University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

This module examines the relationship between language and politics by comparing the language of the FRG and the GDR in the period 1949-1989. The question posed is: did the two German states use language as an ideological weapon, or were their language differences merely a reflection of their different political systems, one capitalist, the other socialist? We will analyse texts of the period, e.g. from Neues Deutschland and the West German press, and use the Leipzig Duden and the Mannheim Duden, to bring out and examine the grammatical, lexical, word-formation and textual features which were characteristic of the language of the two Germanies during the Cold War.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Permission of the German Honours Adviser

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 seminar and 1 surgery hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 16

Guided independent study hours: 134

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 60%, Coursework = 40%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 40%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel