Introduction to German Studies

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• key forms of cultural expression in modern German-speaking countries
• 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

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
• critically evaluate and analyse primary and secondary sources
• plan and organise your learning, exercising independence and initiative

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
• define, present and exemplify concepts related to German-speaking countries
• 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

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.

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.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Stevenson, P.; Horner, K.; Langer, N.; Reersheius, G. (2018). The German-speaking world : a practical introduction to sociolinguistic issues. London: Routledge.

Ammon, U. (2019). The position of the German language in the world. London: Routledge.

Fulbrook, M. (2015). A history of Germany, 1918-2014. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.

Allinson, M. (2015). Germany and Austria since 1814. London: Routledge.

Boyle, N. (2008). German Literature: a Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

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.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External