German Language and Literature

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The linguistic part of the course provides an introduction to central subdisciplines in German (Germanic) linguistics. These can include morphology, syntax, semantics, phonology, word formation, text linguistics / text grammar, pragmatics, or didactics.

The literature part of the course provides an introduction to central directions in modern literary theory and methods. This can include metaphor theory, genre theory, narrative studies, hermeneutics, psychoanalysis, reception theory, critical theory, postcolonial theory, or gender studies.

TYS307 is a required part of the Master's degree in German.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

The student

  • has knowledge of central subdisciplines in Germanic linguistics and literature studies
  • has knowledge of subject terminology and concepts related to the subdisciplines
  • has knowledge of writing traditions and text conventions in the subdisciplines

Skills:

The student

  • can analyze texts using analysis tools from the different subdisciplines
  • can independently use subject terminology and concepts related to the subdisciplines
  • can formulate texts that follow the traditions and conventions of the subdisciplines
  • can discuss relevant theoretical problems, orally and in writing

Competence:

The student

  • can independently update and expand their knowledge of the different subdisciplines in Germanic linguistics and literary studies
  • is prepared with the writing techniques needed to write a Master¿s thesis

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
TYS317 (7.5 credits), TYS316 (7.5 credits)
Access to the Course
The course is open to all with admission to the Master's program in German at the University of Bergen.
Teaching and learning methods

The classes are a combination of lecture and seminar in which students are expected to participate actively. There will be two two-hour classes a week for 12 weeks. There will be 12 two-hour classes in linguistics and 12 two-hour classes in literature.

In the case that few students register for a course, the organized teaching may be adapted to fit the number of students. If this occurs, students will be informed at the start of the semester, and before the registration deadline 1. February/1. September.¿

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

During the semester, there will be four short (ca. 500 word) written assignments (two in each discipline) and two oral presentations (one in each discipline).

All assignments must be approved by the instructor in order to be eligible to take the course exam.

Coursework is valid for one semester following the semester of instruction.

Forms of Assessment

Assessment in the course consists of a four-day take-home examination where students are to write a paper of ca. 3,000 words and an oral examination (approx. 30 minutes)

The oral exam consists of a presentation of a self-selected topic related to the required course reading from the discipline that one has not chosen for the take-home examination (ca. 10 min.) Questions will also be asked about the course reading. The written exam is worth 50% of the final grade and the oral exam is worth 50%.

Grading Scale
The grading scale A-F is used, where F is a failing grade.
Assessment Semester
Autumn. An exam will be offered early in the Spring semester for students who passed the obligatory requirements
Reading List
The course curriculum consists of up to 200 pages per discipline.
Course Evaluation
The teaching will be evaluated according to the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.
Course Administrator
Department of Foreign Languages