 April, 14:00 (2:00pm). 
   If you have missed the registration deadline, it is still possible to register for the waiting list on Agnes.
• You will be notified by 11 April 2025 if you have been allocated a place.
• If you are in, please make sure to attend the first session to confirm your participation. If you have changed your mind about the course, kindly sign out in Agnes. Other students will be happy to take your place in the seminar.
• If are on the waiting list, there is still a chance of moving up in the first few weeks of the semester if other students decide to drop the course. In that case, please inform the teachers of your interest.