The sudden fall of the Berlin Wall is one of the defining images of the late twentieth century. The subsequent unification of Germany and the decision to return Berlin to its status as capital has made the constant changes within the city a matter of public interest. It also offered Berlin the opportunity to create a new image for itself, one that can serve as a counterbalance to the politically charged recent history of Berlin as the capital of Nazi Germany and former East Berlin as the capital of the German Democratic Republic. Poised between capitalist Western Europe and the former communist powers in Eastern Europe, Berlin occupies a fascinating geopolitical space. This anthology presents a unique glimpse into the various constituencies that make up Berlin and that impact the city's challenges and promises.

Examines the challenges facing German-language study in the new millennium and highlights how creative, innovative, inspired approaches have allowed it to weather many of them. In the last decade, cuts have been made to foreign-language programs in the United States across all levels of education, German programs among them. Despite this, enrollments in German programs have increased modestly. The importance of Germany and its language on the world stage is undeniable: it has demonstrated its strength as a major world economic power, and Germany continues to invest heavily throughout the world. Inspired by the leadership of Helene Zimmer-Loew, longtime Executive Director of the American Association of Teachers of German, the contributors to this volume examine the factors shaping German-language study in the new millennium. They highlight how innovative curricular design, creative applied research, inspirational leadership, inventive professional development, and entrepreneurial approaches have allowed German to weather many of its challenges. This volume will be of interest to scholars, teachers, and students of German who are committed to invigorating its study in the United States. Contributors: Teresa R. Bell, Regina Braker, Kurt Buhanan and Glenn S. Levine, Albrecht Classen, Kathleen Condray, Rachel J. Halverson, Martin Kagel and William Collins Donahue, Lynn Marie Kutch, Aleidine J. Moeller and Sheri Hurlbut, Traci S. O'Brien, Lynne Tatlock, Frank Trommler, Gregory H. Wolf. Rachel J. Halverson is Marianna Merritt and Donald S. Matteson Distinguished Professor in Foreign Languages and Cultures at Washington State University. Carol Anne Costabile-Heming is Professor of German in the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of North Texas.

The unification of the two German states changed the geo-political, economic, social, and cultural borders of Germany and Europe. This volume in three parts researches how East German and West German authors and directors reacted to these radical changes. The basis of this research are fictional, autobiographical, journalistic, and cinematic texts. The authors and directors presented in this volume not only comment on the changes which they themselves experienced but also voice their changing attitudes to their own past within the divided Germany.