SFT11809 German Literature, Culture and Oral Communication (Spring 2026)

• 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: 2. semester (spring).
• One-year German Programme - part-time: 4. semester (spring).
• Bachelor's Programme in Languages with German as one of their chosen languages, 1. year: 2. semester.
• Bachelor's Programme in Languages with German as one of their chosen languages, 2. year: 4. semester.

The course covers literature from the Sturm und Drang period (approximately 1775) up to 1945, and is structured chronologically. The literary texts are described within their historical and literary-historical context.

The oral exercises are based on the curriculum. Among other tasks, students will be assigned to present and discuss relevant topics.

Knowledge

The student

• has a good overview of the literary-historical development, central genres, and authors in the German-speaking countries from the Sturm und Drang period (approximately 1775) up to 1945
• is familiar with the main features of the historical development in the German-speaking countries during the same period
• has an understanding of both the aesthetic aspect of literature and how literature is interconnected with societal development

Skills

The student

• has improved skills in analyzing, interpreting, and conveying literary texts using literary terminology and reading the texts from a cultural-historical perspective
• is capable of independently acquiring relevant historical information
• has strengthened their language skills and achieved good communicative competence both orally and in writing

General competence

The student

• has increased insight into literature and culture from a historical perspective
• has further developed the ability to read, analyze, and discuss literary texts by applying various methodological approaches

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 online meetings.

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

During the semester, three short assignments are to be submitted by specific deadlines. Two of the assignments are written, and one is oral.

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

Individual written home assignment (50%) and oral exam (50%)

Partial exam 1: Individual Written Home Assignment (Literature):
The assignment should be approximately 1500 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. 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.

Partial exam 2: Individual Oral Exam (Culture, Literature, and Oral Communication):
Oral exam, approximately 25-30 minutes. The exam consists of two parts: a presentation and an examination. The student will first give a presentation (approximately 10 minutes). The topic for the presentation is chosen by the student in consultation with the instructor; the topic must be from the time period covered by the course. The presentation topic cannot be identical to the topic of the student's written home assignment. Through the presentation, the student's ability to present a topic independently will be tested. The assessment will focus on content, presentation technique, and language correctness. In addition, there will be an examination on the curriculum in culture and literature (approximately 15-20 minutes).

The exam is conducted online via the learning platform.

Each partial exam counts for 50% of the overall grade. Both partial exam must be passed for the student to receive a grade for the course.

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 in the following way:

• mid-semester evaluation
• ongoing evaluation/final evaluation

The results are processed by:

• Teaching group
• Head of studies
• Programme committee