Module overview
This module is designed to provide you with a broad introduction to the culture, history and language of Germany and other German-speaking countries. By studying various types of primary and secondary sources, you will become familiar with a wide range of themes, events and ideas from this region.
All materials will be available in English, allowing students with little or no prior knowledge of the German language to engage with the module.
Linked modules
New module for the MLL revalidation/ curriculum complexity project. Will replace GERM1001, GERM1002, GERM1003.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- engage with different types of material related to German-speaking countries in both breadth and depth
- select, synthesise and focus information about German-speaking countries from a variety of primary and secondary sources
- apply knowledge, understanding and analysis critically to different topics related to German-speaking countries
- define, present and exemplify concepts related to German-speaking countries
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- make use of libraries, archives and online resources to access relevant information
- communicate your ideas in clear, concise writing
- adhere to guidelines and deadlines
- plan and organise your learning, exercising independence and initiative
- critically evaluate and analyse primary and secondary sources
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- major events and trends in the modern history of German-speaking countries
- various aspects of the histories, cultures and politics of German-speaking countries
- the similarities and dissimilarities between the cultures and societies of German-speaking countries and your own culture
- key forms of cultural expression in modern German-speaking countries
Syllabus
Specific topics will vary year to year, but will include a variety of historical events, texts and case studies from Germany and, where applicable, other German-speaking countries.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning methods include:
– lectures introducing basic concepts and context
– seminars, where we will discuss materials and concepts both as a whole and in small groups
– independent reading, thinking and writing
– one-to-one tutorials.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Seminar | 12 |
Lecture | 12 |
Guided independent study | 126 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Boyle, N. (2008). German Literature: a Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Allinson, M. (2015). Germany and Austria since 1814. London: Routledge.
Fulbrook, M. (2015). A history of Germany, 1918-2014. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.
Ammon, U. (2019). The position of the German language in the world. London: Routledge.
Stevenson, P.; Horner, K.; Langer, N.; Reersheius, G. (2018). The German-speaking world : a practical introduction to sociolinguistic issues. London: Routledge.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 45% |
Reading task | 10% |
Essay | 45% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 50% |
Essay | 50% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 45% |
Essay | 45% |
Reading task | 10% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External