GERMANY SINCE 1945: POLITICS, ECONOMY AND SOCIETY - 2021/2

Module Overview

This module is taught in the target language in Semester 2.

Module provider

School of Literature and Languages

Module Leader

HUGHES Helen (Lit & Langs)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

The following areas are indicative of topics to be covered:
The state and its citizens
The constitution
The political parties
The electoral system
State political institutions
Regional politics and institutions
The relationship of the target country with the European Union and other international organisations
Foreign policy
Economic policies
Economic structure
Economic performance
Financial institutions
Trades Unions and employers’ organisations

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

• Knowledge and understanding of the use of the target language;


• Ability to analyse and interpret texts;


• Ability to select and synthesise information from written and oral texts;


• Ability to take notes effectively and use IT skills to find and present relevant information;


• Subject-specific knowledge of German history and culture.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Written assignment of 1500 words (to be submitted after week 8). Takes the form of a literature review, enabling students to develop subject specific knowledge, improve their written German, and develop research skills.


• Two hour exam. Students answer eight questions, in German, on various topics covered in the module. Assesses ability to write accurate and appropriate German, demonstrate knowledge and understanding of topics covered.

Formative assessment and feedback

Formative assessment will focus on student participation and class discussions throughout the module. Students will be provided with detailed written feedback following coursework assignments. Verbal feedback will also occur in class and individual appointments if required.

Module aims

• To equip students with knowledge and understanding of the major political and economic institutions, the contexts in which they were created and evolved and their relevance in German speaking societies.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Enable students to develop their language skills as a medium for understanding, expression and communication, through listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language;


• Enable students to acquire explicit knowledge of the linguistic structures, grammar and stylistic registers through attending classes and reading in the target language;


• Encourage student participation and learner autonomy, through small group classes, reading outside contact hours and participating in seminars;


• Develop research skills, through reading and presenting findings, through informal class presentations and in the written assignment;


• Enable students to engage in analytical and evaluative thinking, to analyse and interpret texts and other cultural products, through attending classes and engaging in individual study;


• Develop communication skills through interactions in class;


• Acquire a broad knowledge of the history, culture and institutions of the societies in which German is used.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Two contact hours per week over Semester 2.


• Classes will include lectures, seminars and group activities;


• Students are expected to read and view materials outside classes in order to follow lectures and participate in seminars.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: GER2036

Other information

None

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.