Module Code - Title:
GE4621
-
GERMAN LITERATURE AND CULTURE 1: INTRODUCTION TO GERMAN LITERATURE
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To give an overview over the different ways of approaching a literary text, the different genres and text types, defining their characteristics.
To introduce students to the major periods and movements in the history of German literature focusing on its interrelatedness with other European literatures in conjunction with the general lecture (to be continued in the Spring Semester). To develop students' analytic and interpretative skills.
Syllabus:
Lecture: What is literature? How do we interpret a literary text? A brief history of German literature.
Tutorials: a) analysing literary examples from different periods; b) detailed analysis of a longer text in the German language; introduction to the interpretation of literary texts in a foreign language.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
* identify the major periods in German literary history
* identify the main literary genres, with particular focus on those prevailing in literature in German
* evaluate arguments relating to characterization, narrative strategies and interpretation with respect to the prescribed texts.
* demonstrate competency in using a range of analytical tools in the critical reading of literary texts
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
* demonstrate an appreciation of the multi-layered nature of literary text.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Not applicable.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
A one-hour lecture will be supported by a two hour seminar in which literary and visual texts related to the lecture will be analysed and discussed, starting with a mixture of English and German and progressively in German. Students will be engaged in active learning both inside and outside the classroom and will be encouraged to carry out self-directed work (e.g. essays and oral presentations) related to the material covered on this module.
Prime Texts:
F Dürrenmatt (1985)
Der Richter und sein Henker (English translation version used for beginners)
, Diogenes
P Goenewold, H Rours, H Würzner (1998)
Abenteuer Literatur
, Schroedel
Other Relevant Texts:
J Grützmacher (1987)
Literarische Grundbegriffe kurzgefasst
, Klett
W Beutin et al (1993)
A History of German Literature
, Routledge
J Vogt (2008)
Einladung zur Literaturwissenschaft
, UTB
F Oberhauser (1983)
literarischer Führer durch Deutschland
, Insel
H Schlosser (1983)
DTV Atlas zur deutschen Literatur
, dtv
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED LANGUAGES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EUROPEAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN LANGUAGES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Julia.Weiss@ul.ie