GERM 3224 - German IIIB: Culture

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

The aim of this course is to develop students' understanding and critical appreciation of German culture through the study of texts, written and visual, in the framework of their social and historical context. Students will not only develop their cultural understanding, but also their reading and analytical skills and their language proficiency. For details of course content, students should consult the web or the Department handbook.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GERM 3224
    Course German IIIB: Culture
    Coordinating Unit German Studies
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites GERM 2204 or equivalent
    Course Description The aim of this course is to develop students' understanding and critical appreciation of German culture through the study of texts, written and visual, in the framework of their social and historical context. Students will not only develop their cultural understanding, but also their reading and analytical skills and their language proficiency. For details of course content, students should consult the web or the Department handbook.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Ms Judith Wilson

    Judith Wilson
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students:
    1) will be familiar with a range of texts (written and visual) associated with the division of Germany and its reunification 
    2) will have a greater understanding of contemporary German history and culture
    3) will be able to extract, synthesise and critically evaluate information from primary and secondary sources relating to topics treated in the course
    4) will have the ability to work independently and cooperatively to explore some of the issues and questions raised in or by the texts in more depth
    5) will be able to communicate information, ideas and arguments about topics treated in the course cogently and coherently in German
    6) be able to identify ethical, social and cultural issues raised by the texts and interpret them within their social and cultural context
    7) will have a very good basis for further study and research in German Studies, and for travel, study or work in a German-speaking environmentman-speaking environment
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4, 5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 7
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Detailed information will be provided in the Course Profile on MyUni.
    Recommended Resources
    A list of recommended references will be provided in the Course Profile. Additional references will be provided in the course of the semester.
    Online Learning
    For a list of online resources click on Library – Resource Guides – German Studies Resources. Lecture materials will be available online via MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
      
    The modes of teaching and learning employed in the course are largely classroom-based and face-to-face. They include:
    1) a lecture which will provide the historical and social context for the texts on the course.
    2) a seminar based on the various texts on the course and the issues they raise, which will give students the opportunity to study topics in more detail and more depth.
    Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their learning through:
    1) independent personal study
    2) independent e-learning
    3) online access to lecture materials and other resources
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Below are the hours per week students are expected to devote to their German studies in addition to the 3 contact hours.
    Preparation for seminar 2
    Reading 3
    Research for seminar presentation and assignments 4
    Learning Activities Summary
    Students will be provided with a detailed course outline at the beginning of the semester.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    In the seminar students will be given the opportunity to work independently and cooperatively to explore topics and issues that particularly interest them and to embark on their own quest to discover more about German culture and society, past and present.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Seminar presentation, written response, minor research project, major research project.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Lecture – students are expected to attend all classes, but if they are unable to attend the lecture, it is students’ responsibility to contact their lecturer or course coordinator about their absence and to ensure that they get any material that may have been handed out in the lecture missed. Students who require alternative arrangements for assessment or extensions for assignments must notify staff before the due date and must provide evidence that they have legitimate medical or compassionate grounds for their request.
    Seminar – Participation in the seminar is important. You should provide a reason if you are going to be absent.
    Assessment Detail
    The major research project is designed to enable students to explore a particular topic in more depth. Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the topic, their critical engagement with secondary sources on the topic and their ability to develop and express their own point of view.
    The oral presentation in the seminar gives students the opportunity to explore a topic they are interested in and also to practise presenting material in a different format. The presentation (in German) should be approx. 10-12 minutes long and directly related to the themes of the seminar. Material should be provided in a way that makes it accessible and interesting to other members of the seminar.
    In the minor research project students are able to expand on an aspect of their oral presentation. It should be correctly referenced, have a clear structure and be presented in an appropriate register.
    The written response requires students to demonstrate their familiarity with an individual text/film and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
    Submission

    Details will be provided in the Course Profile.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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