German Mass Media: from broadcast to stream (307-0-1)

Instructors

Franziska Lys
847/491-8298
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Rm 3317

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L04: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

The internet has profoundly transformed Germany's media landscape. While daily newspapers have expanded their reach through digital editions—more than 63 million people in Germany now online—the circulation of printed editions continues to decline. Despite this digital shift, television and radio remain central pillars of Germany's media culture. This course examines the evolution of German mass media from 1945 to the present, exploring how television, film, and digital platforms shape the ways people receive news and entertainment. Students investigate the rise of public broadcasting in postwar West Germany, media control and censorship in the GDR, the challenges of reunification for press freedom, and the influence of globalization, social media, and streaming on communication and cultural identity in contemporary Germany.

Registration Requirements

2 courses on the 200-level

Learning Objectives

Taught entirely in German, the course emphasizes advanced language practice through text analysis, discussion, and writing. Students develop the ability to interpret media texts (print, audio, video, digital) within their cultural and historical contexts, to analyze issues of censorship and freedom of speech, and to compare media systems in Germany and other countries.

Teaching Method

Seminar

Evaluation Method

Attendance
Class participation
Group work
Listening exercises,
Paper, final
Papers
Presentations
Readings
Research project
Writing assignments

Class Materials (Required)

Material will be distributed in class and through Canvas.

Class Notes

No Final Assessment

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression