ML7282: Cultures in Context (German)

School German
Department Code MLANG
Module Code ML7282
External Subject Code 101135
Number of Credits 30
Level L5
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Nicholas Hodgin
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2022/3

Outline Description of Module

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 two semesters, 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 four themed blocks in which students will be introduced to and encouraged to challenge concepts of Culture and Representation, Identity, Power, and Memory. 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 The materials examined in context may include historical documents, literary texts, comics, films, photographs, paintings and music recordings.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Define a range of key concepts relevant to the study of German 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 (drawn from both English and German sources)

How the module will be delivered

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.

 

Skills that will be practised and developed

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

How the module will be assessed

Students will be assessed through four summative assessments. The essays assess students’ capacity to develop an effectual, well-supported argument regarding a clearly delimited topic relevant to the module content, making use of both their own critical thinking and secondary reading. Feedback helps students understand the conventions of academic writing as regards style, structure and rigour. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Students who fail the module overall will be given the opportunity to be reassessed on the failed component or components during the August resit period. Any reassessment mark will be capped at 40%. Students who fail a component but pass the module will not be reassessed.

MAPPING OF ASSESSMENTS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

The essays assess ILO 1,2,3,4,5

The literature review assesses ILO 5

 

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 25 Essay 1 N/A
Written Assessment 25 Essay 2 N/A
Written Assessment 25 Essay 3 N/A
Written Assessment 25 Lit/Book Review N/A

Syllabus content

Students in German will explore topics that are key to developing their knowledge of modern Germany.  The module is designed to guide students through a range of important developments in literature, film, music, history that enable a deeper understanding of German culture(s). In some weeks students may focus on a primary text, in others the focus may turn to major social and political debates. The materials vary in nature and include academic texts, post-war literature, contemporary literature, film, journalism and music.


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