GER40250 Gegenwartsprosa

Academic Year 2018/2019

In this module we will read and analyse a selection of recent German 'family' or 'generational' novels. In close-readings and analyses, drawing on a wide-ranging body of secondary literature and some key theoretical concepts, we will explore the ways in which these literary texts contribute to and shape current debates about (cultural) memory, the legacy of war and a divided Germany. We will also consider how these texts reflect on shifting concepts of generation, of home and belonging, gendered identitied and family relationships in a globalised, digitised world.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module students will:
be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of the changing role of 'generational' and 'family' novels in the culture of German-speaking countries.
understand, be able to summarise and also to apply key theoretical concepts in discussions of recent literary texts
develop and present orally a set of theses about a selected text or texts, drawing on secondary and theoretical materials
develop and express in writing a coherent, well-articulated and appropriately referenced analysis of selected primary texts
demonstrate a good understanding and an appropriate control of scholarly techniques such as essay planning, researching, writing, referencing and socio-historical contextualisation.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

20

Specified Learning Activities

20

Autonomous Student Learning

80

Total

120

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.



 
Description % of Final Grade Timing
Essay: Essay of ca.5,000 words

70

Coursework (End of Trimester)
Continuous Assessment: Oral presentation/ Thesenpapier

30

Unspecified

Compensation

This module is not passable by compensation

Resit Opportunities

In-semester assessment

Remediation

If you fail this module you may re-sit or repeat it as appropriate. The re-sit assessment consists of a 5,000 word essay and a 10-minute oral presentation and 10-minute discussion of key themes and ideas explored in the module.