Contemporary German Politics

Module Identifier
GE30320
Module Title
Contemporary German Politics
Academic Year
2027/2028
Semester
Semester 2
Co-ordinator
Professor Andrea Hammel
Reading List
View on Aspire
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
GE20420
Other Staff

Assessment

Assessment Type

Assessment details

Proportion
Semester Assessment Learning Journal: (on two topics) 500 Words 30%
Semester Assessment Presentation: 5 Minutes 20%
Semester Exam Written Examination: 2 Hours (Four questions to be answered out of ten) 50%
Supplementary Assessment Individual Presentation: 5 Minutes 20%
Supplementary Assessment Learning Journal: (on two topics) 500 Words 30%
Supplementary Exam Written Examination: 2 Hours (Four questions to be answered out of ten) 50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  1. Understand Germany’s political system, its organs and institutions
  2. Read, understand, describe and analyse different German-language sources
  3. Discuss the political and societal challenges facing contemporary Germany
  4. Have a broad understanding of the historical development of Germany’s political system
  5. Be able to Investigate and present information independently

Brief description

This course looks to explore different aspects of German politics within the context of European and global challenges. The module is based on the excellent online resources of the Bundeszentrale fuer Politische Bildung [Federal Agency for Civic Education]. It aims to encourage students to research and write independently as well as prepare group presentations according to their interests. The course will be taught and assessed as far as possible in German.

Aims

This module will explore the landscape of contemporary German politics, looking at political systems, structure and specific political parties as well as challenges faced by Germany since 1989.

Content

This module is taught in German. It may include the following topic: Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Wie ein Gesetz entsteht, Der Bundestag und der Bundesrat, Die Bundeskanzlerin und Bundesregierung, Der Bundespraesident und das Bundesverfassungsgericht, Politische Parteien , Geschichte, Medien, Demografischer Wandel, Arbeitsmarkt, Die EU , Fluechtlinge und Migranten .

Module skills

Skills type

Skills details
Application of Number The students will learn to understand numerical information and statistics.
Communication This skill will be developed in the seminar discussions, presentations and in the written assessments.
Improving own Learning and Performance Through writing an independent blog, this skill will be developed and assessed.
Information Technology The use of the internet and blackboard is essential for this module.
Personal Development and Career planning This module will contribute to the students’ abilities to absorb and summarise information and present information.
Problem solving These skills will be developed through the analysis of different sources on different topics. The ability to do so will be assessed in the blog and the exam.
Research skills These skills will be developed through the analysis of different topics. The ability to do so will be assessed in the blog, presentation and the exam.
Subject Specific Skills This module will improve the students’ understanding of German politics and contemporary debates.
Team work This skill will be developed in seminar discussions and group presentations.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6