SFT11608 German Literature and Culture (Autumn 2025)

• Mandatory course in the One-year German Programme (full-time and part-time).
• Mandatory course in the 60 ECTS part of the Bachelor's Programme in Languages for students with German as one of their chosen languages.

• One-year German Programme - full-time: 1. semester (autumn).
• One-year German Programme - part-time 3. semester (autumn).
• Bachelor's Programme in Languages with German as one of their chosen languages, 1. year: 1. semester (autumn).
• Bachelor's Programme in Languages with German as one of their chosen languages, 2. year: 3. semester (autumn).

The course covers literature from the German-speaking countries from 1945 to the present day and is structured chronologically. The literature is examined within a cultural and societal historical context. It provides an introduction to the fundamental terminology and methods of literary studies.

Students practice relating texts and contexts to each other. They should be able to describe, analyze, and understand the connections between literature and societal development.

Knowledge

The student

• has a good overview of the literary-historical development, central genres, and authors in the German-speaking countries from 1945 to the present day
• is familiar with the main features of societal development in the German-speaking countries from 1945 to the present day
• has an understanding of both the aesthetic aspect of literature and how literature is interconnected with societal development

Skills

The student

• has a good ability to understand both literary and simpler academic texts in German
• is capable of reading, discussing, and analyzing literary texts using literary terminology
• is capable of independently acquiring relevant historical information
• can investigate the connections between literary texts and societal development

General competence

The student

• is capable of understanding and writing various types of texts in German
• has increased insight into literature and societal development in the German-speaking countries from 1945 to the present day
• is capable of conveying knowledge in a coherent and understandable manner

The teaching is provided on the university's learning platform Canvas and through online classes on Zoom. Here, the subject matter is presented, and it is assumed that students actively participate in discussions and other online activities related to the academic topics. Therefore, they must be prepared to use both microphone and camera during online classes. It is strongly recommended that students regularly participate in the weekly webinars.

In addition, asynchronous methods are also used, especially in connection with the assignments that constitute coursework requirements.

During the semester, three short mandatory assignments are to be submitted by specific deadlines. See semester schedule for more details

The required coursework is assessed as approved / not approved. Required coursework must be approved before the student can proceed to the exam.

Written individual home assignment

The assignment should be approximately 1200 words in length (+/- 10%), with a bibliography included separately. The text document must meet the formal requirements of an academic home assignment and contain correct references. Further information about the assignment will be provided during the instruction. The assessment will consider comprehension of the text, independence, level of knowledge, and ability to formulate ideas.

All aids are allowed except communication and collaboration with others on the assignment.

Grading scale A-F.

Feedback from our students is crucial for us to be able to offer the best possible courses and study programmes. This course is evaluated as follows:

• mid-semester evaluation
• ongoing evaluation/final evaluation

The results are processed by:

• Teacher group
• Head of studies
• Programme committee