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Contemporary German-Speaking Film - LAN00018I

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module introduces you to the analysis of German-speaking films in their cultural, social and political contexts. Focussing on key contemporary directors and their films, you will discover lesser known German speaking films and develop a deeper understanding of film as discourse, i.e. as both, a representative practice as well as a representation of the world.

You will also engage in collaborative project work to organise and deliver a German-speaking film screening for a non-specialist audience. The module is taught and assessed in German.

Related modules

Prerequisite modules

German Language and Cultures: Upper Intermediate AND Understanding German-Speaking Cultures and Societies (Post A-level) OR

Intensive German Language and Cultures: Beginner AND Understanding German-Speaking Cultures and Societies (ab initio) OR

Comparable level of German proficiency (module open as elective).

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims to

  • to increase students' knowledge of German speaking films and their social, cultural, political and historical contexts

  • to introduce students to basic concepts of film analysis and its practical applications

  • to develop the ability to communicate knowledge about German speaking films to a non-specialist audience

  • to work effectively as a team in organising an event for a non-specialist audience

  • to develop further communication skills in spoken and written German

  • to improve proficiency in spoken and written German

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module students should:

  • have knowledge and understanding of a number of important German speaking films and their social, cultural, political and historical contexts

  • be able to analyse, research and compare films and show a deeper understanding of the culture and society of German speaking countries

  • be able to apply basic concepts of film analysis

  • be able to make positive contributions to a group project

  • be able to communicate at a good level of proficiency in German in a variety of situations

Module content

The module will be divided into two strands.

In the first strand, a number of key contemporary German speaking films and their directors are covered. Equipped with key concepts and categories of film analysis, students will analyse in more detail these films from two perspectives: the represented society and cultures and their representation.

In the second strand, the module will introduce students to the organisation of a film event for a German speaking audience. In groups, students will select and study a film related to the module content in order to create an instructive and engaging event. Practical sessions will cover basic considerations of event-organisation and promotion, the creation of supporting documents such as a programme-leaflet, and how to deliver a film introduction and to lead a post-screening discussion with the audience.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 60
Groupwork 40

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 60
Essay/coursework 40

Module feedback

Feedback on formative work:

  • Oral commentary and dialogue within class on oral and written work. Given immediately both to individuals and to group.

  • Written comments and mark on the University scale given to individual students for longer pieces of formative work such as practice essays, with opportunity for individual consultation; the essays will be returned to students two weeks after seminar.

Feedback on summative work:

  • Filmprojekt: Written individual and group feedback given within 3 weeks of delivery of group project.

  • Filmhausarbeit: Written feedback to be provided within 25 working days.

Indicative reading

  • Alice Bienk: Filmsprache. Einführung in die interaktive Filmanalyse. 2008

  • Ilka Brombach: Eine offene Geschichte des Kinos: Alexander Kluge, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Wim Wenders, Christian Petzold, Thomas Arslan, Michael Haneke. Filmlektüren mit Jacques Rancière (Traversen). 2014

  • Stefan Grissemann: Sündenfall. Die Grenzüberschreitungen des Ulrich Seidl. 2013

  • Knut Hickethier: Film und Fernsehanalyse. 2012

  • Birgit Mandel (Hg.): Kulturvermittlung - zwischen kultureller Bildung und Kulturmarketing: Eine Profession mit Zukunft. 2005

  • James Monaco, Hans Michael Bock: film verstehen. Das Lexikon. 2011

  • Manfred Mai, Rainer Winter (Hg.): Das Kino der Gesellschaft – die Gesellschaft des Kinos. 2006

  • Katharina Müller: Haneke: Keine Biografie 2014

  • Georg Seeßlen: Die Anti-Erzählmaschine. in: der Freitag. Das Meinungsmedium 2007. Abrufbar unter: https://www.freitag.de/autoren/der-freitag/die-anti-erzahlmaschine (Stand: 30/10/2017)

  • Christian Wessely, Gerhard Larcher, Franz Grabner (Hg.): Michael Haneke und seine Filme. Eine Pathologie der Konsumgesellschaft. 2005

Further course material will be supplied by the tutor.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.