Course Catalogue

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This course examines a variety of positions on war, on socio-economic issues, on cultural identity, with reference to a selection of texts by seminal writers before and after the turn of the century ― E.M. Remarque, Bertolt Brecht, and Gerhart Hauptmann, concluding with Nietzsche, whose Zarathustra issues a call for a "re-evaluation of all values".

20 1-hour seminars at days and times to be arranged.

Confirmed acceptance on to either the German Honours or Level 3 programmes.

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Coursework: 2000-3000 word essay (50%)

■ Exam: 1.5-hour examination (50%).

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the coursework, but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

■ There is no alternative to the Examination, but extra time/alternative space can be offered as reasonable adjustment.

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

· to examine the concept of re-evaluation in literature.
· to examine in detail three seminal texts by authors writing during the Weimar Republic.
· to discuss the literary themes and innovations illustrated in the set texts.
· to situate the literary works in the cultural and historical context of the Weimar Republic.
· to provide students with an account of Nietzsche's thought.
· to examine his intellectual method through a detailed study of Also sprach Zarathustra.
· to relate Nietzsche's thought to the development of Modern German thought.

By the end of the course students should be able to demonstrate:
· a detailed knowledge of the set texts and be able to discuss and write about them fluently.
· the ability to analyse the important themes and narrative and dramatic techniques employed by writers during the period.
· an understanding of the cultural and historical background against which the literary works are set.
· an understanding of Nietzsche's contribution to the development of modern German thought.
· the ability to identify and analyse the main themes dealt with in Also sprach Zarathustra.
· an understanding of the radical nature of Nietzsche's method and the originality of his language and style.