The Advanced German Studies Minor is aimed at students who already have an advanced language competence. The objective is that students develop a critical understanding of the German-speaking cultures whilst continuing to improve their fluency in the language, in reading and listening comprehension as well as oral and written expression. Students can choose from courses in German language, linguistics, literature, society and cultural studies, including film and gender studies.
German is the most commonly spoken first language in the European Union. With a rich literary and philosophical heritage, German is a language of culture, science, technology, trade and international relations. This role has increased since Germany's reunification with Germany playing a leading role in European politics. Its capital Berlin boasts a dynamic art scene and has become a centre of global youth culture: “Berlin ist cool!”
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- express viewpoints and develop arguments confidently in German, incorporating complex sentence structures. Students can expect to achieve approximately the B2 level or higher of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- use the language for academic purposes, e.g. essay writing with referencing, class presentations, and research related to the German language and associated cultures.
- read, understand, and analyse German literary texts, films, and a range of print, visual and digital media in the context of German-speaking cultures.
- demonstrate an understanding of the modern history of the German-speaking countries.
- demonstrate intercultural awareness.
Relevant Degrees
- Bachelor of Art History and Curatorship (BAHCR)
- Bachelor of Arts (BARTS)
- Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Affairs (BARTVMIA)
- Bachelor of Development Studies (BDEVS)
- Bachelor of European Studies (BEURO)
- Bachelor of International Relations (BIR)
- Bachelor of Languages (BLANG)
- Diploma of Languages (ELANG)
Requirements
The exact sequence of courses depends on students' language proficiency when beginning with the minor. Language level placement tests are held prior to commencement. Students are advised to check prerequisites carefully and plan their minor accordingly.
This minor requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:
A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
GERM3007 German Studies: Advanced German 1
GERM3008 German Studies: Advanced German 2
A maximum of 24 units from completion of courses from the following list:
GERM2020 Postwar German Society
GERM2046 German Cinema
GERM2048 Spoken Interaction in German: Theory and Practice
GERM2112 Selected Topics in German Studies
GERM2113 German Film Since the Wall: Identity, History and Belonging
GERM3020 Contemporary German Society
GERM3046 German Cinema
GERM3048 Spoken Interaction in German: Theory and Practice
GERM3049 Berlin Stories: Places, Words, Images
GERM3050 Gender in German Culture: From Goethe to Trans*
A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
LANG3001 Translation across Languages: the translation of literary texts
LANG3002 Translation across Languages: specialised material
LANG3003 European Narrative
LANG3005 Language and Identity in a European Context
All Language Studies (LANG) courses must have a course topic of German to be included in this major.
A maximum of 12 units may come from completion of courses from the following list:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GERM3007 | German Studies: Advanced German 1 | 6 |
| GERM3008 | German Studies: Advanced German 2 | 6 |
A maximum of 24 units may come from completion of courses from the following list:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GERM2020 | Postwar German Society | 6 |
| GERM2046 | German Cinema | 6 |
| GERM2048 | Spoken Interaction in German: Theory and Practice | 6 |
| GERM2112 | Selected Topics in German Studies | 6 |
| GERM2113 | German Film Since the Wall: Identity, History and Belonging | 6 |
| GERM3020 | Contemporary German Society | 6 |
| GERM3046 | German Cinema | 6 |
| GERM3048 | Spoken Interaction in German: Theory and Practice | 6 |
| GERM3049 | Berlin Stories: Places, Words, Images | 6 |
| GERM3050 | Gender in German Culture: From Goethe to Trans* | 6 |
A maximum of 12 units may come from completion of courses from the following list:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| LANG3001 | Translation across Languages: the translation of literary texts | 6 |
| LANG3002 | Translation across Languages: specialised material | 6 |
| LANG3003 | European Narrative | 6 |
| LANG3005 | Language and Identity in a European Context | 6 |
