Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GER1790syllabus2019 20
GER1790syllabus2019 20
Course Meetings
Course Team
Germany might exemplify the problems, conflicts, and possibilities of the modern world better
than any other single state. It has careened from an open democracy to brutal dictatorship, been
united, divided, and united again in a little over 100 years, embraced the rational optimism of the
Enlightenment and the racism of Nazi Germany culminating in the Holocaust. This course
examines cultural representations of contemporary and historical Germany from an
interdisciplinary perspective. Examining cultural, political and social discourses, we will consider
the tensions that have characterized "Germany" historically and in the present day through the lens
of texts that include e.g. literature, film, art, journalistic and political writing. Particular attention
will be paid to: Nationalism and multiculturalism, authority and resistance, competing visions of
democracy or freedom, religion and rationalism, the role of Germany in Europe and the world, and
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the effect of the past on contemporary German society.
NOTE: The course is offered entirely in English and assumes no knowledge of German. It also can be
chosen to fulfill degree requirements in the European Studies program and is a first-year general
education course.
Please refer also to the Moodle site for the course and the official course website, which
includes links to important official information on:
● York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures / Academic Integrity Web site
● Religious Observance Accommodation
● Student Code of Conduct
● Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities inc. alternate exam and test
scheduling
● Grading Scheme and Feedback Policy.
Grading Scheme
Given the importance that lectures have in making sense of readings and historical events
and maintaining the flow of discussion beyond the tutorial rooms, your final grade for
participation will be reflect lecture attendance, preparation for and participation in tutorials.
A percentage of the participation grade will be based on your clicker responses in lectures
and occasional mini-quizzes in tutorials.
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Fall Test 15%
At the end of the first term, during the last lecture of the class, there will be a test
designed to test your knowledge of key course material. The test will cover all texts
examined in the first term as well as the historical and political information presented in
lectures. You will be informed of the format of the test two weeks in advance.
NOTE: Papers and assignments are due when indicated on the course outline. The instructors are
not obliged to accept papers/assignments handed in late. If accepted, late papers/assignments will
receive a reduced grade.
Due dates:
Library Assignment: October 8 – 10%
Fall Essay: November 12 – 10%
Fall Test: Dec 3 (in lecture) – 15%
Winter Essay: March 3 (in lecture) – 25%
Winter Test: March 31 (in lecture) – 20%
If illness or some other emergency prevents you from attending class when a test or exam is
written, you must contact the instructor as soon as possible, but in any event prior to the return
of the marked tests.
The best way to avoid problems in any course is to read carefully, attend regularly, and
participate actively. If you experience problems with the work of the course, or if for some
reason you must miss classes or cannot hand in a paper on time, the best idea is to speak to the
instructor. It is a lot easier to make special arrangements if the instructor knows what is going on
(and the instructors are more likely to feel disposed to do so, if informed in good time).
Another potential problem area is plagiarism. We shall be discussing plagiarism (and how to
avoid it) in class. However, you are responsible for being aware of the definition and
consequences of plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty as listed in the
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Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies section of the York University Undergraduate
Calendar. The consequences of a conviction for plagiarism can be severe. So once again, if in
doubt, please ask. Please note that “… a student accused of academic dishonesty may not drop
or be deregistered from the course in question until a final decision is reached. Students may not
drop courses in which they have been penalized for academic dishonesty.”
You will be required to purchase one book for the course (in paperback, available at the
York University Bookstore). All other mandatory readings are listed in the syllabus and
available for download on the Moodle site of the course.
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Schedule of Lectures, Readings and
Tutorials
Important: Please note that this is only an abbreviated version of our schedule. For complete
information on the readings, assignment and deadlines, as well as university regulations
and policies pertaining to the course, please refer to the Moodle course website.
March 24: The Presence of the Past – Memory Culture since 1990
Readings:
Bernhard Schlink, The Presence of the Past (Moodle)
Tutorials: Discussion of readings, review