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 CULTURE IN THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC
Code GRMN218
Coordinator Dr L Marven
Modern Languages and Cultures
L.Marven@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
Successful completion of year one study  

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 6
The module is delivered through lectures and seminars. The introductory classes for the course, and on each new area, take the form of tutor-led lectures which provide details of the historical context and guidance on critical approaches to the films/texts. Students are also expected to contribute to informal online tasks (through VITAL) as preparation for, or follow-up to, classes. The course is assessed by means of two commentary assignments (of graduated weighting), which develop students skills in close reading and analysis, and a longer essay which allows them to develop an argument at some length, engaging with the secondary literature and presenting their work in a recognised academic form. The texts are available both in German and in English (the films are sub-titled), but students of German, or with competence in German, are encouraged to use their target-language skills.
16
Seminars are a mix of student presentations and group discussion, based upon contextual, thematic and stylistic analyses of the set texts / films. Students will be expected to make substantial oral contributions to the seminars.
        22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
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
Coursework  2,000 words  Semester 1  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Essay 
Coursework  1,000 words  Semester 1  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Film Commentary 
Coursework  1,000 words  Semester 1  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Literary Commentary Notes (applying to all assessments) Essay (assignment 1). Deadline: Monday of the first exam week; Commentary - film (assignment 2). Deadline: Friday of week seven Commentary - literature (Assignment 3). Deadline: Friday of week 12.  

Aims

To introduce students to a range of cultural artefacts from the Weimar Republic. Students are enabled to situate the texts and films in historical context, paying particular attention to two major developments in the twentieth century: the growth of the modern metropolis (especially Berlin) and changing concepts of gender - masculinity and femininity - in the wake of the First World War;

To introduce students to concepts of literary and film analysis as well as critical theory relevant to the themes of the texts (the city, class and gender identity);

To develop students'' critical writing skills in two different tasks - commentaries and an essay - and will acquire further competence in online tasks.

 

 

Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate an awareness of the cultural output and historical and political context of Weimar Republic-era Germany, with particular focus on the theme of the city and on notions of class and gender.

Students will further develop critical and analytical skills enabling them to situate texts and concepts in their historical context.

Students will be able to evaluate a range of textual and critical evidence, to assess their relative merits and to construct in verbal and written form clearly reasoned arguments on the basis of such evidence.

Through close readings of selected primary material, students will develop their awareness of language and literary strategies, and an awareness of historical film techniques and the form of critical film analysis.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - The module is delivered through lectures and seminars. The introductory classes for the course, and on each new area, take the form of tutor-led lectures which provide details of the historical context and guidance on critical approaches to the films/texts.

Students are also expected to contribute to informal online tasks (through VITAL) as preparation for, or follow-up to, classes.

The course is assessed by means of two commentary assignments (of graduated weighting), which develop students skills in close reading and analysis, and a longer essay which allows them to develop an argument at some length, engaging with the secondary literature and presenting their work in a recognised academic form.

The texts are available both in German and in English (the films are sub-titled), but students of German, or with competence in German, are encouraged to use their target-language skills.

Seminar - Seminars are a mix of student presentations and group discussion, based upon contextual, thematic and stylistic analyses of the set texts / films. Students will be expected to make substantial oral contributions to the seminars.


Syllabus
1 
Topics covered during the module may include:
 
Introduction to the history of the Weimar Republic;
 
Introduction to Weimar Berlin and concepts of the city;
 
Arriving in the metropolis;
 
Crime and community;
 
Becoming modern;
 
Commentary writing guidance;
 
Workshop on essay writing.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: