Students

GMN 275 – German Literature and Culture

2018 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Brangwen Stone
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Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
GMN287
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This is a reading unit, and involves a number of short twentieth century texts that are studied taking into account their historical and cultural contexts. The unit introduces students to the basic tools for analysing literary texts. This unit is strongly recommended to students who have the necessary prerequisites, as it helps them develop their reading skills and, at the same time, introduces them to important aspects of German culture and society. Assessment is by coursework.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • To acquire and extend reading strategies leading to the understanding of short authentic literary texts written in the German language
  • To extend the active and passive knowledge of German vocabulary.
  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To develop the basic tools for analysing literary texts.
  • To develop the ability to engage in creative ways with literary texts.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To work collaborative with others, taking into account and respecting their points of view while providing convincing arguments for one's own opinon.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

General Assessment Information

Indicative examples of assessment tasks will be available on iLearn.

Late Assessment Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
4 Assignments 55% No Weeks 2, 4, 6 & 8
Final Essay 25% No Week 13
Participation 20% No Weekly

4 Assignments

Due: Weeks 2, 4, 6 & 8
Weighting: 55%

Word length: 200 - 300 words (in German)

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To acquire and extend reading strategies leading to the understanding of short authentic literary texts written in the German language
  • To extend the active and passive knowledge of German vocabulary.
  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To develop the ability to engage in creative ways with literary texts.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

Final Essay

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 25%

word length: 600 -800 words (in German), free choice of text


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To acquire and extend reading strategies leading to the understanding of short authentic literary texts written in the German language
  • To extend the active and passive knowledge of German vocabulary.
  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To develop the basic tools for analysing literary texts.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

Participation

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 20%

- blog entries (8) & online forum discussions (external students)

- blog entries (8), online forum & class discussions (on-campus-students)

 

Blog entries (8) are designed to generate the informal exchange of ideas which stem from the texts studied in this course. For the relevant dates please refer to iLearn. Late contributions will not be accepted.

Preparation: Students are expected to prepare the course work according to the timetable available in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To acquire and extend reading strategies leading to the understanding of short authentic literary texts written in the German language
  • To extend the active and passive knowledge of German vocabulary.
  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To develop the basic tools for analysing literary texts.
  • To develop the ability to engage in creative ways with literary texts.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To work collaborative with others, taking into account and respecting their points of view while providing convincing arguments for one's own opinon.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

Delivery and Resources

For current updates, lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetables website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

Required texts:The set texts will be made available to you via the online platform (iLearn).

Recommended texts:

You will need to work with a German dictionary in this course. A smaller dictionary (e.g. Collins, Pons, Langenscheidt etc) will be sufficient for this unit, but for continued study of German you might want to buy a more comprehensive one.

  • Terrell, P. et al, Collins German-English, English-German

 

(Großwörterbuch Deutsch-Englisch, Englisch-Deutsch)

You can consult a good online dictionary following the link http://dict.leo.org/.

Please ensure that you check the meaning of the German word which you have looked up by typing it into the search box; this way you are provided with all the nuances of its English meaning.

We suggest that you start working with a monolingual dictionary as soon as possible. In a monolingual dictionary, an explanation of the German word is given in German. There is one such dictionary written with the intermediate and upper intermediate level learner of German in mind, which we recommend:

  • Götz, D., Haensch, G. & H. Wellmann, Langenscheidts Großwörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Berlin/München: Latest edition.

As these are rather costly, we will provide a copy for you to work with in W6A 209 and there is also a copy available in the library.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Online Unit

Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

Is my unit in iLearn?: http://help.ilearn.mq.edu.au/unitsonline/ to check when your online unit will become available.

Technology

Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.

For students attending classes on campus we strongly encourage that you bring along your own laptop computer, ready to work with activities in your online unit. The preferred operating system is Windows 10.

Students are required to access the online unit in iLearn by the end of Week 1 and follow any relevant instructions and links for downloads that may be required. If applicable, students are required to download the relevant language package prior to Week 2.

Please contact your course convenor before the end of Week 1 if you do not have a suitable laptop (or tablet) for in-class use.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • To develop the ability to engage in creative ways with literary texts.

Assessment tasks

  • 4 Assignments
  • Participation

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To develop the basic tools for analysing literary texts.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To work collaborative with others, taking into account and respecting their points of view while providing convincing arguments for one's own opinon.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

Assessment tasks

  • 4 Assignments
  • Final Essay
  • Participation

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To develop the ability to engage in creative ways with literary texts.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To work collaborative with others, taking into account and respecting their points of view while providing convincing arguments for one's own opinon.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

Assessment tasks

  • 4 Assignments
  • Final Essay
  • Participation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire and extend reading strategies leading to the understanding of short authentic literary texts written in the German language
  • To extend the active and passive knowledge of German vocabulary.
  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To develop the basic tools for analysing literary texts.
  • To develop the ability to engage in creative ways with literary texts.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

Assessment tasks

  • 4 Assignments
  • Final Essay
  • Participation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire and extend reading strategies leading to the understanding of short authentic literary texts written in the German language
  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To develop the basic tools for analysing literary texts.
  • To develop the ability to engage in creative ways with literary texts.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To work collaborative with others, taking into account and respecting their points of view while providing convincing arguments for one's own opinon.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

Assessment tasks

  • 4 Assignments
  • Final Essay
  • Participation

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To develop the basic tools for analysing literary texts.
  • To develop the ability to engage in creative ways with literary texts.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To work collaborative with others, taking into account and respecting their points of view while providing convincing arguments for one's own opinon.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

Assessment tasks

  • 4 Assignments
  • Final Essay
  • Participation

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire and extend reading strategies leading to the understanding of short authentic literary texts written in the German language
  • To extend the active and passive knowledge of German vocabulary.
  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To develop the basic tools for analysing literary texts.
  • To develop the ability to engage in creative ways with literary texts.
  • To work collaborative with others, taking into account and respecting their points of view while providing convincing arguments for one's own opinon.

Assessment tasks

  • 4 Assignments
  • Final Essay
  • Participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To work collaborative with others, taking into account and respecting their points of view while providing convincing arguments for one's own opinon.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

Assessment tasks

  • 4 Assignments
  • Final Essay
  • Participation

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To develop strategies for discussing authentic texts in German.
  • To gain first insights into literary and cultural developments which have shaped Germany’s culture past and present.
  • To work collaborative with others, taking into account and respecting their points of view while providing convincing arguments for one's own opinon.
  • To gain a first insight into the specific character of German literary and cultural concerns from a comparative cross-cultural point of view.

Assessment tasks

  • 4 Assignments
  • Final Essay
  • Participation