2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GERM3040 Borders and Border-Crossings in Contemporary German Culture

20 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Jane Wilkinson
Email: j.i.wilkinson@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2017/18

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces students to an interdisciplinary theory of the ‘border’ and uses this theory to read and analyse a range of literary, filmic and theatrical case studies from the contemporary German-speaking world. The module examines both the geographical borders between Germany and neighbouring nation-states, and the perceived borders between different ethnic communities living within Germany. The focus will be on the expression of identity and difference in cultural production in the German-Polish borderland and within the Turkish-German community.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. demonstrate a critical understanding of border theories from a range of disciplines;
2. discuss and critique concepts such as border / boundary, nation, state, ethnicity, culture, identity, other.
3. critically apply a range of border theories to their analysis of contemporary German-language literature, film and theatre;
4. reflect on the role played by multiple borders in the construction and expression of identities in the German-speaking world;
5. reflect on the power relationships embodied in the drawing of boundaries and the related inclusion / exclusion of certain groups;
6. engage in comparative analysis of case studies from different genres.

Learning outcomes
See above

Skills outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Read, critique and compare a range of theoretical texts in German and in English.
2. Analyse examples of contemporary film, literature and theatre both orally and in writing.
3. Express themselves clearly, coherently and in a logical fashion orally and in writing.
4. Demonstrate the ability to carry out independent research.
5. Design their own research questions.
6. Work together in teams both inside and outside the classroom.
7. Use the VLE to create discussion forums and 'wikis' and to provide peer support.
8. Engage in formative assessment of their peers.

Syllabus

This module introduces students to the multilayered concept of the ‘border’ and uses this concept to read and analyse a range of cultural phenomena in the contemporary German-speaking world. In an age of globalisation, characterised by ‘flows’ of people, products, images and ideas across boundaries and between places, scholarly attention has increasingly turned to the ‘in between spaces’ of cultural encounter and interaction, in which senses of identity and difference are articulated. These spaces range from the geographical borderlands between bounded nation-states (which survive even in a ‘post-national’ world) to the perceptual spaces between people of different cultural or ethnic backgrounds living within the same state. Germany shares geographical borders with nine other European states and is also home to a number of ethnic minorities; most significantly a large Turkish population. This module therefore focuses on cultural production in the German-Polish borderland and within the Turkish-German community. Beginning with an interdisciplinary theory of the border, drawn from geography, anthropology, politics and cultural studies, this module reflects on the significance of borders in shaping our understanding of ‘Germany’ and ‘the Germans’ in relation to multiple ‘others’. Illustrative cultural case studies will be selected from contemporary theatre, literature and film emanating from various ‘borderlands’.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	20	1.00	20.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

(1) Preparing for seminars (reading; watching films; web-based research): 20x4 hours = 80 hours (including some directed group tasks using the VLE).
(2) Preparing for literature review: 40 hours
(3) Preparing for oral presentation: 10 hours (this will be done in pairs / groups)
(4) Preparing for and writing a 4,000-word essay: 50 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be given informal feedback on their progress during seminars throughout the year. They will also be encouraged to attend my office hours should they have any concerns regarding their progress.
Students will receive additional feedback and support when planning their assessments and when setting their own essay titles. The feedback from the literature review and from the presentations will also be formulated to assist with writing the essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	4,000 words	70.00
Literature Review	1,500 words	20.00
Oral Presentation	10 mins in pairs	10.00
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: 26/04/2017

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