It’s 1927 and over two million Germans are tuning into nightly broadcasts on their elegantly crafted “wireless” machines. Public programming must reflect the elevated aspirations of the German urban elite, and you all are just the people to provide tonight’s entertainment!
This is a research-based project. You will learn about your chosen figure and their contribution to culture in Weimar Germany. You are to do your research as if you are preparing to be on a panel discussion. You will submit detailed responses to the following questions, the kind that might naturally arise during a panel discussion.
Tell us about the most important influences (cultural, political, ideological, life experiences, etc.) on your work. What has inspired you?
How are you connected to other artists and thinkers in Germany at this time? Tell us about the cultural or intellectual movement that you and your work are connected to.
What is your most important work recently? Tell us about it.
Conservatives and nationalists have criticized you, your work and/or the movement you are associated with. What do they say? And what do you have to say to them? Infographic on politics in Weimar Germany
Advice about How to Research
Most of you will not find on the internet an exact description of what conservatives, traditionalists, nationalists or Nazis said about your historical figure in the 1920s. You will have to read between the lines. You will find it easier to identify the artistic or intellectual movements your figure was associated with and then research what conservatives had to say about that movement. Examples include Expressionism, New Objectivity and Feminism.
You are more likely to find information about the criticism made by the Nazis later on in the 1930s once they came to power. But our event is set in 1929, so can you use criticisms from later on? Yes. The criticisms the Nazis made once in power were very similar to the ones most conservatives were making in the 1920s. It is just that, after 1933, the Nazis had the power to act upon those criticisms. But feel free to draw on those arguments to construct what conservatives were saying in the 1920s.
Many conservatives were organized in the Kampfbund für Deutsche Kultur. You might find relevant criticism of your figure from them or from Alfred Rosenberg.
In the 1920s many Germans associated Germany's big cities with prostitution, STDs, homosexuality, crime, drugs, criminal gangs, murders, eroticism, transvestites, nudism, etc. Cultural figures (such as you are researching) and cultural events were often associated by many "respectable" Germans with this culture of "decadence". For many German conservatives, you and your art are guilty by association with this ‘culture of decadence’.
The Databases below will have information about many historical figures related to this project.
Using the search window of any of theses databases, search for a historical figure using quotes around their entire name. Example: type "Walter Gropius"; hopefully you will receive some results.
If you do not receive any results form one database, try another one!
The Task
Product #1: You will research and compile your responses to the four questions above (criteria A and B).
Product #2: You will complete a presentation component, which will be assessed on your poise and ability to speak extemporaneously to the audience (criteria C).
Product 1: Research Notes
Research your chosen cultural figure in preparation for the 4 questions listed above. You will submit a research document that exhibits:
Detailed and accurate information about the cultural figure that is relevant to the assigned questions
Effective organization that suggests a systematic and effective research process
Proper MLA format for in-text citations and the Works Cited.
Product 2 Alternative A: Live Radio Panel Discussion
During the 1920s cultural figures and celebrities were using the new medium or radio to extend their influence and fame, and Berlin was at the forefront of this trend. Our class will host a live radio program called Berlin Live! You will be interviewed, along with other cultural figures in a panel discussion, using the questions listed above. Your job is to research your character so deeply that, during the panel discussion, you become this person. You see the world through their eyes, speak with their voice, and convey their personality and perspective. Be prepared to respond to the pre-set questions but also to interact with the other participants and to freestyle when the situation calls for it. Use humor and creativity to show us who your character really is.
Your portrayal should exhibit the following characteristics
A deep understanding of the life and work of your historical figure
A broad understanding of the relevant cultural and intellectual trends in Weimar Germany
The ways in which the ideas and work of your figure are perceived as a threat to democracy or to the “traditional order”
To the extent possible, you portray the personality, worldview and mannerisms of your character. In other words, you stay “in character”
Product 2 Alternative B: Panel Discussion Host
We will need one panel discussion host for every panel discussion. As host, you represent the interests of the conservative establishment. You are skeptical of these new cultural trends. Yes, will allow your guests to talk about their artistic passions, but your true goal is to make clear to the listening audience that your re-envisioning of German culture will not be tolerated for much longer.
Product 2 Alternative C: Performance
If your cultural figure was a performer such as a musician or singer, you have the option of giving a live performance instead - you will provide the musical interludes to the panel discussion or discussions. If you choose this option, you will still portray your character as faithfully as possible, typically in the form of a brief introduction to what you are about to perform.
Product 2 Alternative D: Live Commercial
If your cultural figure is film director Fritz Lang, playwright Bertolt Brecht or dancer/choreographer Mary Wigman, you may choose to perform - live! - a commercial for one of your upcoming performances. Think of yourself as a celebrity promoting his or her own product. The advertisement should run about 90 seconds and include description and sound effects.
