Modern Languages and Cultures

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO GERMAN STUDIES II
Code GRMN128
Coordinator Dr AF Plowman
Modern Languages and Cultures
Afp0001@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 10

10

      2

7

29
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 121
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Commentary 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -1000 words    30       
Essay There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -1500 words    40       
Commentary 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -1000 words    30       

Aims

To provide students with an understanding of the language and conventions of German short stories, Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis as well as German film;

To teach students how to engage in the study and critical discussion of German literature and German film as well as related academic secondary sources;

To teach students writing commentaries, literary reviews, essays and employ the correct forms of bibliographical citation.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) By the end of the module students will have developed a detailed understanding of the literary genre of the German short story, of Kafka's The Metamorphosis and of three important German films.

(LO2) Students will be able to watch critically / read critically both primary literature/films in German at an appropriate level and more extended passages of secondary literature in English. They will be able to critically engage in a discussion of the materials studied in class.

(LO3) Students will be able to write critical commentaries, essays and literary reviews on the areas/materials studied. To this end, they will further consolidate their knowledge about finding and using appropriate materials from secondary sources. They will further consolidate their knowledge about the conventions of bibliographic citation.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: This module consists of two major areas of study: the German short story with a particular emphasis on Kafka's The Metamorphosis, and post-1945 German film. The module is taught using a combination of lectures and tutorials. The lectures introduce students to the study of German literature and the study of German film. Through the study of literary texts as well as German films and related academic secondary texts, the tutorials consolidate the material taught in the lectures. The assessed assignments - two commentaries and one essay - provide students with the opportunity to practice critical reading and commentary-writing, as well as to develop synthetic arguments. In addition, students are required to submit a literature review task for which they receive an informal mark. One workshop session is reserved for the discussion and practice of essay-writing skills. Primary materials are supported by an extensive bibliography of second ary readings in English and German.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Through the study of literary texts as well as German films and related academic secondary texts, the tutorials consolidate the material taught in the lectures. The assessed assignments - two commentaries and one essay - provide students with the opportunity to practice critical reading and commentary-writing, as well as to develop synthetic arguments. In addition, students are required to submit a literature review task for which they receive an informal mark.

Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 3 - Workshop
Description: One workshop session is reserved for the discussion and practice of essay-writing skills. Primary materials are supported by an extensive bibliography of secondary readings in English and German.

Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Essay-writing workshop; assessment feedback workshop

Teaching Method 4 - Other
Descripti on: Introduction (course outline and information) three compulsory film screenings
Attendance Recorded: No


Syllabus

 

Topics covered during the module may include:

Introduction to short stories (e.g, Borchert, Grimms, Kafka);

Kafka, Die Verwandlung; Film analysis and German film in the post-1945 context;

Films to include: Die Mörder sind unter uns; Die Ehe der Maria Braun; Das Wunder von Bern; Phoenix.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.