General Introduction
Course Description and Objectives
Course Description
This interdisciplinary course provides students with an extensive introduction to the three largest German-speaking societies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. During the semester, we will review and discuss specific social, political, and cultural events occurring in the last century that significantly affected the different German-speaking countries. Contemporary political developments and social challenges will also be discussed and evaluated against the background of historical processes. Among the various topics included in the course are European politics and world wars; the German split, unification and reunification; social diversity, and contemporary minority culture.
Course Objectives
Students will become familiar with histories, politics, and cultural diversity in German-speaking countries. Students will gain insights into ideas, trends, and discourses that have shaped contemporary German, Austrian, and Swiss societies. Gaining relevant knowledge would enable students to discuss similarities and differences as well as analyze current events in a broader spectrum (the future of the EU, the rise of the political right, etc.).
Prerequisites
- This course is offered in English with all readings and discussions in this language. As such, proficiency in English to an academic standard is required.
- Don't worry if English is not your native language! minor linguistic errors will not affect the assessment of your work. However, you should be able to clearly communicate knowledge obtained in the course, in writing.
The Grades
Grades will be based on two quizzes (40%) and a final exam (60%). Students are expected to read the required literature for each session and attend the lectures. Successful completion of the course requires the successful completion of ALL grade components.
Final grades will be given according to the following criteria:
100-95 points = A ; 94-88 points = B ; 87-77 points = C ; 76-68 points = D ; 67-60 points = E ; < 60 points = F = failed.
The Quizzes
Upon completion of the first (02.11.2021) and second (23.11.2021) sections of the course (dedicated to Germany and Austria), a summarized quiz will be held in class. Each quiz will include ten multiple-choice questions and two open questions. Please make sure not to miss the quizzes as they cannot be repeated or taken on a different date.
The Exam
A final exam will be held on four different dates (3 resits). While students only need to take the test ONCE, they are free to choose when to write it. Exam dates will be made public a month prior to the examination period. Students should register for the chosen sitting via the IS up to 48h before the exam. It is recommended NOT to wait for the third sitting to take the exam for the first time. Further information concerning the exam will be given in class at the end of the semester.
General Notes
Even though this is a lecture, not a seminar, your active participation in class is expected and particularly valued. After every session, the power-point presentation used will be uploaded to the IS.
