The system of higher education of the German Democratic Republic is described. Information on the different kinds of colleges--universities, university colleges, and engineering and technical colleges--is provided, including admission procedures, course objectives, course content and structure, further education, paths leading to the award of higher academic degrees, types of academic degrees awarded, training of foreign students, research at higher education institutions, the role of the library in the tertiary education system, senior academic staff, junior members of academic staffs at universities and university colleges, and college lecturers. Additional topics include: the integrated system of state administration, the administration of universities and university colleges, the administration of engineering and technical colleges, and international cooperation by universities, university colleges, and technical colleges. Appendices include diagrams of: the Integrated Socialist Education System, the routes to technical education, and the administrative structure at a university. Also appended are timetables for the curricula of livestock farming and technology of metal processing, and a list of higher education institutions. (SW)

This important new overview of the German Democratic Republic focuses on the country’s search for identity and legitimacy throughout its history. Dr. Henry Krisch analyzes major aspects of East German life—political, economic, cultural, and societal—to answer the fundamental question of the nature of the GDR. Arguing that East Germany has been shaped by history to an unusual degree, he explores the country’s historical background, including the Soviet Zone, the origins of the GDR, and the leadership of Ulbricht and Honecker, and examines the role and structure of the party, state, and military and security forces. The main emphasis of this book, however, is upon current problems and on likely responses to them in the near future. Issues such as the viability of communist politics in a technologically advanced society, the relationship of the GDR to a common German heritage and a competing West German state, and the country’s role within the Soviet alliance system are examined in detail, and current social concerns, including the peace movement, cultural trends, the role of women and youth, and the prime importance of sports, are discussed.