Superdiversity in Berlin

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Accelerated globalization has created superdiverse cities around the world. This experience explores cultural superdiversity over spring break in the capital city of Germany, Berlin. The week-long trip will serve as the second half of one of the following courses: International Studies 225, which focuses on cultural globalization, or Linguistics 415/515, which focuses on language diversity and policy in contemporary Berlin. The participants will explore how globalization, superdiversity, and multilingual policies are evidenced in a wide range of human environments, from commercial districts and residential streets to public schools and state offices. The first goal of the course is to develop a practical knowledge of superdiversity in globalized cities like Berlin, including linguistic and cultural forms of diversity. The second is to use linguistic and cultural field methods to explore the histories and complexities of the neighborhoods and institutions of Berlin. The course will investigate some of the minorities in Berlin, including speakers of Yiddish, Turkish, Russian, and English.

The first half of the semester will involve normal meetings in whichever course the student enrolls, three hours per week, during which students will learn about key concepts in each course, but also some preliminary information about superdiversity in Germany today. Travel students will also meet two or three times separately to prepare logistics and to learn some key words and phrases in German. Over spring break, the course will involve a nine-day visit to Berlin. The days in Berlin will involve site visits, field tasks, and some free time to explore the city. Proficiency in the languages of Berlin, including German, although potentially helpful, is not required. Komm mit nach Berlin, um Superdiversität zu entdecken!