GERMAN 375G: the German Exile Experience

GERMAN 375g: The German Exile Experience

Seeking to forget makes exile all the longer (Richard von Weizäcker)

German Exiles Working from an Ocean Apart

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

Room: THH 121

Tu, Th 2:00PM – 3:50PM

Instructor: Britta Bothe

Office Hour: M,T,W 1-1:50PM

Office: THH 316

E-Mail:

Phone: (213) 740-2257

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

Course Material:

Texts:

• Baum, Vicki. Hotel Berlin 43. New York: Double Day, 1944

Internet Archive:

• Brecht, Bertolt. Fear and Misery of the Third Reich. London: Methuen Drama, 2009
• Feuchtwanger, Lion. excerpts from The Devil in France (free copy will be provided or you can download a PDF:
• Remarque, Erich Maria. Arch of Triumph. New York: Random House, 2014
• Seghers, Anna. The Excursion of the Dead Girls. Baltimore: JHU Press, 2017(will be provided to you)
• Werfel, Franz. Pale Blue Ink in a Lady’s Hand. Boston: Verba Mundi Books, 2012.
• Wallace, David. Exiles in Hollywood Limelight Edition, 2006

Reader:

Writings by Hannah Arendt, Bert Brecht, Lion Feuchtwanger, Thomas Mann, Heinrich Mann, Klaus Mann, Albert Einstein, Arnold Schoenberg, Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Billy Wilder.

Films:

Shadows in Paradise (2008, 60 minutes) Peter Rosen

Cinema’s Exiles. From Hitler to Hollywood (2007, 117 minutes) Karen Thomas

WELCOME TO German 375!

Course Description:

Germany’s intellectual community of the 1930’s and 40’s experienced a brain drain of monumental proportions. Authors, scientists, musicians, politicians, artists, in short a huge part of the intelligentsia went into exile. A lot of these German exiles fleeing Nazi Germany found a (temporary) home in the Americas, especially in the Los Angeles area.

In this course, we will address general questions of cultural migration and transfer and delve deeper into these issues by exploring what consequences the exile experience had for thisparticular communityof German speaking immigrants on a personal as well as on a professional level. We will discuss the cultural production of German antifascist refugees by examining works of different genres: texts by German speaking authors, artists, musicians and philosophers etc. as well as musicand film created by members of the German exile community. In addition to the famous exiles of the time, we will also investigate the more “ordinary” exile experience of refugees who were involved in creating institutions such as the German-Jewish Club of 1933 and smaller groups i.e. the “Gruppe.”

The course will give you an overview of some of the key figures and institutions of the exile community in the Americas, especially Los Angeles and introduce you to some exemplary works of German exiles and the context of their cultural production.You will learn about socio-political and historical developments that informed the twentieth century German exile experience.Class discussions will in particular explore the impact of the immigrant experience on the country of immigration and vise versa, the effect immigration had on the creative process.

Course Objectives and Assessment:

The goal of the class is to provide students with an introduction to the exile experience and work of some of the German refugee intellectuals in the Americas. The material covered will include the work and life of exile authors, artists, musiciansand lesser known refugees who left Germany due to the persecution of the national socialist government. The educational objectives and testing methods used in this course are categorized below.

Objective:

• encourage students to engage with a variety of different texts (including German literature, philosophy & film, secondary literature) and develop students independent research skills employing a range of academic resources
• enhance students capacity to analytically read, dissect, manage and synthesize information from a wide range of material and to make connections and comparisons to their own perspective/culture
• hone students ability to interpret andcritically discuss (in writing &orally) these different texts in their cultural, historical and political contexts
• enhance the ability of students to write a well-structured interpretive analysis of a text, expressing complex arguments concisely and supporting them with appropriate evidence

• enable students to give well informed presentations and enhance their capacity for partner and group work

Forms of assessment:

Discussions, reading assignments, essays, Reading Journal, presentations and exams

Participation:

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

Please take attendance and participation seriously. Attendance at every class meeting is expected. Participation does not only account for 15 % of the final grade, you will of course also profit a lot more from the course if you actively engage with your classmates and the material: the quality of the class discussions will depend on your preparation for each class session and active involvement in discussions. Cell phone use and texting are not allowed in class and will affect the participation grade. Absence from more than 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions, whether excused or unexcused, is excessive and the instructor may choose to exact a grade penalty for such absences. It is of particular importance that a student who anticipates absences in excess of 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions receives prior approval from the instructor.More than two unexcused absences will affect the participation grade. For each additional absence you Participation grade will drop by half a grade. Excused absences include illness (with documentation), religious holidays, and approved USC events. Students are responsible for making up missed readings and assignments. If you have to miss a class period, you are expected to cover the assignment for the missed class and come fully prepared to the next session. Please notify me or Susan Kechekian (213) 740-2735 of your absence before class.

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

Assignments:

There will be different kinds of assignments throughout the semester:

• Obviously: assigned readings. Close, thoughtful reading of the texts is expected,

which will require you to actively engage with the text.

• Researching background information (history, biography, politics etc.)

report your findings in class.

• Reading journal & other homework. (Every Student collects her/his impressions of

the readings/films in a Reading Journal) Minimum final length: 8 pages (15% of

grade)

• 4essay assignments - double-spaced pages with a 2-inch margin on the left.

(25% of grade)

Presentation/Project:

All course participants will work together on a digital mapping project. Each student team will conduct research on one exile artist/author/musician/organization and enter its findings into a blog which should include an original written introduction to the research subject, original written comments about audio/video material, images, linksthat are later on entered by the instructor into a digital map. The students will present their findings to the class utilizing their blog, by expanding on/explaining itscontent and byestablishing the literary/cultural context and significance of the research subject’s work. Students will hand in the proposed topic on February 6th– a first “draft” on March 6th. A handout/bibliography has to accompany the presentation, a copy of which has to be handed in to the instructor at least a week before the presentation. Each individual team memberwill proceed to conduct research on this research subject for his/her final project.

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

3-Minute Presentations:

These presentations are not formal presentations but rather short commentaries about a textthat will serve as an introduction to the class discussion that day or short “panel discussions” where the pros and cons of an issue are debated. Each student will be responsible for two of these mini-presentations. Please base your analysis on close reading of the homework assignment or on the research that was assigned that day to present the class with well-founded arguments.

Culture:

Learning about German exile LITERATURE/FILM/MUSIC and learning about other aspects of the CULTUREs of German speaking countries are part and parcel of developing intercultural expertise. It is important for you as a student of German Studies to expose yourself to a broader spectrum of German culture. Thus, you are required to attend 4 events during the semester that cover German culture. You receive 5 points each for a total of 20 points at the end of the semester. You could for instance attend the German film series, lectures on campus focusing on a topic related to German speaking countries, a Thornton Music School concert featuring German composers etc. You can also watch a film checked out a Leavey library.

If you are attending an event (other than the German Studies Film Series where an attendance sign-up sheet is available), you will have to write a short paragraph that shows personal engagement with what was covered during the event (not a summary taken from the Internet, please).

For institutions around L.A. that offer events where you can experience German culture please check the program website: On the bottom of the page is a list with different organizations in L.A. Under “Useful Campus Links on the side of the page are also links to the School of Music events and the film school film series. You should also like our German Studies Facebook page for announcements of lectures etc.:

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

Portfolio:

Each student is responsible for an individual portfolio. This will consist of all the essays and projects, homework, the presentation essay, and a final statement about your learning experience.

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

Midterm and Final Project:

One Midterm (15 %), final (In class/ID Section) will cover class discussions, readings and screened material. You will answer ID questions and write a short essay about the material covered in class.

Final essay - 5 (Text) pages (Bibliography, images etc. not counting)

type written etc. The final project will be a blog (added to the digital map by the instructor) and also printed and handed in as part of the portfolio (15% of your final grade) is DUE: May 1st, Noon.

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC CONDUCT AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Academic Conduct

Plagiarism – presenting someone else’s ideas as your own, either verbatim or recast in your own words – is a serious academic offense with serious consequences. Please familiarize yourself with the discussion of plagiarism in SCampus in Section 11, Behavior Violating University Standards Other forms of academic dishonesty are equally unacceptable.

Examples of Academic Misconduct include, but are not limited to:

• PLAGIARISM

• FAILURE TO CITE SOURCES IN AN ESSAY

• ANY EDITING/WRITING HELP FROM ONLINE TRANSLATORSor ANY PERSON other than USC instructors

See additional information in SCampus and university policies on scientific misconduct,

Discrimination, sexual assault, and harassment are not tolerated by the university. You are encouraged to report any incidents to the Office of Equity and Diversity or to the Department of Public Safety This is important for the safety whole USC community. Another member of the university community – such as a friend, classmate, advisor, or faculty member – can help initiate the report, or can initiate the report on behalf of another person. The Center for Women and Men provides 24/7 confidential support, and the sexual assault resource center webpage describes reporting options and other resources.

Support Systems

A number of USC’s schools provide support for students who need help with scholarly writing. Check with your advisor or program staff to find out more. Students whose primary language is not English should check with the American Language Institute which sponsors courses and workshops specifically for international graduate students. The Office of Disability Services and Programs provides certification for students with disabilities and helps arrange the relevant accommodations. Please make sure to alert your instructor to the requested academic accommodations immediately and to deliver the DSP letter to him/her as soon as possible. DSP is located in STU 301 and is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. The phone number for DSP is: 213- 740 0776.

If an officially declared emergency makes travel to campus infeasible, USC Emergency Information provide safety and other updates, including ways in which instruction will be continued by means of blackboard, teleconferencing, and other technology.

Grading Scale

A94 – 100D+67 – 69

A-90 – 93 D63 – 66

B+87 – 89D-60 – 62

B84 – 86F59 and under

B-80 – 83

C+77 –79

C74 – 76

C-70 – 73

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

Grading Policy

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

Participation15%

Reading Journal/HW projects 15%

Essays 20%

3-minute presentations 5%

Midterm15%

Final 15%

Presentation 5%

Portfolio 5%

Culture 5%

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe

Important Dates:

Jan. 26th / Last day to add a class and to drop a class without a mark of "W"
Jan. 26th / Last day to change enrollment option to Pass/No Pass or Audit
April 6th / Last day to drop a class with a mark of W

Tentative Course Outline:

TUESDAY / THURSDAY
January 9 / January 11
Prepare:
Read: Hand-outs (Nuremberg Laws etc.
In class:
Introduction to course
Exile definition
Current refugee situation around the world / In class:
Discuss historical context leading to exile
Oral history: Shoah Foundation
Genocide definition
January 16
Prepare:
Research persecuted groups during Nazi reign
Read: Hannah Arendt: We Refugees / January 18
Prepare:
Read:
Hannah Arendt on Totalitarianism
Research Shoah Foundation website - testimonials
Short report about your research: group of persecuted during Nazi reign
In class:
Visit Shoah Foundation / In class:
Persecution in Nazi Germany
Discussion:
Hannah Arendt
January 23
Prepare:
Read:
Thomas Mann and Heinrich Mann letters
Excerpt: Klaus Mann: Turning Point / January 25
Prepare:
Read: Thomas Mann Radio Broadcast
Research Lion Feuchtwanger
Excerpt:Lion Feuchtwanger, Devil in France
In class:
Discuss: Thomas Mann and Heinrich Mann letters
Klaus Mann Turning Point / In class:
Film: Shadows in Paradise
Discussion:Lion Feuchtwanger
Thomas Mann Radio Broadcast
January 30
Prepare:
Feuctwanger short story
Questions for Librarian / February 1
Prepare:
Read: Franz Werfel, Pale Blue Ink in a Lady’s Hand
In class:
Visit: Feuchtwanger Memorial Library
Essay 1 due / In class:
Discussion
Feuchtwanger short story
Franz Werfel, Pale Blue Ink in a Lady’s Hand
February 6
Prepare:
Read:
Finish Franz Werfel, Pale Blue Ink in a Lady’s Hand / February 8
Prepare
Read:
Wallace – chapter on Brecht
Brecht: Fear and Misery of the Third Reich
In class:
Discussion Franz Werfel, Pale Blue Ink in a Lady’s Hand
Sign up for presentations / In class:
Final discussion Franz Werfel, Pale Blue Ink
Bertolt Brecht, To Those Born After
Fear and Misery of the Third Reich
Epic Theatre
Discussion of play
February 13
Prepare:
Read: Brecht: Fear and Misery of the Third Reich / February 15
Prepare:
Brecht: Fear and Misery of the Third Reich
In class:
Discuss play
Essay 2 due / In class:
Discuss play
February 20
Prepare
Read: Wallace –Chapters on Billy Wilder and Fritz Lang / February 22
Prepare:
Read: Wallace – chapters on Erich Korngold and the Casablanca Connection
In class:
Discussion: Influence of German Exiles on Hollywood / In class:
Documentary: Cinema’s Exiles. From Hitler to Hollywood
February 27
Prepare:
Read:
Texts: Einstein, Frankfurt School / March 1
Prepare:
Review for midterm
In class:
Discussion of texts / In class:
Midterm
March 6
Prepare:
Read: Anna Seghers The Excursion of the Dead Girls / March 8
Prepare:
Read: Anna Seghers The Excursion of the Dead Girls
Essay 3 due
In class:
Discussion of novella / In class:
Discussion of novella
SPRING BREAK / SPRING BREAK
March 20
Prepare:
Read: Read: Erich Maria Remarque, Arch of Triumph / March 22
Prepare:
Read: Read: Read: Erich Maria Remarque, Arch of Triumph
In class:
Discussion of chapters / In class:
Discussion of chapters
March 27
Prepare:
Read: Erich Maria Remarque, Arch of Triumph / March 29
Prepare:
Read:
Erich Maria Remarque, Arch of Triumph
In class:
Discussion of chapters
Presentations / In class:
Discussion of chapters
Presentations
April 3
Prepare:
Read:
Erich Maria Remarque, Arch of Triumph / April 5
Prepare:
Read:Ruth Wolman – Excerpt: Crossing Over
In class:
Final Discussion: Arch of Triumph
Film: Erich Maria Remarque, Arch of Triumph
Final Discussion of chapters
Presentations / In class:
Discussion of exile status/situation
Talk: Holocaust survivor
April 10
Prepare:
Read: Viki Baum Hotel Berlin 43 / April 12
Prepare:
Read: Viki Baum Hotel Berlin 43
In class:
Discussion of chapters
Presentations
Essay 4 due / In class:
Discussion of chapters
Presentations
April 17
Prepare:
Read:
Viki Baum Hotel Berlin 43 / April 19
Prepare:
Read: Wallace – Schönberg chapter
In class:
Final Discussion of Viki Baum, Hotel Berlin 43
Presentations / In class:
German exile musicians
Presentations
April 24
Prepare:
Review / April 26
Review
In class:
Presentations
What to expect for the final/Review / In class:
Final (ID-Questions, Mini-Essay)
Looking back at the films and literary works of the semester

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Exile Experience German 375g Spring 2018 Dr. Britta Bothe