Module Code - Title:

GE4627 - GERMAN LITERATURE AND CULTURE 5: ASPECTS OF 20TH CENTURY LITERATURE

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

1

Lab

0

Tutorial

2

Other

0

Private

7

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

To examine aspects of 20th century writing in German through close study of individual texts.

Syllabus:

The works covered in this module may be drawn from the Expressionist Movement, Weimar and exile literature, and post-war writing. Aspects which may be considered include literature and cultural identity, the role of literature in political change, the writer as social critic and women's writing.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: * develop an understanding of the political and social upheaval of the 20th century and its reflection in literature, film and other cultural artefacts * assess the particular characteristics of literary movements in 20th century literature in German * analyse and interpret literary texts in their historical, cultural and socio-political context * assess the importance of key Austrian, German and Swiss authors and their national and international significance * employ appropriate academic writing skills and demonstrate confident integration of secondary literature (both in English and German) using referencing conventions correctly * critically assess specific aspects of literature in German in written and spoken form

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: * demonstrate an independent critical appreciation of the importance of inter-textuality and other inter-dependencies within literature, film and art.

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. 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.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

B Schlink (1997) Der Vorleser , Diogenes

M Feldenkirchen (2010) Was zusammengehoert , Kein & Aber

Other Relevant Texts:

T Buck et al. (1985) Geschichte der deutschen Literatur - Von der Weimarar republik bis zum Kaiserreich , Klett

W Emmerich (1996) Kleine Literaturgeschichte der DDR 3rd rev ed. , Kiepenheuer

H Mayer (1991) Deutsche Literatur nach zwei Weltkriegen 1945-1985 , suhrkamp

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Spring

Module Leader:

Michaela.SchrageFrueh@ul.ie