Education and Knowledge Transfer
The exhibition “Schmidt! Living democracy” is a lively place to learn about contemporary history and democracy. Our educational programme relating to the permanent exhibition is evolving continuously. Do you have wishes or suggestions? Then do get in touch with us: ausstellung@helmut-schmidt.de.
- Learning Module „German Autumn 1977“
Is history final after its first telling? What are our pupils capable of? Eschewing pre-conceived interpretations and simple relaying of facts, the Bundeskanzler-Helmut Schmidt-Stiftung, in partnership with the “Threatened Order” collaborative research centre (SFB 923) at the University of Tübingen demonstrates that history is not something immovable. Historical situations are less clear-cut than is portrayed in many schoolbooks, magazines and films. In the module “German Autumn 1977”, learners are confronted with a historical situation for which the outcome is unclear and a decision is needed.
Pupils are put in the desperate situation of those living at the time. They do not judge the events based on hindsight. Rather, they think independently about the alternatives that there might have been at the time, in order to evaluate the actions that could be taken. Thinking about the possibilities helps to unlock new interpretations for learners and ideas for their own future. The module aims to put them in the position to write their own history and to make a considered judgement.
