Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module GERM3131: THE (AUTO) BIOGRAPHICAL TURN IN GERMAN LITERATURE

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (German)

GERM3131: THE (AUTO) BIOGRAPHICAL TURN IN GERMAN LITERATURE

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • German Language 2 (GERM2021) or German Language 2 and Year Abroad (GERM2111), or an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

  • Modern European Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: German Language 4 (GERM3071). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her reprentative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To examine the reasons for the increased interest in questions of biography and autobiography in German-language literature of the 1970s and early 1980s, and to explore the way in which the texts problematise the epistemological and representational aspects of personal identity and of historical knowledge.

Content

  • Background study concerning literary trends in the post-war period, especially those of the post-1968 era.
  • a theoretical component involving a study of recent historiography and identity theory.
  • and the detailed analysis of selected texts, of which the following list is provisional: Dieter K_apos;N' and 'Josephine: Aus dem _ntlichen Leben der Josephine Baker', Wolfgang Hildesheimer, 'Marbot: Eine Biographie', Max Frisch, 'Montauk', Thomas Bernhard, 'Die Ursache.
  • Eine Andeutung', Peter Handke, 'Wunschloses Ungl_eter H_ling, 'Nachgetragene Liebe'.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module students should be able to demonstrate a greater awareness of the problems involved in writing and reading biography and autobiography. These include the problems of knowledge, narrativity, and identity. They should also be equipped with the conceptual tools necessary for analysing complex (auto-)biographical texts.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:
    • Witten argumentation and presentation.

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • The course is taught by means of a weekly 2-hour seminar. This module is taught and examined in English
    • Students are required to attend all seminars and expected to prepare themselves for classes and participate actively in discussion.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Tutorials 3 Termly 1 hour 3
    Seminars 22 Weekly 2 hours 44
    Preparation and Reading 153
    Total 200

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    one-and-a-half hour written examination 100%
    Component: Essay Component Weighting: 50%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    assessed essay of 2000 words 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    2 essays.


    Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University