2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GERM1060 Introduction to Modern Germany
20 creditsClass Size: 45
Module manager: Dr Stephan Petzold
Email: s.petzold@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Pre-requisite qualifications
Good knowledge of German (reading, speaking and listening) equivalent to AS level grade AThis module is mutually exclusive with
GERM1050 | From Unification to Reunification: introduction to German Hi |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module introduces you to modern German history from the first 'unification' of 1870/71 to the second 'unification' of 1990. While the module provides an overview of the major historical events and processes, it will bring particular attention to a number of tensions and contradictions which are crucial to understanding modern Germany: (1) national unity vs. fragmentation: what kind of society did Germans want to live in?; (2) liberal-democratic vs. autocratic political structures: how did Germans imagine the political order of their nation-state?; (3) competing conceptions of German national identity: what did it mean to be German and how did German identities change?Lectures provide the broad historical background and context, whereas the seminars make use of a range of primary source materials - e.g. essays, speeches, literary texts, photographs, film and cartoons - and secondary sources to prompt discussion of selected themes and issues.Much of the source material will be in German and the language of discussion, delivery and assessment will be in both English and German: a good command of spoken and written German is therefore essential.Objectives
The aims of this module are:- to provide students with an overview of modern Germany history
- to introduce students to some of the key issues and tensions underpinning developments in German politics, society and culture since the 19th century
- to encourage students to reflect on ideas such as the nation-state, political power, war and peace, social responsibility, identity and culture in a historical and intercultural context
- to develop students' skills to analyse and discuss a wide range of primary and secondary sources
- to develop the ability to craft own arguments and use evidence to support them.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module students should:
- have a good grasp of the main political, social, economic and cultural events and processes that have shaped Germany's development between the mid-19th century and 2000.
- understand why modern Germany experienced repeated shifts between democracy and dictatorship
- be aware of the role that national unity and cohesion played for German society
- be familiar with how German national identity evolved and changed during this period
- be able to identify the continuing relevance of Germany’s rich and difficult past for present-day Germany.
Skills outcomes
- Critical engagement with the political, social and cultural history of a different culture
- Awareness of how historical developments continue to shape the present
- Ability to critically analyse a variety of source materials
- Communicative skills, in speaking and writing
Syllabus
Semester 1 will focus on the period 1871-1945. It will cover the unification of Germany, Germany in the First World War, the foundation and collapse of the Weimar Republic, the rise of the Nazis, Nazi society and the Holocaust.
Semester 2 will focus on the period 1945-1990. It will cover the immediate post-war period, the division of Germany and will then follow key political, social and cultural developments in both German states before analysing the collapse of East Germany and unification.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
Seminar | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
Private study hours | 160.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 40.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
- reading and reflection in preparation for lectures and seminars (80 hours)- researching and writing the essay (40 hours)
- exam revision (40 hours)
- self-directed reading around the topic
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Participation in seminar discussions- Feedback on smaller tasks such as informal group presentations (formative assessment)
- Monitoring assignment for essay and feedback on essay plans
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 1,500 words | 50.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 50.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 01/04/2015
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