German, Cultural Studies: German Speaking Cultures after 1945

The course is offered as a freestanding course. Together with the courses TY1113, TY1114 and TY1115, this course corresponds to the introductory course TY1110.

With German-speaking cultures as a starting point, the course attempts to create a general theoretical understanding of how cultures can be designed, manifested and changed. This is examined on the basis of different themes such as history, politics, geography, education, art. The student improves his or her language proficiency by means of, among other things, German-speaking films, literature and articles, and through discussions and oral and written presentations during the module.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• reflect on the basis of different cultural themes on how different cultures are created, manifested, and changed;

Competence and skills

• describe and reflect on different cultural concepts and apply them on German-speaking cultures; 
• demonstrate skills in reading and listening comprehension, conversation/oral and interaction at a level that corresponds to B1 - B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages;

Judgement and approach

• critically reflect on the reference material used in the course and on his/her own learning process;
• on the basis of the course content, critically reflect on the importance of the acquired knowledge for the surrounding society and on humans' responsibility for how this knowledge is used.

The course is given either as an on-campus course or as an online course. The teaching on the on-campus course includes lectures and seminars. The teaching on the online course includes web-based activities on virtual learning platform and web-based seminars.

Language of instruction: German and Swedish

To what extent the student has achieved the aim of the course is tested through written assignments and oral reviews as well as an oral final examination.

A student who has failed a course item is eligible for a retake exam/assignment. In connection with written assignments, supplementary assignments may be offered in order for the student to achieve a Pass grade. Such a supplementary assignment should be done within the stipulated time (normally five working days after the result has been posted). Otherwise a Fail grade will be reported.

A student who has completed an exam/assignment with a passing grade is not eligible for a retake for the purpose of receiving a higher grade. Nor may a student withdraw a test/assignment once it has been submitted for the purpose of avoiding receiving a grade for the work.

If a student, who has been failed twice on the same course component being examined, wishes to change examiner before the next examination, a written application shall be sent to the department responsible for the course, and shall be granted, unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22, Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg regarding study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may decide, in the case where this is compatible with the learning outcomes for the course, and provided no unreasonable resources are required, to give the student an adjusted examination or an alternative form of examination.

In case the course has been discontinued or undergone any larger changes the student is guaranteed access to at least three additional examination sessions (including regular examination sessions) within the time of at least one year. The same applies to placements and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). To pass with distinction, the grade Pass with distinction is required on at least 50% of the total number of credits that the course constitutes.

The students are given the opportunity to make a written evaluation of the course. The results of the evaluation are published digitally.

The course may be included in a Bachelor's Degree with German as the main field of study but not together with the introductory course in German, TY1110.

In case the student follows the web-based specialisation of the course, the student is expected to have access to a computer with Internet connection as well as a headset with a microphone and headphones.

Equality aspects should be taken into consideration in content, literature, teaching and evaluation.