Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour (when scheduled). Designed for juniors/seniors. Introduction to diverse histories of German-speaking lands in central Europe from mid-18th century to First World War. Exploration of great variety of German communities and cultures across Europe and world. Identification of ways in which polycentric networks of German migration, science, travel, and trade helped to shape the age of empire. Examination of implications of Germans' persistent interconnections with the broader world (including California) for understandings of the modern era. P/NP or letter grading.