IREb2014 Culture, Society and Politics in the German-speaking Countries

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2022
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Maya Higgins, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Martin Chovančík, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Tue 10:00–11:40 exP52
Prerequisites
! IRE214 German-speaking Countries && !NOW( IRE214 German-speaking Countries )
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.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 50 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 15/50, only registered: 0/50
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 15 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
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.
Learning outcomes
Students will become familiar with histories, politics and cultural diversity in the German-speaking countries. Students will gain insights into ideas, trends and discourses that have shaped the 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.).
Syllabus
  • The syllabus will be available in the IS in the first week of the semester.
Literature
    required literature
  • Gunlicks, A. (2003). The Länder and German Federalism. Manchester University Press. Fulbrook, M. (1992). The divided nation: a history of Germany, 1918-1990. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Thornhill, C. (2007). German Political Philosophy: The Metaphys
Teaching methods
Lectures and class discussions.
Assessment methods
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 BOTH 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.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2020, Autumn 2021, Autumn 2023.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2022, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2022/IREb2014