WJU & the Fulbright Commission's German Studies Seminar

Participants in the 2013 Fulbright German Studies Seminar in Cologne

This past June, Assistant Professor of History Jeff Rutherford was chosen by the German Fulbright Commission to participate in its annual German Studies Seminar. Members of the seminar examined the numerous challenges facing Berlin, the capital of the unified German state. While Berlin possesses a cultural heritage and importance second to none in Germany, its desire to remain, in the words of its mayor, "poor but sexy" has become increasingly difficult due to economic realities that have left the city with a very small manufacturing base and growing population that is straining the city's welfare system.




American academics from disciplines including history, political science, urban studies, German literature, German language and architecture discussed these issues with various individuals and groups in Berlin. These ranged from members of the German Social Democratic Party and administrators in the Komische Oper, to academic specialists on immigration into the German state and entrepreneurs trying to exploit cutting-edge technologies to reinvigorate Berlin's economy.

Berlin's particular situation was put into stark relief by visits to Cologne and Bonn. In these western German cities, participants spoke with local politicians, theater owners and members of the Chamber of Commerce, among others. These conversations clearly indicated that Berlin is a special case within contemporary Germany; inside of the boundaries of Germany's largest city, economic issues are inextricably entwined with deep-rooted historical developments, cultural innovations and the emergence of the city as a magnet for immigrants.

Dr. Rutherford found the program to be extremely valuable. Not only was he able to discuss these issues with American professors from institutions such as Duke University and Cal-Berkley, but the interaction with German experts and specialists allowed him to understand contemporary Germany in a new way. He stated that these lessons "have already changed how I approach historical events in my classes" and that such an intimate engagement with the city will only improve the history department's upcoming trip to Berlin.