For some time now, parts of historical research have increasingly perceived the period between the late 19th century and the 1970s as a unit with a specific order of meaning. Constructs such as "European high modernity," "Fordist modernity," "industrial modernity," or "technocratic high modernity" aim to offer alternatives to established periodizations such as the "long 19th century" and the "short 20th century. The new periodizations are interesting for the science of technology culture because they argue with categories relevant for the history of technology. In the seminar we will deal with basic texts on "high modernity" and analyze the characteristics of the epoch using the example of selected technologies and distinctive pushes of technicization. At the same time, the significance of caesura settings and periodizations as structuring constructions for historiography will be elaborated.

If the course is taken in the modules Humanities Methods and Theories, History of Ideas of Europe A or Cultural History of Technology A, the course achievement consists of an oral presentation with a short written paper (4-5 pages). It is possible to write a term paper (15-20 pages) as a final module examination.

If the course is taken in the modules History of Ideas of Europe B or Cultural History of Technology B, the examination performance consists of an oral presentation with written elaboration (approx. 10 pages). It is possible to take an oral exam on topics of the course as a module final exam.