Essay writing in German is a fundamental, tried-and-tested method of training and assessment in most German departments worldwide. The proposed revised module will focus on close-reading and comprehension skills as well the core essay-writing skills - namely the ability to devise and organize a reasoned, intelligent, logical argument, and to do this in German which is clear, grammatically accurate and stylistically appropriate.
Teaching in the first semester will concentrate initially on the skills and techniques of essay-writing - this will be delivered in English. For the latter part of Semester 1 and for Semester 2 classes will focus on the discussion (in German) of various issues of importance and concern in post-war Germany - using source material found in Rathgeb. Essay topics will reflect the issues so discussed. Self-evidently instruction will also need to be given in various aspects of the modern German language; and a particular emphasis of this module, as with its predecessor, will be one-to-one discussion with students of their written work.