Germany can seem quite confusing - and not just at first glance. This course offers an insight into the political system of today's Germany. We start by clarifying the basic structures and rules of the Federal Republic and its "Länder" - as well as formative cultural patterns. This enables us to take a look at relevant political forces, parties and personalities. Thus, we can discuss how German politics work (and where it may lead). Participation is possible without having attended the first part of the course.

No other square in Munich's city centre has undergone as many changes in two hundred years as Königsplatz. The future King Ludwig I had it built at the beginning of the 19th century in classic Hellenisitc style. The National Socialists (NSDAP) converted it into a parade ground for their party quarter. Following an architectural and historical examination of Königsplatz, we will visit St. Boniface's Abbey and take a closer look at the former buildings of the NSDAP.

This course aims to provide an overview of German social reality and everyday culture that goes beyond clichés and stereotypes. We will cover a broad range of aspects, from economic and sociological facts to intellectual, religious, and cultural traditions. Of course, we will talk about beer, sausages, football, and Autobahn, but also about less famous aspects like German humour, media, and the education system. We will also explore the things that participants find puzzling in their daily life in Germany. Participation is possible without having attended the previous parts of the course.

"Everything that was rotten and bad in the Reich fled, as if by magic, to Munich", this is how Lion Feuchtwanger in his novel "Success" characterized the decade after the end of WWI, the time when Munich became the founding city and nerve centre of the Nazi party. On a tour of the historic city centre we explore buildings, streets, squares and memorials witnessing the birth, rise, reign, the crimes and atrocities and the downfall of National Socialism and its legacy as well as the role local authorities and the people of Munich played in it.