We departed Berlin yesterday morning after too brief a visit. Within three days, our study seminar participants saw various examples of Berlin’s historical and contemporary significance. The Topography of Terror Museum and remnants of the Berlin Wall activate the historical imagination, compelling us to reflect on the traces of erstwhile eras. However, Berlin also offers many unintentional memorials such as the Olympic Stadium and various remaining government buildings cast in the aesthetic of National Socialism. Transported back to moments of recent history, we are compelled to reflect. What questions do these buildings prompt for us today? We are also moved to cultivate empathy, the ability to understand the perspectives and experiences of the past such as the tragedy at Track 17 and the heroism of Otto Weidt.
At the same time Berlin, like other world cities, offers its visitors the very best of arts and culture. As a teacher of World History, I could not contain my enthusiasm after stepping over the threshold of the Pergamon Museum. While the Pergamon temple and Ishtar gate of Babylon are magnificent sites, I was most excited to view the collection of artifacts from Uruk, the ancient city ruled by Gilgamesh. The Pergamon also includes one of the best Asian art exhibits in Germany.
The purpose of summer study seminars is to connect educators and students with global resources and transform our ability for historical analysis and empathy. Classrooms Without Borders is achieving this goal. Thanks to the “Berlin to Prague” study seminar I will have new stories and perspectives when I return to the classroom this fall.