GM2DU: Divisions and Unities

Module Provider:

German

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn and Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr JP Wieczorek

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with an insight into a number of aspects of German history, society and culture in twentieth-century Germany.

Assessable learning outcomes:
analyse a variety of historical and cultural texts, after close reading of individual texts
appreciate the cultural and political significance of visual images in painting and film
understand and explain important historical and cultural developments from 1945 to the present
present material and ideas orally in a coherent and effective manner
organise their material and articulate their arguments effectively in writing, both under timed conditions and in assessed essays

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of reading skills in German and in the development of oral communication skills. Students will develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources and databases.

Outline content:
The content is organised into two interlinked parts. In each week a lecture on a topic in the area of post-1945 German history will be accompanied by a small-group seminar, in which students will study selected German literary or political texts. There will be a clear link between the the content of the lecture and the seminars. The first term will concentrate on West Germany, while the second term will focus on East Germany and the post-unification period.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
One lecture each week, accompanied by small-group seminars requiring preparatory reading. Seminar papers will be delivered individually by students in the seminars.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Students will write one essay of c. 2,500 words per term. Both essays will be submitted on the first day of the following term. Students will also present one seminar paper in each term which will be submitted in written form after the presentation.

Relative percentage of coursework : 50%

Examinations
Students will take an open-paper exam on the content of the whole course in the Summer term of Year 2. They will receive the paper at the end of the Spring term and will take the exam at the time of Part 2 examinations.

Requirements for a pass
Minimum 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements
Only if overall failure in Part 2. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 September.