Year 11 Twentieth Century History SAC 2
Research SAC: Analysis of a cultural product of Weimar Germany Due: MON 3 rd May
Your task:
Choose one cultural product of Weimar Germany and answer the following topic question in an essay format:
“How does the cultural product represent the feelings and attitudes of Germans during the Weimar Republic (1918-1933)?
Students should follow the guidelines below to help structure their SAC. The analysis should be in the range of 650-1000 words and completed in 90 minutes of class time. Students may use a plan (1 side A4) and a dictionary. You must also bring in a complete bibliography of all sources used. This task contributes to 35 out of the 200 marks allocated for unit 1. You will have class time in which to complete your research.
Students will be assessed according to the criteria below.
Criteria:

Knowledge of period and cultural products

Analysis of cultural product

Use of evidence to support and justify your arguments

Mechanics of history writing including essay structure, clarity, tone and appropriate historical terminology, plus effective use of referencing.

Comparison of cultural products (including those of George Grosz)
Examples of cultural products from Weimar Germany:

Paintings by Otto Dix/Kathe Kollwitz/Max Ernst
 Extracts of Tomas Mann’s novels

Political cartoons from the period
 The horror movies “Nosferatu” or “The cabinet of
Dr. Calgari”
 Fritz Lang’s movie “Metropolis”
 Bertold Brecht’s poetry, for example: “Song of the
SA Man” or “Travelling in a Comfortable Car.”

Bauhaus architecture eg. Walter Gropius
 Josephine Baker’s dancing
Hints:
This SAC is an analytical essay and requires you to analyse your cultural product in relation to the period and other cultural products of the time. Key questions you should address are:

What is happening/being depicted in the product?

What are the underlying messages, and how have they been achieved?

What are the main values, ideas, feelings or attitudes presented? Support you analysis with evidence.

How does the product convey these values and ideas?


For whom was the product created and why?
What political, social or economic aspects of Weimar Germany are reflected in the product? (bring in examples and evidence from the period)

Compare your cultural product with others from the period (eg George Grosz). Discuss the similarities and differences.

How accurately does your source represent what was happening in Weimar Germany at the time it was created?

To what extent does the source represent commonly held views, ideas and values at the time it was produced?

How useful is the product as a source for historians of Weimar Germany?
However this will have to be a proper history essay with a clear structure, argument, focused paragraphs and topic sentences. You will also be expected to use primary and secondary sources and reference your material.