Unit name | Language and Power: Introductions to German History |
---|---|
Unit code | GERM10039 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Havinga |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of German |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit introduces students to key aspects in the history and development of the German peoples and the German language, and to the study of the German past through the disciplines of history and linguistics. It aims to help students develop their skills of critical analysis and synthesis, informed discussion and the written as well as oral presentation of ideas. It consists of:
The unit thus aims:
Students who complete the unit successfully will be able to:
1) outline knowledge of the political and linguistic history of the German-speaking world, and of key critical concepts in understanding that world
2) apply close textual reading skills, engaging independently with primary works, at a standard appropriate to Level 4
3) identify relevant primary and secondary literature (via library and IT resources) to inform their understanding of key concepts and developments in the history of the German-speaking world
4) turn their knowledge to critical analysis, formulating arguments orally and in writing at a standard appropriate to Level 4.
One 2hr lecture per week
One 1hr seminar per week
The seminar hours will include informal student presentations and will provide students with opportunities to prepare for the summative assessment.
1) Two 500-word close textual analyses (one on linguistics and one on history), each counting 30% of the overall unit mark and testing ILOs 1, 2, and 4.
2) One group presentation, including a written preparatory proposal to be submitted for discussion in advance, counting 40% of the overall unit mark and testing ILOs 1-4.
For the group presentations, students will be given a choice of presentation titles, which will aim to bring aspects of history and linguistics together. The students will present their work at a mini-conference at the end of the unit. This format will enable students to feel part of a scholarly community, offer the chance of a significant event to mark the end of the semester or the year, and give students more insights into academic research work.
Allinson, Mark. 2014. Germany and Austria since 1814. London: Routledge.
Fulbrook, Mary. 2004. A Concise History of Germany. Cambridge: CUP.
Horan, Geraldine, Nils Langer, and Sheila Watts (eds). 2009. Landmarks in the History of the German Language. Bern: Peter Lang.
MacGregor, Neil. 2016. Germany: Memories of a Nation. London: Penguin.
Salmons, Joseph. 2012. A History of German. What the past reveals about today’s language. Oxford: OUP.