Module description
In this module, we explore the German-speaking world through a range of cultural materials from the medieval period to the contemporary. Our work is rooted in an understanding of German culture as a plural entity that is at once historically fluid, and geographically and culturally complex. We explore that complexity through a range of literary, theatre and performance, film, visual culture and media case studies from German-speaking territories. These may stretch from Germany, Austria and other modern European nations, to such former German colonies as present-day Namibia. Framing the module case studies are secondary readings in literary and cultural methods and approaches. The focus of the critical reading is on terms whose meaning is often taken for granted in everyday language—for instance ‘identity’, ‘culture’, or ‘diversity and difference’. Through close analysis in seminars of key primary texts, the module interrogates these critical vocabularies, asking how they can be made useful for a historically embedded, culturally and socio-politically specific understanding of the development of German-language cultures across a broad chronological range.
Assessment details
500-word blog post (15%), 500-word commentary (15%), 2000-word essay (70%)
Educational aims & objectives
The module aims:
- to introduce students to approaches to German literature and culture in a national and transnational frame;
- to acquaint students with texts that illuminate the development of diverse German-speaking cultures across the chronological range from the medieval period to the present day;
- to provide students with an introduction to the analysis of cultural pluralism and difference in German-speaking contexts;
- to develop students’ ability to express ideas critically, both orally and in writing.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable, and practical skills appropriate to a Level 4 module and, in particular, will be able to
- demonstrate sound understanding of German-speaking culture as a plural and transnational entity;
- demonstrate sound understanding of the historical depth of German-speaking cultures;
- understand and use a range of critical vocabularies associated with the study of national culture, identity and difference;
- demonstrate skills in the close reading of a range of cultural materials
- present their views in seminar discussion and through formative presentations, and in written form in response to summative assessment questions.
Teaching pattern
two hours per week
Suggested reading list
TBC