This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will explore the development of German-language poetry in the 20th century. The methodology will comprise three main strands: the thematic, the stylistic and the politico-historical. Individual poets will be read in terms of what they write, how they write and why they write (i.e. the context of historical and political events). The module will introduce students to a range of poetic styles and movements: starting with the fin-de-siècle and Impressionist poetry, the module will move through Expressionism, war poetry, anti-war poetry, holocaust poetry, political poetry of East and West Germany, the poetry of exile and return and contemporary post-Wende poetry, to name but a few of the periods covered.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Total Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
Commentary (2,000 words) – 45%
Essay (2,000 words) – 45%
Presentation (10 minutes) – 10%
Reassessment methods:
100% Coursework (2,500 words)
Indicative Reading List:
Bachmann, I. (2001). Sämtliche Gedichte, Munich: Piper.
Brecht, B. (1960-61). Gedichte, Frankfurt a. M.: Suhrkamp.
Celan, P. (1975). Gedichte in zwei Bänden, Frankfurt a. M.: Suhrkamp.
Hofmannsthal, H. (1984). Sämtliche Werke, volume 1: Gedichte 1, volume 2: Gedichte 2, Frankfurt a. M.: Fischer.
Rilke, R. M. (2006). Die Gedichte, Munich: Insel.
Trakl, G. (2001). Fünfzig Gedichte, Stuttgart: Reclam.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of 20th century German-language poetry;
2. Demonstrate a general understanding of a range of different poetic genres;
3. Demonstrate the skills needed for the close analysis of poetry;
4. Read poetry both thematically and stylistically, and place it generally in its political and historical context.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry;
2. Evaluate information critically;
3. Synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of the subject;
4. Analyse, evaluate and interpret a variety of evidence in a critical manner
5. Study and reach conclusions independently;
6. Formulate original opinions on the basis of sound factual knowledge.
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