Iron and steel production, the chemical industry and electrical engineering were the leading sectors that shaped the second half of the 19th century's high industrialization, which could also be interpreted as the "Second Industrial Revolution. These sectors not only experienced innovations in production technology, but also produced products that made new technology tangible on a broad front for the first time in the everyday life of the empire. During this period, cities in particular were transformed into technotopes by new infrastructures, modern means of transportation, and technologized leisure facilities, which have since been furnished with technological wonders but also impositions. In the seminar, we will look at contemporary discourses, perceptions and futures of technology as well as at subsequent interpretations of euphoria and skepticism about technology in the German Empire.

The seminar is related to the lecture "Introduction to the Cultural History of Technology" and can be attended independently as part of the module "Cultural History of Technology" as a course for KGT I + II.

If the course is taken in the module "Cultural History of Technology I", the course credit consists of an oral presentation with presentation and handout. You have the option to write a term paper (approx. 15 pages) as a module final exam.

If the course is taken in the module "Cultural History of Technology II", the course achievement consists of an oral presentation with presentation and handout as well as a short written paper of about five pages. You have the option of taking an oral exam on topics covered in the course as a final module exam.