Lecturer: Wiebke Keim, CNRS

Students acquire conceptual and theoretical tools regarding analyses of historical fascisms. They then critically discuss in how far one can apply those tools to the current period, with a particular focus on Germany and France. The aim is to understand in how far the current far right is different from historical fascisms; and in how far it cannot be understood without tracing connections and continuities from the interwar period into the present.

The course introduces key literature in the field of fascism theories. We will first deal with analyses of historical fascisms in Europe. Students then have the task to reflect upon current developments within Europe referring to the theoretical and conceptual tools they have acquired. Within several working groups, participants will do literature research and intensive reading on their own and will prepare an oral presentation to be held class.