Every place has a story. Starting at a Roman portal on the far western edge of Germany and ending at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, we’ll explore defining historic moments as we embark on a virtual trip through Germany. Each city or town, and the story we will connect to it, opens a window into Germany’s 2000-year old past and gives a glimpse into people’s lives, their distinctive way of thinking, their art and music, and their buildings.

We’ll begin our journey in the city of Trier, where Emperor Constantine introduced Christianity, head to Charlemagne’s palace at Aachen nearby, travel east to the medieval town of Quedlinburg before exploring Erfurt, the starting point of Martin Luther’s revolutionary ideas. Our next stops will include Bavaria, where we find evidence of the Counter- Reformation, and Weimar, a hub of the Enlightenment. In Heidelberg we will not only admire the Romantic castle ruins but also consider Napoleon’s influence and the new ideas of the French Revolution, which led to Germany becoming a nation. Next we visit Munich in the early 20th century where avant-garde innovations were labeled “degenerate” and prohibited. Our final destination is Berlin, a divided city that has become one.

This class will include slides of sights, artwork, and architecture, as well as music samples that will inspire discussion and ultimately paint the big picture of Germany’s history. Supplemental reading will be offered.