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Two classes per week in the First Teaching Block.
This unit is designed to introduce students to the complexity of the German concept of ‘Bildung’, presented as an important aspect of German cultural practice It will provide students with a comprehensive insight into the historical and ideological roots of the German education system and its contemporary developments, also within the context of globalisation. In this respect the unit will also be a good preparation for the year abroad.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, within the context of the German Enlightenment, most German writers and philosophers would have agreed on referring to the concept of “Bildung” (education) as a holistic approach to the development of mankind through education. At about the same time (in 1809), the Prussian philosopher and minister of education, Willhelm von Humboldt, undertook a major reform of the Prussian education system which was significantly influenced by this idealistic approach, and still forms the foundation of the contemporary German education system.
Through the study of literary, philosophical and academic texts, this unit aims to study the historical development of the German education system against the background of its underlying philosophical and ideological assumptions. The period considered will range from 1800 – 2005. Although the unit will be taught in English, the aim will be to use as much contemporary German language material as possible. Students will be required to contribute to the seminar with short presentations.