Interdisciplinary Explorations of the Middle East in Berlin
This interactive course offers students the chance to explore the diverse cultural, social, and political dimensions of the Middle East through the unique perspective of Berlin. During regular meetings and thematic excursions, participants will discover various places and institutions in the city that are significant to the Middle East and its multi-faceted exploration. The course blends theoretical approaches with practical experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s complex dynamics and its relations to the city of Berlin. The aim of the course is to equip students with the skills to identify and visit key places and institutions in Berlin and analyze how they contribute to answering academic questions. Participants are encouraged to document, analyze, and discuss their observations and findings within the group. Ultimately, the results will be presented in the form of lectures, essays, or multimedia projects.
Week 1 (21 October) – Course introduction
Memory and Archive: Curated Histories
Week 2 (28 October) [off-campus] Group/single field trips
Week 3 (4 November) [off-campus] Write 300 words field report; deadline 7 November by 12:00 p.m.
Week 4 (11 November) [on campus] Presentations and discussion
Knowledge and Education: Spaces of Learning
Week 5 (18 November) [off-campus] Group/single field trips
Week 6 (25 November) [off-campus] Write 300 words field report; submit on 28 November by 12:00 p.m.
Week 7 (2 December) [on campus] Presentations and discussion
Migration and Networks: Transnational Connections
Week 8 (9 December) [off-campus] Group/single field trips
Week 9 (16 December) [off-campus] Write 300 words field report; submit on 2 January 2025 by 12:00 p.m.
Week 10 (6 January 2025) [on campus] Presentations and discussion
Everyday Culture: Culinary and Social Spaces
Week 11 (13 January) [off-campus] Group/single field trips
Week 12 (20 January) [off-campus] Write 300 words field report; submit on 23 January by 12:00 p.m.
Week 13 (27 January) [on campus] Presentations and discussion
Final weeks
Week 14 (3 February) [off-campus] preparation of the posters; submit posters on 7 February by 6:00 p.m.
Week 15 (10 February) Conclusion and poster presentations; evaluation