976421 Contemporary Germany

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: International Studies: International Studies and Global Societies
Credit points: 8 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): (976001 Foundations in International Studies AND 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): CBK90005 Country Choice combined Degrees with BA IntStud) OR ((64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09089 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09091 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09093-C09096, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10359 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10361-C10364, and Category Type = Bachelor's Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10365-C10368, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10369 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10370 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Bachelor of International Studies OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10371 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10372-C10383, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10276 Bachelor of Music and Sound Design OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10277 Bachelor of Music and Sound Design Bachelor of International Studies))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 979514 Contemporary Germany

Description

This subject, which combines lecture-based, independent and collaborative learning, is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of contemporary German history, politics, society and culture in national, continental and global contexts. Students develop critical thinking skills relevant to the multidisciplinary nature of the subject. The subject also provides students with skills to identify major contemporary issues that shape present-day German society, and introduces theoretical and methodological frameworks for students to engage in intercultural research. Students are encouraged to develop critical problem-solving and research-led analytical skills. These frameworks and skills are crucial to the In-country Studies subjects, for which this subject is a prerequisite.

In weeks 2 and 12 students follow an umbrella program shared by all contemporary European society subjects, which introduces them to general issues relating to contemporary Europe: definitions of Europe, internal divisions within Europe, and Europe in crisis. From week 3 - 11, they pursue a separate program, focusing on contemporary Germany. Insights are gained into German history, politics and culture since the Second World War, including East and West Germany and the post-unification period. Topics cover the contested nature of German identity and memory of Germany's past, social movements and terrorism, economic development, immigration and Germany's international role, as well as language issues; German popular culture is dealt with throughout the subject.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a.	Reflect on and analyse contemporary Germany in its historical, political, cultural, social, and economic dimensions.
b.	Employ approaches and frameworks to engage in historical, political, cultural, social and economic inquiry.
c.	Apply knowledges of Germany ethically in their reflective and inquiry-based works.
d.	Demonstrate critical problem-solving and research-led analytical skills in the context of Germany.
e.	Communicate effectively in English the findings of independent inquiries and reflections in written form.
f.	Maintain good academic practice, observing ethics and referencing standards.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):

Evaluate critically theoretical and specialised knowledge of contemporary societies, cultures and workplaces. (INT.2.1)
Understand and engage with cultural diversities in Australia and/or internationally. (INT.3.1)
Engage critically with current issues to act in socially responsible ways in Australian and international settings. (INT.5.1)
Communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken language using diverse digital technologies. (INT.6.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Contemporary Germany combines lectures, tutorials, collaborative in-class learning, reflection and individual research.

Lectures provide students with an overview of key theoretical concepts and historical context. Assigned readings and in-class activities are designed for students to engage with and reflect on these concepts and contexts. Tutorials also provide the training and skills required to complete the assessment tasks: visual analysis, critical reflection, annotated bibliographies, essays and scoping a research topic.

Contemporary Germany requires student engagement in and outside of class. Multimedia resources are provided to students in tutorials and online, and these resources can be used to complete assessment tasks where appropriate. Students are encouraged to apply critical thinking skills to their weekly reflections and assessment tasks. Contemporary Germany also allows students a good degree of flexibility to choose their own topic for their essays in consultation with their tutor based on their individual interests and disciplinary background.

Formative feedback on students' reflective writing will be provided in the week 3 tutorial. Extensive feedback will be provided on students’ Essay Proposal, giving students the opportunity to refine their Essay topic based on tutor feedback.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Reflective Learning Journal Part 1

Objective(s):

a, c, d, e and f

Weight:

20%

Length:

2 x 250 word edited reflections. Total 500 words.

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Relevance and strength of evidence	20	c	INT.2.1
Depth of reflection	30	a	INT.3.1
Strength of scholarly analysis	30	d	INT.2.1, INT.5.1
Coherence, clarity of expression and presentation	20	e, f	INT.5.1, INT.6.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Essay

Objective(s):

a, b, c, d, e and f

Weight:

40%

Length:

1000 words

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Relevance and appropriateness of topic	15	a, b, c	INT.2.1, INT.3.1
Depth of analysis	55	a, b, c, d	INT.2.1, INT.3.1, INT.5.1
Clarity and organisation	20	e	INT.6.1
Adherence to ethics and referencing standards	10	f	INT.6.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Reflective Learning Journal Part 2

Objective(s):

a, c, d, e and f

Weight:

40%

Length:

2 x 500 word edited reflections and 1 x 500 word global reflection. Total 1500 words.

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Relevance and strength of evidence	20	c	INT.2.1
Depth of reflection	30	a	INT.3.1
Strength of scholarly analysis	30	d	INT.2.1, INT.5.1
Coherence, clarity of expression and presentation	20	e, f	INT.6.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Required texts

Weekly readings, which reinforce and expand on lectures, provide useful information on cultural-case studies, and use methodologies that may be relevant for those students going on In Country Studies next year, are given on a weekly basis. They are divided into essential and supplementary readings. The essential weekly readings are either available through a standard UTS library catalogue search (for journal articles and some e-books), or have been placed on the UTS Library Digital Resource Register (print book chapters). The readings are intended to provide students with a solid grounding in the issues raised and discussed each week. To take full advantage of the subject, students should read in advance and do additional research beyond each week’s main & supplementary readings.

Students should be aware of the Policies and Procedures for Assessment of Coursework Subjects.