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Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PL10792: Deutschland 1871 - 1945

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: ES33EX67
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
This course provides the foundations to the study of German history and culture from German unification in 1871, through the Weimar Republic and ending with the period of National Socialism. It provides an introduction to important historical and cultural debates which shaped the new German nation, focusing on questions of identity and democracy. Students will examine the political and social structures in the Kaiserreich and the Weimar Republic, and the rise of National Socialism. Socio-cultural developments will also be analysed through study of literary texts, films and visual art.

Learning Outcomes:
Students who complete the unit will be able to:
* understand the main historical developments in Germany from unification in 1871 to the rise of the Nazi party in the 1930s
* engage critically with contested terms relating to this period of German history
* understand the reasons for the emergence of the National Socialist movement
* debate the key cultural trends in this period in literature, art, music and cinema
* analyse a number of literary and cinematic texts in their political context.

Skills:
Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, effective communication in the target language, teamwork and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are developed and assessed in this unit.

Content:
The course is divided in three parts. The first explores the emergence of a sense of national identity in nineteenth century Germany. It traces the subsequent unification of the country and the ensuing political weaknesses of the the Wilhelmine period. The second focuses on the interwar Weimar period with a particular emphasis on its vibrant cultural scene. The third focuses on the period of National Socialism. It traces the growth of the National Socialist Party in Germany and examines the causes of its success.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PL10792 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AYB12 : BA (hons) German and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB05 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French and German) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB06 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (German and ab initio Italian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB07 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (German and ab initio Russian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB02 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (German and Italian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB23 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (German and Spanish) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.