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.

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 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.

Quizzes

Upon completion of the first and second sections of the course (Germany and Austria), a summarize 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.

Exam

A final exam will be held on four different dates (3 resits) and will be administered via the IS. While students only need to take the test ONCE, they are free to choose whether to take it in January or February. Exam dates are posted in the IS. Please note that students need to register for a specific exam date via the IS. Further information concerning the exam will be given in class at the end of the semester.

First sitting => 25.01.2012

Second sitting => 08.02.2021

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.