GERM 3225 - Introduction to German Literature

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

Introduction to German Literature is a core Topics course of the Department of European Languages, and Linguistics. Taught at a lower-advanced level entirely in the target language, the course introduces students to the study of literature through a focus on canonical and popular literary texts. Although the specific focus of the course will vary from semester to semester, you can expect to encounter a broad range of genres and historical periods. This course is designed to be a forum where students can use their encounter with literature to hone their language skills in the areas of speaking, writing, listening and reading. For students enrolling through German Studies, the course introduces you to German Literature and its cultural contexts. Course readings, presented in the form of short texts or excerpts, gradually increase in linguistic and thematic complexity. They are taken from a range of literary genres, including poetry, the short story and the novel, and cover the major literary periods from the 18th to the 21st centuries. A focus throughout the course: developing language tools to read, understand and critically interpret German literary texts and to effectively communicate ideas about those texts orally and in writing. Taught entirely in German.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GERM 3225
    Course Introduction to German Literature
    Coordinating Unit European Languages, and Linguistics
    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 N
    Prerequisites GERM 2204
    Assumed Knowledge GERM 2203
    Assessment Oral presentation, Quizzes x 2, Essay, Group research project
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Stefan Hajduk

    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 will demonstrate:

    1. a critical understanding of important aspects of German history and European culture and the improved linguistic skills to deal with their representation in different media (textual, visual)
    2. the linguistic ability to identify, analyse, and evaluate cultural artefacts within their social, political and historical context including the history of media and knowledge
    3. a better understanding of the processes of the generating and translation of meaning in the use of German for describing and analysing textual and visual materials
    4. the ability to extract, synthesise and critically evaluate information from German primary and secondary sources in digital databases and libraries relating to course topics
    5. the ability to work independently and cooperatively to explore issues and questions raised by texts and visual materials treated in the course and generate their own ideas
    6. the ability to communicate information, ideas and arguments about topics treated in the course cogently, coherently, and with a degree of German on the upper-intermediate level, B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages
    7. the ability to identify ethical, social, and literary issues relating topics treated in the course and assess their broader implications including transcultural perspectives
    8. the knowledge base & analytical skills for further study & research in German Studies & the intercultural understanding desirable for students wanting to travel, work or study in Germany and Europe
    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 2, 3, 4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    5, 6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    6, 8

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    2, 6, 7, 8

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    4

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    7, 8
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • 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

    No information currently available.

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    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
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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