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
GERM2701 Freedom and Control: Identities in Crisis in German Literature and Film
15 creditsClass Size: 6
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 knowledgeThis module is not 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 type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 8 | 1.00 | 8.00 |
Seminar | 15 | 1.00 | 15.00 |
Private study hours | 127.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 23.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 |
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 type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Presentation | Oral presentation | 20.00 |
Essay | 2,500 words | 50.00 |
Literature Review | 1,500 words | 30.00 |
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 websiteLast updated: 15/01/2014
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD