This module will introduce students to the theoretically reflected and methodologically guided study of history, society and cultural production in the German context.

Over the semester, students will engage with concepts, theories and approaches that are central to German Studies and disciplines related to the study of Modern Languages.

Teaching is divided into two themed blocks. Each block will be introduced by school-wide lectures before students split into their specific languages for more in-depth study in the national context.

Some blocks may then take a more historical approach, others will emphasise critical analysis of different genres of cultural production.

Weekly learning activities will be structured around selected materials designed to allow close study and discussion of the topics explored leading students to a theoretically and methodologically informed understanding of German history, society and culture.

Students are guided in their exploration of texts and other cultural artefacts in the original language. The materials examined in context may include historical documents, literary texts, comics, films, photographs, paintings and music recordings.

1. Define a range of key concepts relevant to the study of Italian culture, history, and society within a transnational context;
2. Select and analyse key text-based and visual course materials;
3. Analyse how the cultural artefacts/texts studied relate to one another and to their context of production;
4. Defend, both orally and in writing, a theoretically reflected position on the topics and materials studied;
5. Build a coherent, evidence-based argument drawing on relevant secondary literature.

The module will be delivered through a range of interactive teaching sessions supplemented by online teaching and learning activities and materials – and may include, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.  

Students will be expected to engage in substantial independent study outside the classroom. They will be guided in this respect by the learning materials provided and related reading lists.

• Close reading;
• Critical thinking;
• Basic research skills;
• Organisational skills;
• Study skills;
• Writing skills;
• Word-processing skills;
• Presentation skills; and
• Self-awareness.

The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.

Mapping of Assessments to Intended Learning Outcomes:

Coursework 1 assesses ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Coursework 2 assesses ILOs 5

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Students who fail the module overall will be given the opportunity to be reassessed by a single synoptic re-assessment for 100% of the module. Any reassessment mark will be capped at 40%. 

At the school wide, transnational level, students will explore the following topics:

• Power
• Resistance
• Memory

In the German context students will explore some of those topics through a range of materials and sources including for example, academic texts, post-war literature, contemporary literature, film, journalism and music.