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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: GER2031 Module Title: CONTEMPORARY GERMANY II
Module Provider: Language & Translation Studies Short Name: GER2031
Level: HE2 Module Co-ordinator: DIPPOLD D Dr (Lang & Trans)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Semester 1
Assessment Pattern
Unit(s) of Assessment (SITS MAB)
Weighting Towards Module Mark ( %)
Written assignment 1500 words
40
Two hour Examination
60
Qualifying Condition(s) 
A weighted aggregate of 40% is required to pass the module.
Module Overview
This module is taught in the target language in Semester 1. Attendance is compulsory.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Successful completion of HE1 or equivalent.
Module Aims
To equip students with knowledge and understanding of the major political and economic institutions, the contexts in which they were created and evolved and their relevance in German speaking societies.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
  • Follow and take notes from lectures delivered in German
  • Participate in seminars in German
  • Describe the development of the political and economic systems of Germany and German-speaking countries
  • Read and critically evaluate authentic sources on a range of topics related to contemporary society
  • Write critically and extensively in German on politico-economic topics
Module Content
The following areas are indicative of topics to be covered:
 
  • The state and its citizens
  • The constitution
  • The political parties
  • The electoral system
  • State political institutions
  • Regional politics and institutions
  • The relationship of the target country with the European Union and other international organisations
  • Foreign policy
  • Economic policies
  • Economic structure
  • Economic performance
  • Financial institutions
  • Trades Unions and employers’ organisations
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Three contact hours per week over Semester 1. Classes will include lectures, seminars and group activities; students are expected to read extensively outside classes in order to follow lectures and participate in seminars.
Selected Texts/Journals
Essential Reading
Langhans, I. & Prochnow, S. (2010). Politik, Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft: Wirtschaftspolitik in der sozialen Marktwirtschaft. Stuttgart: Klett.
Langhans, I. & Prochnow, S. (2010). Politik, Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft: Demokratie und sozialer Rechtsstaat. Stuttgart: Klett.
Langhans, I. & Prochnow, S. (2009). Politik, Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft: Politische Willensbildungsprozesse. Stuttgart: Klett.
Pocket Politik (2005). Bonn: Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung
Pocket Wirtschaft: Ökonomische Grundbegriffe (2006). Bonn: Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung
 
Recommended Reading
Altmann, J. (2007). Wirtschaftspolitik. Eine praxisorientierte Einführung. Stuttgart: UTB.
Green, S. Et al. (2008). The Politics of the New Germany. Routledge.
Mussel, G. & Pätzold, J. (2008). Grundfragen der Wirtschaftspolitik. Vahlen Verlag.
Roberts, G. (2009). German Politics Today. Manchester University Press.
Schmidt, M. (2003). Political Institutions in the Federal Republic of Germany. Open University Press.
Sontheimer, K. (2007). Grundzüge des Politischen Systems Deutschlands. Piper.
 
Background Reading
24xDeutschland (2010). Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung.
Andersen, U. (2007). Der deutsche Föderalismus im Reformprozess. Wochenschau-Verlag.
Becker (2010).Sozialstaat Deutschland: Geschichte und Gegenwart. Dietz.
Empter, S. (2007). Soziale Gerechtigkeit – eine Bestandsaufnahme. Bertelsmann Stiftung.
Hartmann, J. (2004). Das politische System der Bundesrepublik Deutschland im Kontext: Eine Einführung. Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften. 
Kailitz, S. (2004). Politischer Extremismus in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Eine Einführung. Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften.
Lang, A. (2008). Demokratieschutz durch Parteiverbot? Tectum-Verlag.
Lösche, P. (2007). Verbände und Lobbyismus in Deutschland. Kohlhammer.
Möllers, C. (2009). Das Grundgesetz – Geschichte und Inhalt. Beck..
Niedermayer, O. (2007). Die Parteien nach der Bundestagswahl 2005. Verlag für Sozialwisssenschaften.
Schrag, W. (2007). Medienlandschaft Deutschland. UVK Verlagsgesellschaft.
Siebert, H. (2005). The German Economy: Beyond the Social Market. Princeton University Press, 2005
Wiesendahl, F. (2006). Fischer Kompakt: Parteien. Fischer.
Wiesendahl, F. (2007). Handbuch der deutschen Parteien. Vs Verlag.
 
Selected websites
Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung (www.bpb.de)
Deutsche Welle: www.dw-world.de
Last Updated
7.4.11