In spring 2006, NYU inaugurated a semester abroad program in Berlin tailored especially to the needs of Sociology majors and minors. Students will be able to satisfy up to three requirements towards the major/minor while abroad; course offerings in Berlin will normally include Social Theory and/or Methods, a Comparative Modern Societies elective course and several Advanced Seminars. No knowledge of German is required to participate in this program--all instruction will be in English.
The following courses will be offered beginning spring 2006. All courses carry 4 credits. For more information about the Study Abroad program, please visit http://www.nyu.edu/studyabroad/undergraduate/berlin.
V93. 9133 (Sociology) Comparative Modern Societies: Politics and Society in 20th Century
V53.9133 (Politics) Germany
V57.9133 (History)
Professor Thomas Ertman (NYU)
Time: Tuesday 9.30-12
Explores the society, politics and culture of contemporary Germany through lectures, readings and visits to institutions and organizations around Berlin. Exams the historical developments in the 20th century (failed democratization, National Socialism, Communism, postwar reconstruction, reunification) that have shaped today’s Federal Republic. Germany’s place within a united Europe will also be discussed.
V51.9001 (German) Elementary German I
Kathrin Koehler
Time: Monday, Wednesday 1.45-3.15; Thursday 1.45-2.30
Open to students with no previous training in German.
A comprehensive course for beginners. Introduces students to a wide range of communication patterns and real-life situations. The beginner is given a solid language basis for interaction in daily life.
V51.9002 (German) Elementary German II
Kathrin Koehler
Time: Monday, Wednesday 3.45-5.15; Thursday 3.45-4.30
A continuation of Elementary German I.
Prerequisite: Elementary German I or equivalent
V51.9003 (German) Intermediate German I
Corinna Kalbass
Time: Monday, Wednesday 1.45-3.15; Thursday 1.45-2.30
Open to students who have completed the equivalent of one year of elementary language instruction and to others on assignment by placement examination. Conducted in German.
The first intermediate course stresses the acquisition and practice of more sophisticated written and spoken German. The focus is on expanding conversational skills, but the course also includes guided composition practice, vocabulary work, and grammar review.
V51.9004 (German) Intermediate German II
Corinna Kalbass
Time: Monday, Wednesday 3.45-5.15; Thursday 3.45-4.30
A continuation of Intermediate German I.
Prerequisite: Intermediate German I or equivalent.
V51.9111 (German) Advanced German: Conversation and Composition
Peter Rosenbaum (NYU)
Time: Monday, Wednesday 1.45-3.15; Thursday 1.45-2.30
Designed to permit post-intermediate students to perfect their German skills while in Berlin.
V93.9111 (Sociology) Sociological Theory
Professor Detlef Pollack (Viadrina University), former Max Weber Professor NYU
Time: Monday 10.30-1
Examines the nature of sociological theory and the value and problems of theorizing. Provides a detailed analysis of the writings of major social theorists since the 19th century in both Europe and America such as Marx, Tocqueville, Durkheim, Weber, Parsons, Foucault, Bourdieu, Luhmann and Habermas.
V93.9313 (Sociology) Social Policy in Modern Societies: Comparative Political Economy
V42.9313 (European Studies) of the United States and Europe
V53.9313 (Politics)
Dr. Sigurt Vitols (Science Center Berlin)
Time: Thursday 10.30-1
Analyzes the broad differences between the American and European models of industrial society. Many continental European countries are based on “stakeholder” model of organization in which employees have strong rights and welfare states protect citizens from a variety of risks. The U.S., by contrast, emphasizes free markets, a competitive corporate sector and a minimal welfare state. Drawing on social science and economic literature, the course will focus on current topics like social security, corporate governance and education and training.
V93.9460 (Sociology) Cities, Communities and Urban Life: Exploring Historical and
V57.9460 (History) Contemporary Berlin
Dr. Martin Jander (independent social scientist, formerly Free University Berlin)
Time: Friday 9.30-12
Examines the rich history of the city of Berlin principally through visits to sites associated with the Prussian, imperial, Weimar, National Socialist and Communist regimes. Explores the cosmopolitan reality of contemporary Berlin through trips to diverse neighborhoods and discussions with community representatives
V93.9471 (Sociology) Politics, Power and Society: The Politics of the European Union
V42.9471 (European Studies)
V53.9471 (Politics)
Nicholas Scharioth (Humboldt University)
Time: Wednesday 9.30-12
Provides an overview of the legal and institutional foundations of the European Union before focusing on the question of the EU’s democratic legitimacy or lack thereof. The historical process of European unification will be explored and various positions on the EU’s democratic deficit and ways to remedy it examined. The roots of the current tensions between Europe and the U.S. and the future of European-American relations will also be discussed.
V93.9936 (Sociology) Advanced Seminar: Human Rights
V53.9936 (Politics)
Sybille Scheipers (Humboldt University)
Time: Tuesday 1-3
Explores both the theoretical foundations of human rights and the potential and limits of their protection in the contemporary world. Since the end of the Cold War, the conditions for the protection of human rights on a global scale would appear to be very favorable. However, the norms of human rights have turned out to be less universal than often assumed and efforts to enforce them have encountered major obstacles.
V93.9938 (Sociology) Advanced Seminar: Europe’s Dream of America/America’s Dream of
V42.9938 (European Studies) Europe
V.57.9938 (History)
Professor Reinhard Isensee (Humboldt University)
Time: Wednesday 4-6
Examines the development of Europe’s and America’s images of one another from the 18th century to the present through literary texts and historical documents, with special attention to sources from Germany. The roots of current U.S.-European tensions, both cultural and political, will also be explored.
V93.9939 (Sociology) Advanced Seminar: Terrorism
V53.9939 (Politics)
Karsten Malowitz (Humboldt University)
Time: Tuesday 4-6
Provides students with basic concepts for the political evaluation of terrorism and counter-terrorism. The class focuses on three issues. First, it traces the evolution of international terrorism as well as the history of several terrorist organizations. Second, it develops a conceptual framework for the analysis of present and future trends in terrorist activity. Finally, it examines competing strategies of counter-terrorism.
V93.9998 (Sociology) Independent Study
Professor Thomas Ertman or Other Member of Staff
Allows students to gain 4 credits for a project of their own choosing related to Berlin by working under the supervision of the Program Director or other appropriate member of the teaching staff.
