The German culture in comparison with Greek culture. 

Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to:

• better understand the evolution of German culture through time
• explore cultural elements in relation to their role within the German society
• recognize the elements of modern German culture as they appear in written and oral speech
• identify similarities and differences between German and Greek culture
• comprehend the diversity and uniqueness of the German mentality as it is reflected and shaped by German culture

Week 1:

State and political system (Federal Republic of Germany, Federal States)

Week 2:

Gastronomic culture

Week 3:

Architecture, urban planning

Week 4:

Everyday life particularities and free time

Week 5:

Education and educational system (A’)

Week 6:

Education and educational system (B’)

Week 7:

Traditions and holidays (A’)

Week 8:

Traditions and holidays (B’)

Week 9:

Local particularities

Week 10:

Dominant mentality and basic life perceptions

Week 11:

Relation to national history, war and political and ideological violence

Week 12:

Germany and others. How Germans perceive themselves and others inside and outside of Germany.

Week 13:

Other nations perception of Germany. Emphasis on Greece and the Greeks

Suggested reading:

Asfa-Wossen A. (2013), Deutsche Tugenden: von Anmut bis Weltschmerz. C.H. Beck Verlag.

Maletzke, G. (1996) Interkulturelle Kommunikation. Zur Interaktion zwischen Menschen verschiedener Kulturen. Opladen: Westdeutscher Verlag GMBH.

Professor’s notes

Face-to-face. Students will be engaged in group presentations in key topics such as, the political and educational system, eating habits, daily social behaviour, national self-image and other, etc.

Use of ICT in teaching

Written examination 60%

 Group Presentation 40%