Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

This module is inactive in the selected year. The information shown below is for the academic year that the module was last running in, prior to the year selected.

2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GERM2700 Freedom and Control: Identities in Crisis in German Literature and Film

20 creditsClass Size: 18

Module manager: Helen Finch
Email: h.finch@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2013/14

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of GERM 1030 or equivalent knowledge

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module explores a wide range of literary and filmic responses across two centuries to the impact of cultural and political change on the individual. The module combines a close study of representative texts with historical background information in order to cast light on the specific theme of personal freedom within a rapidly evolving and often repressive political environment in the period from the late eighteenth century 'the emergence of modern Germany' to the present day.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able, in the format of oral discussion/presentation and in written assignments/examinations, to:

- have deepened their knowledge, gained at Level 1, of basic concepts and approaches to the study of German culture in a historical and socio-political context and
- survey the work of a selection of leading exponents of creative literature and film
- closely read a range of literary and filmic texts
- discuss selected literary and filmic responses to the theme of identities in crisis
- emphasise the importance of a creative artist's individual vision
- analyse and apply secondary literature.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the relationship between state control and the individual in crisis in German literature and film from the eighteenth century to the present day. They will have developed critical and analytical skills and will be able to read and analyse long and complex tests in German.

Skills outcomes
- German reading skills – particularly reading literary texts swiftly
- Development of complex German vocabulary from different periods
- Understanding of complex sentence structures
- Reading academic articles
- Writing English academic prose
- English language academic discussion skills.


Syllabus

This module examines the attempts by writers and filmmakers to give their personal experience form and meaning in an era stretching from the late 18th Century to the present day. While the turbulent developments in German history and society provide us with a contextual framework, our emphasis will be on a close reading of broadly representative literary and filmic texts. The module adopts a thematic approach by discussing a succession of profound identity crises which were unleashed by social tensions and political change and which raised fundamental and anguished questions about the nature of our existence and the limits of our personal freedom, from Goethe's Werther and Schiller's Kabale und Liebe to Fassbinder's Die Ehe der Maria Braun.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture111.0011.00
Seminar221.0022.00
Private study hours167.00
Total Contact hours33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Students will spend time reading texts and watching films in German, preparing for seminars via such methods as worksheets, VLE wikis and short position papers, will write two assignments and prepare presentations.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Intensive seminars will allow for ongoing monitoring of student progress. The literature review and presentation are formative assignments that will allow for students to receive timely feedback and build on it for the next assignment.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
PresentationOral presentation20.00
Literature Review1,500 words30.00
Essay3,000 words50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

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 website

Last updated: 15/01/2014

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019