The paper explores the phenomenon of ostalgiä, a nostalgia for East Germany, which gained momentum following the success of Wolfgang Becker's film, Goodbye, Lenin. Set against the backdrop of German reunification, the film's tragicomic elements resonated deeply with audiences, highlighting the complexities of memory and identity in a post-reunification society. It examines how this cultural moment transformed into a significant popular movement, reflecting broader themes of trauma and the challenges of reconciling past and present.
Bert Bobock Libri






Working Title. Representations of Identity and Postmodern Work in Mike Judge's "Office Space"
- 60pagine
- 3 ore di lettura
The analysis focuses on "Office Space," highlighting its cult status as a parody of postmodern work and critique of late twentieth-century corporate management. Despite being filmed in 1999, the themes remain relevant as they explore the pressures of contemporary management and the struggle for employees to find purpose in their work. The thesis emphasizes how paid labor continues to shape individual identity, making the film's commentary on workplace dynamics increasingly significant in today's context.
The analysis explores the paradox within the theories of prominent political philosophers who advocated for individual freedom and self-governance while neglecting women's voices in their frameworks of representative democracy. It examines how the nuclear family, deemed the fundamental social unit, influenced their philosophies and raises critical questions about gender representation in political thought. Through this lens, the paper critiques the limitations of Enlightenment ideals and highlights the implications for women's roles in society.
Seeking roots of discrimination
A comparative examination of Langston Hughes's and Richard Wright's essays and newspaper columns of social protest
Focusing on the essays of Langston Hughes and Richard Wright, this examination paper highlights a lesser-known aspect of their work, which often emphasized social protest. It explores how their essays contribute to the broader understanding of American culture during the 1930s, a significant period in US history. The paper aims to shed light on the importance of these essays in the context of cultural studies, revealing their impact and relevance in the discourse of social issues.
Focusing on the intersection of race and gender, this seminar paper examines the works of Thorstein Veblen and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It analyzes their perspectives within the context of American imperialism, exploring how their ideas reflect societal norms and critiques of the time. The paper, written for a course at Brown University, highlights the implications of their theories on culture and identity, offering insights into the complexities of American civilization in the early 20th century.
The exploration of Cross Damon’s identity in Richard Wright's The Outsider highlights the themes of anxiety and alienation, suggesting that these factors shape his character profoundly. Critics like Cedric Robinson and Paul Gilroy argue that Wright's philosophical depth is often overlooked, particularly by African American scholars who misinterpret his work as a rejection of racial writing. This seminar paper delves into how Cross' consciousness serves as a lens for examining broader social issues, questioning whether he is merely a victim of his circumstances within a naturalist framework.
Similarities and Common Denominators in Second Language Acquisition Approaches
A Theory of many Theories?
The paper explores the complexities of second language acquisition, highlighting the lack of a unified theory that adequately explains the process. It discusses various attempts to create comprehensive models and emphasizes the ongoing challenges in understanding how individuals acquire a second language. The work is rooted in American Studies and linguistics, reflecting academic insights from a course at Humboldt-University of Berlin.
Die Studienarbeit untersucht die US-Menschenrechtspolitik unter Präsident Carter von 1977 bis 1981 und zeigt, dass die Regierung bereits frühzeitig erkannte, dass menschenrechtliche Prinzipien nicht durchgängig die Außenpolitik bestimmen konnten. Carters Ansatz stellte eine Abkehr von der vorherigen Eindämmungs- und Machtpolitik dar und zielte darauf ab, die Außenpolitik an die Gegebenheiten einer multipolaren Welt anzupassen. Dennoch blieben menschenrechtliche Überlegungen oft hinter nationalen Sicherheitsinteressen zurück, insbesondere im späteren Verlauf seiner Amtszeit.
Schreiben und (Er-)Leben
Heinrich Bölls Briefe aus dem Krieg und Willy Peter Reeses "Mir Selber Seltsam Fremd"
Die Arbeit untersucht die persönliche Perspektive von Individuen im Kontext des Zweiten Weltkriegs, insbesondere durch die Briefe von Heinrich Böll und das Tagebuch von Willy Peter Reese. Sie beleuchtet, wie diese Texte eine Generation ansprechen, die den Krieg nicht direkt erlebt hat, und analysiert die Rolle des Einzelnen im nationalsozialistischen System sowie die Strategien zur Bewältigung des Kriegsalltags. Durch die Verbindung von persönlichen Erfahrungen mit historischen Gegebenheiten wird ein tieferer Einblick in die menschliche Dimension des Krieges vermittelt.
Die Studienarbeit analysiert George Lucas' Film "American Graffiti" und beleuchtet dessen kulturelle Bedeutung im Kontext der amerikanischen Gesellschaft der 1960er Jahre. Besonderes Augenmerk liegt auf der Darstellung von Jugendkultur, Identität und sozialen Veränderungen. Die Arbeit untersucht, wie der Film nostalgische Elemente mit zeitgenössischen Themen verknüpft und dabei die gesellschaftlichen Normen und Werte dieser Epoche reflektiert. Zudem wird die filmische Technik und deren Einfluss auf die Zuschauererfahrung thematisiert.