GER 343C: Contemporary German Civilization

Description:

This course will follow the radical changes in German society during the twentieth century. We begin by discussing World War I and the subsequent establishment of the Weimar Republic, then we consider the period of National Socialism and the origins of World War II. After that we examine the post-war occupation of Germany and the development of two German states, the FRG and the GDR, with a discussion of some of their political and social differences. Finally, we look at the process of German unification and the recent events in the Federal Republic.

Student work for this class is based on recall and a synthesis of reading and writing assignments, but also requires participation in class discussions and several types of assigned oral presentations. Students need to have taken Advanced German Grammar and Advanced Conversation and Composition prior to enrolling in this course. It is conducted entirely in German.



Assignments:

Reading assignments are due on the day indicated on the syllabus. Unless otherwise noted, the pages cited are from Geschichtsbuch 4: Die Menschen und ihre Geschichte in Darstellungen und Dokumenten. (Berlin: Cornelsen, 1996; ISBN 3-464-64204-6). Other readings listed on the syllabus will be from the packet of materials available online with a password.

Film assignments (Triumph des Willens, Berlin, Symphonie einer Großstadt, Metropolis, Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum) noted on the syllabus are required course work and excerpts can be viewed before class on the date due and are available in the UGL Audiovisual Lab under the call numbers listed on the syllabus and in the MEZES LIATS Lab, Room 2.104.

Written assignments for this class ask students for ten summary analyses of assigned readings. You will receive a handout with the description and grading criteria for these assignments; they are due on the dates specified on the syllabus. Reading notes should not exceed one page in length and should be typed or written legibly, double-spaced and proof read. Written narratives must also be submitted in conjunction with individual oral presentations. You will also receive a handout with the description and grading criteria for these assignments.

ALL WRITTEN WORK MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CLASS HOUR. A FOLDER IS PROVIDED FOR THIS PURPOSE. Email attachments or late submissions not accepted.

Online quizzes for this class are available on Blackboard as indicated on the syllabus. They consist of multiple choice and true / false questions and are timed. You will receive a handout with the description and grading criteria for quizzes.

Oral reports (Präsentationen) will be given by individual students throughout the semester. They will be based on readings, films, and music available from the instructor. You will receive a handout with the description and grading criteria for oral reports.

Debates (Debatten) are based on taking individual positions described in designated reading assignments. You will receive a handout with the description and grading criteria for debates.

Examinations will be given for the three historical epochs covered in the course (WWI and the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, Post-war Germanys and their unification). The first two will be taken in class and final exam on Blackboard on or before the day noted on the exam schedule. All exams will consist of short answer and essay questions on material covered in class and on quizzes.

Grading:

Ten Quizzes (2 points each) 20%
Lesenotizen based on readings 20%
Debatten and written paragraph version of oral position 20%
Präsentationen with 5 points each for oral and written versions 10%
Examinations (10% each) 30%
With more than two unexcused absences you forfeit 10% of your final grade.

Please ask if you have any questions. I want to make this course as interesting, even handed, and accessible as possible!

NO LATE WORK NOR EMAIL VERSIONS ACCEPTED; NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES; MINUS ONE LETTER GRADE FOR MORE THAN TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Last update: January 2007
Website maintained by Bob Swaffar.
Report problems to: swaffar@mail.utexas.edu