| 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 |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of German |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
To understand the present you need to know about the past. This unit introduces you to key aspects in the history and development of the German peoples and the German language. You will study the German past through the disciplines of history and linguistics, allowing you to make cross-disciplinary connections and develop a range of skills that will be useful beyond this unit.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit introduces you to two disciplines within German Studies (history and linguistics) and equips you with foundational knowledge that you will need for the rest of your degree. It provides information on key developments in the history of the German-speaking nations and on German as a pluricentric language. It helps you to develop your own scholarly voice and to develop your German language skills by engaging with texts in German and by learning about language change. This unit thus complements other German units, draws on your existing skills, and prepares you for the rest of your degree.
An overview of content
The unit is structured into themes, which allow us to revisit historical events from different angles. We start by looking at periods that have been proposed for the description of German history and language, which will provide a roadmap for the unit. We then turn our attention to empires and national identities. We will question common ideologies and look at different beliefs in the history of Germany and Austria. In addition to learning about socio-political developments, you will also gain an understanding of how the German language developed over time.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
This unit is designed to develop a range of skills. The group presentation (assignment 1) develops your communication and collaboration skills, building your confidence. The second assignment builds on the group presentation but fosters your autonomy by asking you to produce an independent piece of writing. This essay (assignment 2) will focus on a specific historical artefact or text, which can be discussed from various angles. Through these assignments, you will take responsibility for your own learning, become more self-aware, develop an enquiring mindset and undertake independent research.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
How you will learn
You will learn through lectures, seminars, and workshops. The lectures will introduce you to key aspects in the history and development of the German peoples and the German language. The seminars allow you to reflect on the lecture content, ask questions, and debate your ideas in small groups. The workshop consolidates what you have learnt and focusses on further skill development, such as research and presentation skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GERM10039).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
