Module Catalogue 2024/25

GER2036 : Writers, media, society in West Germany

GER2036 : Writers, media, society in West Germany

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Teresa Ludden
  • Owning School: Modern Languages
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

Level C German or equivalent

Aims

To introduce students to the major social, cultural and political aspects of West Germany (1945-1989) by studying a range of written texts (novels, poems, essays, pamphlets, open letters, speeches etc) and films in their cultural and historical context.

Outline Of Syllabus

Stunde Null
Thomas Mann’s Offener Brief fuer Deutschland
R W Fassbinder, Die Ehe der Maria Braun
Konrad Adenauer and Westintegration
Bernhard Wicki, Die Bruecke
West German Protest Movements
M Verhoeven, Das schreckliche Maedchen
H Sanders-Brahms, Deutschland Bleiche Mutter
1970s terrorism
H Boell, Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum
Exophonic writing “Gastarbeiterliteratur”
F Biondi, Passavantis Rueckkehr
A Tekinay, Die Deutschpruefung

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Most important aspects of the post-war development of West Germany; reasons for the division of Germany; role of writers, film and media in the development of West Germany; role of extra-parliamentary opposition movements; understanding the relationship between texts and culture.

Intended Skill Outcomes

- Reading and interpreting a range of different style of texts in German
- Close textual analysis dependent on the media
- Forming and articulating reasoned opinions
- Arguing a position based on textual interpretation; challenging and critiquing points of view
- Debating and discussions with class
- Writing academic essays

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture111:3016:30Present in person
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion301:0030:00Includes preparation for essay writing masterclass
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading113:0033:00Includes preparation for seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching111:3016:30in person
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1041:00104:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lecture allows delivery in person of the usual lecture plus extra written teaching material devised as extension to the syllabus during 2020-2021. Lectures delivered in person communicate the main topics, concepts and methodologies and demonstrate techniques. 100 % of the module will be delivered in person.

Seminars in small groups allow student-led discussion and debate; allows students to tackle specific tasks and research questions; in seminars students practise close reading, analysis, interpretation and textual exegesis as well as constructing coherent arguments to achieve the learning aims for this module.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination902A50In-person exam.
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2M502,000 words in English. End of Semester 2 submission deadline
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Essay2MWeek 3.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The take-home 24hr exam and the assessed essay will allow students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main texts covered in the module, and to produce a reasoned and coherent argument in writing. The essay will be based on individual study and encourages students to carry out individual research. In addition, the essay will enable students to show evidence of the following skills: bibliographical work, word-processing, footnoting and referencing. Essay tests the ability to think analytically, the ability to construct an argument and allows the students to demonstrate skills in close reading of texts, independent research, creativity, and decision-making.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.