GM1IMG-Icons of Modern Germany

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Ute Wolfel

Email: u.wolfel@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

An introduction to aspects of the culture and history of post-1945 Germany.

Aims:
To provide students with an overview of the political and cultural history of Germany since 1945; to enable them to describe socio-political development and to develop practice and confidence in reading and analysing related historical and cinematic material.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module students will have demonstrated their ability to:
- identify and discuss major events, factors and figures in post-war German history
- analyse, evaluate and put into context a selection of German historical texts and films
- develop skills in textual analysis
- make appropriate use of secondary sources

Additional outcomes:
Students will be able to:
- develop their language skills by reading short texts and watching films in German
- develop an understanding of different approaches to historical events
- develop skills in communication, information handling and essay writing

Outline content:

Throughout the Autumn and Spring Term there will be two weekly lectures on iconic figures and themes reflecting the history and culture of Germany after 1945. These will typically include the post-1945 history of Berlin with particular reference to political division; the 1953 uprising against Communist East Germany; divided Germany’s dealing with the Nazi past; and the historical and political significance of Willy Brandt and Konrad Adenauer.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures. The texts and films are in German (the latter in subtitled versions); the lectures are conducted in English.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10
Seminars	10	10
Guided independent study:	80	80
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Two hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework: Students will hand in TWO written assignment (max 1500 words) at the end of each teaching term (20% each). Examinations: Students will take one two-hour 'seen' examination (60%) at the start of the Summer Term.

Formative assessment methods:
Two tasks in written or oral presentation.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

One two-hour 'seen' examination in the resit period. Resubmission of assessed coursework by 12 Noon on the third Friday of August or, if the University is closed, the first working day thereafter. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 1 October 2020