This module has two key objectives: to extend students’ reading and listening skills in German through the study of longer texts/films than those which feature in the German Language modules; to introduce them to the study of German language texts/films as cultural products which provide important insights for the development of the range of inter-cultural competencies required to function professionally in a German-speaking environment. This module is the first of two related modules and its theme is cultural and social issues in German language countries.
The class will examine a variety of topics of current social and cultural relevance in German-speaking countries, using a selection of written texts in German and German-language films to explore the notion and link it to its expression in both the social/historical/political and artistic domains, whilst at the same time allowing students to develop their critical, discursive and presentational skills.
Class content will reflect the research specialisms of German lecturing staff in the School of Languages, Law and Social Sciences, and the actual texts and films studied may vary from year to year to reflect student demand and staff availability, as determined by the research focus of the staff concerned. All texts/films studied will be in the original language.
German Studies 1
Social customs, society and habits in German-speaking culture
n/a
Issues, questions and cross-cultural understanding when travelling to or living in German-speaking countries
n/a
Issues of cultural and historical significance in German-speaking countries, including, for example, geography, politics and media
n/a
Selected texts & films for analysis, discussion, interpretation and review in exploration of cultural, economic, political and social developments in German-speaking countries.
The class will be delivered through a mixture of lectures and seminars. Specific reading will be identified for each lecture hour, prioritised as ‘essential’ and ‘further reading’, and should require approximately 2 hours of private study/preparation. Each tutorial topic will be accompanied by a list of specific readings/questions and/or prompts. Adequate tutorial preparation should involve approximately 2 hours of private study.
Attendance, participation and self-directed learning are viewed as essential elements of the learning process and a minimum of 75% of student attendance/participation will be expected.
All basic class information, together with some teaching materials and additional support materials will be available online.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |