Module Code - Title:
GE4148
-
GERMAN LANGUAGE AND SOCIETY 6: ISSUES AND DEBATES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
GE4147
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is set at C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). To explore current issues of particular relevance in the German speaking countries today with a particular focus on literary/cultural controversies
To heighten students' awareness of the importance of registers in the German language.
To continue the study of more complex literary texts in German in a wider context.
To consolidate grammatical structures at advanced level.
To further develop writing and oral skills as well as reading comprehension at advanced level.
Syllabus:
This syllabus is set at C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Lecture: cultural, economic and political issues in unified Germany, Austria and Switzerland; dealing with the past; nationalism and national identity; economic, cultural and social debates (also with regard to the EU): equality, environmentalism, cultural politics, social reforms, migration.
Tutorials: a) discussions of literary texts, newspaper, magazine articles and TV programmes on topical issues focusing on the characteristics of different text types and language registers; b) issues in Austria and Switzerland including presentations in the foreign language; c) translation class English/German with a particular focus on the problem of registers.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
* analyse and evaluate key arguments within contemporary debates in the German-speaking countries
* debate the role of literature, art and film in contemporary Austrian, German and Swiss culture
* use a wide variety of registers and styles in discussions and multi-media presentations of current issues in German-speaking countries
* analyse and interpret contemporary literary texts and locate these in their cultural and political contexts.
* Develop skills in the handling of register and style in translation (from German into English, and vice versa)
* summarise and explain individual research findings (esp. extended project work) orally in German
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
* demonstrate confidence in identifying, researching and presenting topics in accurate written and spoken German relevant to their studies and long-term academic and professional in
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Not applicable.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
A common one-hour lecture will be supported by a tutorial in which texts and materials related to the lecture will be discussed. Two further classroom hours will be devoted to advanced language work including translation, discussion and analysis of literary texts and written work, again pickung up themes from the lecture. Students will be engaged in active learning both inside and outside the classroom and will be encouraged to develop their self-directed learning skills within the broader framework of the module.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Y Kara (2004)
Selam Berlin
, Diogenes
H Dreyer and R Schmitt (1994)
A Practice Grammar of German
, Verlag für Deutsch
(2005)
Concise Oxford Duden German-English Dictionary
, OUP
Other Relevant Texts:
J Koppensteiner (1995)
Österreich: Ein landeskundliches Lesebuch
, Verlag für Deutsch
R Burns (ed) (1995)
German Cultural Studies
, OUP
(2008)
Der Fischer Weltalmanach
, Fischer
A Phipps (2002)
Contemporary German Cultural Studies
, Arnold
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Michaela.SchrageFrueh@ul.ie