University Series To Explore Germany’s Role In Europe

DANBURY — A lecture highlighting Germany’s emergent role as a force for European unity and two films exploring the nation’s wartime past will be featured in the German Studies Center spring semester program from February through April at Western Connecticut State University. All programs are free and open to the public.

Dr Renate Ludanyi, professor of world languages and director of the WCSU German Studies Center, observed the new series coincides with Germany’s current six-month tenure from January through June in the presidency of the European Union (EU). Germany also has assumed the presidency of the Group of Eight industrialized nations during 2007.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a New Year’s speech to the nation “that the dual presidencies presented a unique opportunity to help shape Europe’s future in a globalized world. Only a united Europe can tackle the challenges of globalization including international trade, as well as violence, terror and war.”

Even as the series offers perspectives on Germany’s present and future role in Europe, it also will provide fresh insights into the nation’s past offered in two recent film releases. Screenings will be in Viewing Room 1 in White Hall Viewing Room 1, on White Street.

The first screening, on Tuesday, February 13, will feature Der Untergang (The Downfall), by director Oliver Hirschiegel.

In German with subtitles, Mr Hirschiegel’s 2004 film provides a dramatization of the final days of Chancellor Adolf Hitler’s life in spring 1945 as Soviet forces advance on Berlin and the Third Reich disintegrates in defeat. Critical notes on the film observed Hirschiegel’s “riveting tour de force of historical and psychological filmmaking” offers “a convincing and harrowing” portrayal by Bruno Ganz of “the Fuhrer’s mix of twisted logic, gnawing frustration and raving anger as he hunkers down in this bunker and awaits the inevitable end.”

On Wednesday, March 7, the second screening will feature Sophie Scholl — Die Letzten Tage (Sophie Scholl —The Final Days) by director Marc Rothemund (in German, with subtitles).

Mr Rothemund’s film depicts the last days in the life of Sophie Scholl, a member of a nonviolent anti-Nazi student resistance group called The White Rose. The 2005 film won German and European prizes for best film and director as well as the 2005 Berlin Festival and European Film Awards citations for best actress for Julia Jentsch’s portrayal of the title hero who was tried for treason by the Nazi regime and executed in February 1943.

Both screenings will begin at 7 pm.

“Germany and the EU in 2007” will be the theme of a lecture on Thursday, April 12, by Dr Hans-Jurgen Heimsoeth, consul general in New York of the Federal Republic of Germany. The lecture will be followed by an open discussion of Germany’s role in the EU.

The location is still being determined, but it will be announced on the WestConn website, WCSU.edu, prior to the lecture.

The German Studies Center seeks to promote understanding of German language, history and culture through sponsorship of a wide range of programs exploring the German heritage and contemporary American ties with German-speaking countries. The center is affiliated with the WestConn International Center.

For more information, call Dr Ludanyi at 837-8445 or the WestConn Office of University Relations at 837-8486.