German Studies BA

The language pathway you follow will depend on your existing knowledge and skills in German.

German 1 - if you have an A-level or equivalent knowledge of German

This module will build on the skills you already have and get you started on your exciting journey towards degree-level German.

We'll be using structured course materials and textbooks but believe it's important to use as many 'real life' examples as possible, so we'll be looking at magazines, websites and television programmes as well.

In class you'll work on all the key language skills: reading comprehension, grammar, listening exercises, speaking skills, translation exercises and writing texts such as essays and summaries.

At the end of the module you'll have made significant progress with understanding written and spoken German in a variety of contexts. You'll also be able to write essays on a contemporary social issue and conduct a discussion of an academic topic in German.

German 1: Beginners - if you are a beginner or have a up to GCSE or equivilant knowledge of German

This is where it all begins! This module is going to get you started on your exciting journey towards German fluency.

From the very first session, you'll be immersed in the German language. We use a structured course following a textbook but believe it's important to use as much 'real life' material as possible, so we'll be looking at real German articles and websites right from the beginning.

In class you'll work on all the key language skills: reading comprehension, grammar, listening exercises, speaking skills, and writing short texts such as emails and essays.

At the end of the module you'll have made significant progress with understanding written German in a variety of everyday contexts, and you'll also be able to engage in social conversation.

Gain an introduction to language and communication and explore what we do when we speak or write in a language, how people learn languages, and how language reflects and shapes cultures and societies.

You will consider language in relation to power, gender, migration and globalisation, and its use on social media. We also explore topics such as language variation, language change and contact, intercultural communication, pragmatics and politeness. Then there are the ‘design features’ of languages, such as sounds (phonetics and phonology), word structure (morphology) and how words fit together (syntax). 

The module also addresses major theories of how languages are learned, including:

• differences between first and second language acquisition 

• factors affecting success in language learning

• the role of technology in language learning

This module tackles translation and interpreting from a set of basic questions:

• What is translation?
• What is a good translation?
• Don't things get lost in translation?
• Will a computer do all translations in 20 years time?
• What is the difference between translation and adaptation?
• How free can a translation be?

Whilst debunking myths about translation and interpreting, this module will also provide an insight into key issues in translation studies by allowing students to reflect on what translation and interpreting activities involve (accuracy, fluency, freedom, machine-translation, ethics), and will also introduce translation and interpreting issues in relation to different genres/topical matters, such as machine-translation (allowing the introduction of technological tools for translators) and careers in translation and interpreting.

Between the end of World War I in 1918 and German unification in 1990, Germany experienced four different regimes that radically reshaped the country and redefined what it meant to be German.

You will explore the profound social, political and cultural upheavals that repeatedly transformed Germany across this ‘short’ 20th century (1918-1990). This includes the Weimar Republic, National Socialism, the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany. 

We focus on politics, history, sociology, philosophy, language and culture. You will work with testimonies, memoirs, media, art and film in order to examine changing concepts and realities of notions such as class, sex and gender, citizenship, selfhood, generations and nationality.

The end of the Cold War in 1989-91 led to the creation of a unified Germany and the start of a new era of modernity – globalisation. 

In this module, we explore how German society, economics, politics and culture have shaped and been shaping a constantly changing ‘global age’ since 1990. 

Working with sources from a variety of contexts – such as politics, history, sociology, popular culture, literature, art and film – we examine and interrogate modern Germany’s global interconnectivity. 

Topics include:  

• neo-liberal globalisation

• cosmopolitanism

• the age of risk

• European integration 

• German foreign policy

• environmental and green politics

• mass migration

• critical responses to ‘globalism’ 

Critically analyse a wide variety of popular German film, television and media productions.

You will consider the contexts in which they were successful, for example as stories, documentaries, entertainment, education or in sport, news, political propaganda and debates of all kinds. 

Topics and case studies may include: 

• popular film genres  

• the rise of purpose-built film palaces and the development of a prestige cinema

• the role of stars on German screens

• dubbing and translation 

• social media on German screens 

• what makes a ‘classic’ or ‘iconic’ film

• German Christmas TV schedules and cinema programming

• enduring television formats, such as the regionally structured crime drama Tatort (Crime Scene)

• German comedy on screen 

• why certain genres are not well represented on German screens

All screen material is available in English as well as German.

Build your understanding of cultural heritage across Germany, Austria and Switzerland by exploring how culture shapes society and creates diversity within the German-speaking world.    

You will analyse a wide range of materials including films, TV series, posters, music, journalism, sports and leisure club websites, party political broadcasts and other communications, blogs and civic communications.    

Topics may include:    

• popular music genres and subcultures, such as techno and Volksmusik   

• leisure and sports club cultures, from allotments to the Bundesliga   

• gender and sexuality issues such as economic and religious influences on gender roles  

• queer cultures   

• political systems, movements and cultures   

• multiculturalism, integration and cultural appropriation   

• film and television series and their negotiation of historical narratives and clichés 

To the French, ‘la France contemporaine’ begins with the French Revolution and continues to the present day.  

This is the first of two linked modules that trace the development of France, the French-speaking world and its people from 1789 to the fall of France in 1940.  

In the first part of the semester, you will learn about the Revolution and the long 19th century, from 1789-1914. In the second part, you’ll examine the impact and challenges that faced France during the First World War and after, between 1914 to 1940. 

The module is taught in English. 

Explore the transformation of France and its former empire, from the defeat by Nazi Germany in 1940 to liberation in 1944, and through the turbulent years of decolonisation.  

In the first part of the module, you'll explore representations of life under Nazi occupation, collaboration, the resistance and the eventual restoration of the French Republic. The second part shifts focus to France’s struggles with decolonisation, particularly the war in Algeria (1954-1962).  

At the end of the module, you’ll assess how these historical events continue to shape France today. 

Taught in English, this module pairs with ‘Contemporary France: Revolution and Republic 1789-1940’ – allowing you to explore two essential periods of French history either separately or together, depending on your credit availability. 

Unlock the history and society of the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world through examining popular cultural texts. 

This could be film and TV, graphic novels and pop songs, spectator sports, festivals and even immersive tourist experiences.  

By critically analysing these pop culture artefacts – along with how they are produced and consumed – you will learn how culture shapes and is shaped by politics, economics and both individual and collective identities. 

You will also: 

• discover the socio-political importance of popular culture trends over the 20th and 21st centuries in the Spanish and the Portuguese-speaking world

• learn about the significance of popular culture phenomena and trends emerging with print culture, mass media and digital platforms 

• be introduced to different methodologies and develop interpretative and analytical skills

Module description to be confirmed.

Module description to be confirmed.

In the early sixteenth century, Muscovy was a large but precarious state on the fringes of Europe, characterised by absolute monarchy, an official religion, crude economic and administrative systems, disgruntled ethnic minorities and an impoverished peasantry. Four hundred years later, following rapid expansion, enforced westernisation, industrialisation, a world war and a revolution, everything had changed for Russia … or had it?

This year-long module provides an introduction to the forces that have shaped modern Russia, starting with the first tsar, Ivan the Terrible, through the end of the New Economic Policy. In addition to political and social history, there is a significant focus on culture and the study of primary sources.

This module is an option for those who are studying Russian or East European Cultural Studies.

Understanding the impact of the Soviet era is vital in order to understand 21st century Russia and the other former Soviet states. This short and turbulent period of history brought about profound transformations in culture and society.

In this module you will uncover the politics, society and culture of the Soviet Union from the 1917 October Revolution up to its fall in 1991. In lectures, we look at the political and social changes that led to the development of institutions, environment and culture that even today we recognise as ‘Soviet’. Topic-based seminars will focus on texts, visual culture, films and other sources and give you insights into the experiences and thoughts of those who lived through this time, including revolutionaries and writers, collective farm workers and cosmonauts, Communist Party loyalists and dissidents.

If you are studying Russian or East European Cultural Studies, this module is available as a year-long option.

At the turn of the new millennium, Russia gained only its second post-Soviet leader – Vladimir Putin. Since then, Putin has become the leader for populism, morphing from a political unknown into one of the most recognisable and divisive politicians on the planet. 

You will explore how media, culture and identity politics have been used to create a loose ideology, ‘Putinism’, from its roots in the chaos of the 1990s through to the invasion of Ukraine. 

Through sources including political speeches and policies, popular culture and social media, memes, music and art, we explore how Putin was able to seize power and maintain control of the world’s largest country for more than two decades, creating a new ideology for Russia and shaping global politics.

In this module we will look at the social and cultural changes that have taken place in China, since 1979. The module will begin by setting out the programme of economic reform, introduced by Deng Xiaoping in order to integrate the Chinese economy into global flows of goods, services and investments. For example, we will outline the measures introduced to increase foreign direct investment in the country and map the different global companies that have set up business in China since the Reform.  

We will then look at the complex set of social and cultural changes that have taken place in China as a consequence. In this respect we will look at issues such as internal migration from the countryside to the city and international migration from China to the rest of the world. We will address the profound impacts on education, health and social care policy.

We will also look at the rise of the consumer society in China. The focus here will be on issues to do with travel and tourism, leisure time and holidays, the national diet and the rise of the internet, social media, online shopping and electronic payment systems using apps such as ‘wechat’.   

Topics covered may be taken from:

• Chinese Open-door policy and reform ( economy reform and its impact)
• The economic impacts of the Reform with the emphasis on foreign direct investment
• Internal migration
• International migratory flows
• Education, health and social care policy
• The rise of consumer society
• Travel and tourism industry
• Retail sector in China
• Online shopping and electronic payment systems
• Dietary change 

How can the arts help us think about health and cope with illness?  What can the arts contribute to healthcare practice and policy?

You will explore big questions like these, looking at how the arts can engage with the crucial issues in health today and build a better vision of health for the future.

We will cover major themes including:

• Representing health - look critically at representations of good and poor health, found in politics, religion, art, film, literature, and philosophy.
• Mental health - explore what mental health is, and how it differs from physical health. You’ll look critically at themes such as the marketisation of mental health, the history of mental health institutions, and the ethics of psychiatry.
• Communicating health - how health is communicated in personal, public, and professional settings. We’ll explore questions such as why it is so important that patient voices are heard in communicating about health.
• Health inequalities - look critically at striking inequalities in health, including patterns of gender, race, class, sexuality and economic differences in health and access to healthcare.

From treatment, information, care, and outreach, understanding the health humanities provides career opportunities for the next century.

This module is worth 10 credits.

We live in a data-driven society. Information is used for everything from predicting our shopping habits, to understanding global weather patterns, and has radically changed our world.

From the development of Artificial Intelligence to robotics and the use of ‘big data’, the capture and use of information is essential in modern society. To make sure these developments help solve problems, and are not used for harm, we need the arts and humanities to set boundaries and ask questions.

You will:

• Explore topics such as privacy, surveillance, power and representation
• Learn how modern technology can replicate historical biases and ignore contemporary struggles
• Gain the background and context to contemporary issues on data and society
• Question the limits we place on technology in our world
• Explore how the arts and humanities shape, direct and protect against the way data is used

This module is worth 10 credits.

The digitisation of records and texts has revolutionised academic study. The ability to efficiently and confidently use data is a valuable skill for both your course and future career.

On this module, you will:

• Learn the basics of data and ‘text mining’ (using search terms to explore large amounts of information)
• Develop your skills and apply them to case studies
• See how your work can highlight issues and solve problems
• Understand how data analysis allows us to create narratives that inspire and drive change

We will use examples and case studies from across the faculty, where data and text analysis have been used by arts and humanities researchers within their work.

This module is worth 10 credits.

Learn the basics of creating and editing audio and visual material.

From podcasting, photo editing, photography, video editing and sound editing, you can work on how your digital skills can be used to communicate and inspire.

You will be guided through a series of tutorials and examples where you can develop your skills and produce your own content.

This work will be developed through examples and case studies from across the faculty, where audio and visual materials have been used by researchers within their work.

Examples include:

• Virtual reality renditions of historical photographs
•  Immersive museum experiences
• Audio installations to share stories about migration and sustainability
• Interactive events to inspire young people about languages and cultures past and present

This module is worth 10 credits.

Epidemics and infectious illnesses have shaped our world. Most recently, the Coronavirus pandemic dramatically changed the way we work and socialise, with lasting effect.

We will explore the past and present of infectious disease, including how cultures, religions, literature and art have been shaped by the interaction between humans and disease.

You will learn about:

• The variety of human responses to sickness
• How ideas about illness are expressed across the world
• Drug resistant bacteria and mutations of viruses
• How the arts help societies to process the impact of disease - it is often through music, literature, philosophy and media that suffering is expressed and issues raised

This module is worth 10 credits.

Our digital revolution has been led by the arts and humanities.

From mobile apps to learn languages, to video tutorials on how to play an instrument, the use of digital platforms has transformed our disciplines.

In an age defined by ecological issues, technological change and political upheaval across the world, it is the arts and humanities which provide vital links between the past, present and future. It is now more important than ever that we connect communities, challenge structures of power and address inequality.

You will examine how the digital arts changed the world, using examples from a range of mediums from across the globe. This could be a community walking app, that has brought hidden histories to light, a crowd-sourced projects that have given a platform to new voices, or social media forums that link music, philosophy and literature to contemporary debates.

This module is worth 10 credits.

We are in a state of climate emergency. Sustainability and climate change is on both political and personal agendas like never before.

On this module, you will:

• Examine the idea of ‘sustainability’ - looking at the social, cultural, political, economic and environmental challenges that sustainability aims to address
• Link issues of climate change, and our responses to them, to shifting ideas about nature and its distinctness from culture, the scientific and industrial revolutions, and the emergence of the Western world
• Examine Western culture’s way of defining the ‘environment’ and our relationship with nature
• Look at the diverse ways in which different cultures imagine nature

The arts and humanities do not offer quick fixes to our problems, but ways of thinking that can change the world. We do this through understanding context, process and change.

We show how the arts and humanities sheds light on the history of the present and directs us towards the future.

This module is worth 10 credits.

Explore how the arts and humanities contribute to sustainability.

From stories, to images and representation, the ways we understand the world also shape how we understand sustainability.

With a focus on globalisation, and the accelerating pace of climate change in the 20^th and 21^st centuries, we will think about the problems raised by the climate crisis. 

You will:

• Learn about debates around the Anthropocene, the era of humanity’s marked impact on the environment
• Examine the controversies and disputes that have emerged about our relationship with nature
• Explore how we can tell stories about climate change – for example through the literature and music of marginalised groups across the world, who feel the impact of climate change first

By considering how everyday life choices are linked to the environment, the module offers an imaginative way to explore the challenges of sustainable living.  You will gain the tools to challenge opinion and identify how local ideas can offer a solution to global problems.

This module is worth 10 credits.

From filters to fake news, we are exposed to a huge amount of information in our day-to-day lives.

Whether through advertising, promotion, policies or the media, the (mis)information we are exposed to is intended to influence us, change our minds, or maybe even censor and withhold information about important issues.

To challenge this, we need to think critically about data. This module will give you the skills to do just that.

You’ll gain the critical skills to observe, question, and act when the facts do not support what’s being represented. We will also introduce approaches you can use to question visual, textual, quantitative and qualitative information. This could include:

• Causality
• Statistics
• Bias
• Content analysis
• Language

Critical analysis is an important skill, not only so we can preserve our freedoms and protect from harm caused by misinformation, but in the workplace too. The ability to make judgements that are based on logic is a key transferable skill.

This module is worth 10 credits.

Writing inspires change. From the academic textbook that demonstrates a new concept, to a blog post that influences habits, writing can change the world.

On this module, you will learn to think critically about yourself and society, through reflecting on how you write.

Writing lets us occupy different spaces and identities. You can write to develop your sense of self, to enlighten others, or to build connections. Writing skills are more than just how to write an academic essay. Writing can give you an insight into who you are, your values and future direction.

During your studies, you will use writing to develop analytical approaches which can enhance your work and prepare you for your future career. Focusing on the diversity of experiences and backgrounds, interests and motivations, we show how meaningful writing can lead, inspire and transform. 

This module is worth 10 credits.