| Kommentar |
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the relationship between music and migration, and its role in shaping Berlin's dynamic cultural landscape. By examining historical events such as the forced migration of German musicians before and during the Second World War, the division and subsequent reunification of the city, and the continuous inflow of creative minds from around the world, students gain insights into how these complex factors have influenced the evolution of Berlin's transcultural music scene. Berlin has a rich history of attracting artists and musicians, particularly during periods of political and social upheaval. Cases include the forced migration of musicians during the 1930s and 1940s, the post-World War II period, and the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 which physically separated the city, but also created a unique cultural dynamic. In West Berlin, artists sought refuge from all over the world, drawn by a sense of freedom and countercultural spirit. This influx of creative minds fuelled the emergence of experimental music scenes, including electronic and avant-garde genres. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent reunification of the city marked another significant chapter in the relationship between music and migration. Berlin reunified became a symbol of artistic and cultural freedom, attracting a new wave of musicians and artists eager to contribute to the city's evolving identity contributing to the globalization of its music scene. The convergence of diverse musical influences, driven by the ongoing influx of creative minds from various corners of the globe, ensure that Berlin remains a dynamic hub for musical innovation and experimentation shaped by the continuous flow of migration.
At the end of the course, students are expected to (a) develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical and socio-political context of Berlin, particularly during key periods such as post-World War II, the division of the city, and the reunification; (b) hone critical thinking skills through the analysis of primary and secondary sources, including historical documents, musical compositions, and scholarly articles, to understand the relationship between music and migration in Berlin; and (c) enhance analytical skills by examining case studies and real-world examples of musicians and events, encouraging students to identify patterns, trends, and the cause-and-effect relationships between migration and musical developments in Berlin. |
| Literatur |
Connell, J., & Gibson, C. (2004). World music: deterritorializing place and identity. Progress in Human Geography, 28(3), 342-361.
Gratzer, W., Grosch, N., Präger, U., & Scheiblhofer, S. (Eds.). (2023). The Routledge Handbook of Music and Migration: Theories and Methodologies. Taylor & Francis.
Kim, J. A. (2017). Cross-cultural music making: concepts, conditions, and perspectives. International review of the aesthetics and sociology of music, 19-32.
Parzer, M. (2023). On Becoming an Artist Anew: Refugees’ Arrival in the Field of Cultural Production in Austria. Journal of Refugee Studies, fead081.
West, C. (2019). Transversal city and transtopia–reflecting and analyzing migration, the city, and “the urban” after the postmigrant city. Geographica Helvetica, 74(3), 261-272. |
