Please note: Due to alternative arrangements for teaching and
assessment in place from 18 March 2020 to mitigate against the restrictions in
place due to COVID-19, information shown for 2019/20 may not always be accurate.
Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Divided Germany (TB2) |
| Unit code |
GERM20042 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
I/5
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Davies |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
Department of German |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Arts |
Description including Unit Aims
This unit will draw on a variety of materials (including contemporary documents and audiovisual resources) to introduce students to the postwar history of Germany, focusing particularly on: the political and foreign policy considerations which led to the formal division of Germany into two separate states (the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic) between 1949 and 1990; the political structures and history of both states; the establishment of different societal norms in East and West Germany during the period of the country's division; the challenges of creating a united society in Germany since 1990; the evolving concept of national identity since 1945.
Aims:
- To introduce students to a significant body of knowledge of a complexity appropriate to second year level. The content matter will normally include one or more of the following: literature; social, cultural or political history; linguistics; cultural studies; film, television or other media.
- To facilitate students' engagement with a body of literature, including secondary literature, texts, including in non-print media, primary sources and ideas as a basis for their own analysis and development. Normally many or most of these sources will be in a language other than English and will enhance the development of their linguistic skills.
- To develop further skills of synthesis, analysis and independent research, building on the skills acquired in units at level C.
- Some options may prepare students for the experience of the Year Abroad.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Successful students will:
- demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the context and development of both German states in the postwar era
- demonstrate skill in the selection and synthesis of relevant material;
- be able to evaluate and analyse relevant material from a significant body and range of source materials, in both English and German, at a high level;
- be able to respond to questions or problems by presenting their independent judgements in an appropriate style and at a high level of complexity, orally and in writing
Teaching Information
1 x 2hr slot weekly
Assessment Information
- Group task and presentation, with supporting documentation of individual contribution (30%)
- 2500 word essay (70%)
Reading and References
A full reading list will be issued at the beginning of the unit, and further materials will be made available on a unit website.
In the meantime, you will find it helpful to read one of the following:
- Mary Fulbrook, History of Germany 1918-2000: The Divided Nation
- Mary Fulbrook, German National Identity after the Holocaust
