German Studies - Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences - The ...

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE 

German Studies 

Handbook 2012 

School of Humanities

CONTENTS 

STAFF / COURSE ADVISORS & COORDINATORS 3 – 4 

WHY GERMAN? 5 

GENERAL INFORMATION 6-10 

GERMAN UNDERGRADUATE COURSES 

German Studies I (Beginners) 11 

German Studies IS (Continuers) 13 

German Studies II (Beginners Level 2) 17 

German Studies IIS (Continuers Level 2) 20 

German Studies III (Beginners Level 3) 24 

German Studies IIIS (Continuers Level 3) 28 

German Special Topic II & III 32 

German Study Abroad 34 

German in Germany 34 

HONOURS GERMAN STUDIES and 

Combined Honours with European Studies 35 

POSTGRADUATE STUDY 38 

SCHOLARSHIPS 39 

ASSESSMENT AND ESSAY WRITING 40 

A.U. GERMAN CLUB 43 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY 44 

ACADEMIC YEAR CALENDAR 45 

2

GERMAN STUDIES STAFF 

THE OFFICES OF GERMAN STUDIES STAFF ARE SITUATED 

ON THE 8TH LEVEL, NAPIER BUILDING. 

(Reception is located on the 7th floor of the Napier Building) 

Staff 

Margaret King, MA (Adelaide), Lecturer 

Napier Room 810, Ph. 8303 5639; 

Email: margaret.king@adelaide.edu.au 

Judith Wilson, BA Hons (Tasmania), DipEd (Adelaide), Lecturer 

Hughes Room 811, Ph. 8303 5642. 

Email: judith.wilson@adelaide.edu.au 

From July 2012: 

DAAD Lecturer 

DAAD Language Assistant 

Honorary Visiting Research Fellows 

Brian Coghlan, PhD (Birmingham), Emeritus Professor 

Lee Kersten, BA Hons (Adelaide) 

Dr Engelhard Weigl, D.Phil. (Hamburg) 

Reception 

School of Humanities Office 

Room 722, 7th Floor Napier Building. 

Office hours are: Monday - Friday 9 am – 5 pm 

Telephone: 08 8303 4249 

Fax: 08 8303 5241 

3

COURSE ADVISORS and COORDINATORS 2012 

Head of Discipline 

Judith Wilson 

Discipline Course Advisor Margaret King (Semester 1) 

Judith Wilson (Semester 2) 

Course Coordinators 

Semester One 

German Studies ISA (Continuers) 

German Studies IA (Beginners) 

German Studies IIA: Lang & Soc 

German Studies IISA : Lang & Soc 

German IISA/IIIA: Cult Studies 

German IIIA: Lang & Soc 

German IIISA: Lang & Soc 

German IIISA: Cult Studies 

German Special Topic II & III 

Honours 

Postgraduates 

Judith Wilson 

Margaret King 

Margaret King 

Judith Wilson 

Margaret King 

Margaret King 

Judith Wilson 

Judith Wilson 

Margaret King 

Margaret King 

Margaret King 

Semester Two 

German Studies ISB (Continuers) 

German Studies IB (Beginners) 

German Studies IIB: Lang & Soc 

German IIB: Cult Studies 

German Studies IISB : Lang & Soc 

German IISB/IIIB: Cult Studies 

German IIIB: Lang & Soc 

German IIISB: Lang & Soc 

German IIISB: Cult Studies 

German Special Topic II & III 

Honours 

Postgraduates 

Judith Wilson 

Judith Wilson 

Judith Wilson 

Judith Wilson 

DAAD Lecturer 

DAAD Lecturer 

Judith Wilson 

DAAD Lecturer 

DAAD Lecturer 

Judith Wilson 

DAAD Lecturer 

DAAD Lecturer 

4

Why German? 

German is good for your career 

Germany is the world’s fourth largest economy 

Germany is the largest economy in Europe 

Germany is a world leader in manufacturing and design 

German companies & their subsidiaries in Australia provide around 90,000 Australians with 

jobs 

German provides you with access to a rich and diverse culture 

German music, literature and film 

German art and architecture 

German festivals and food 

German connects you with German speakers throughout Europe 

Most widely spoken mother tongue in Europe 

Official language of Germany, Austria, Switzerland & Liechtenstein 

The German government provides generous scholarships for students of German 

German Academic Exchange 

Goethe Institut 

Pedagogical Exchange Service 

You can study at a German university 

Through the university’s exchange programs with German universities 

Through the 6-week Stuttgart Winter University program 

German has a strong tradition in Australia 

German has a strong tradition that goes back to the beginnings of European settlement 

The Germans were the largest non-British migrant group in the nineteenth century 

German is still one of the main foreign languages taught in the Australian education system 

5

GENERAL INFORMATION 

German Studies at the University of Adelaide is the only academic German Studies unit in South 

Australia and is a discipline in the School of Humanities. Students of Flinders University and the 

University of South Australia can take German Studies courses on a cross institutional basis. As a 

discipline it is independent, but has close links with other disciplines in the School of Humanities. 

German Studies offers two main sequences of courses, running from first year through to third year: 

1. the beginners’ sequence (German I – German II – German III) for students who have little or no 

previous experience in learning German, or 

2. the continuers’ sequence (German IS – German IIS – German IIIS) for students who have completed 

Year 12 German or equivalent. Students not sure about which sequence to take should consult 

German Studies staff before enrolling. Other possible courses in German for the BA degree are 

German Special Topic II and III and German in Germany. 

All courses in both streams aim to develop proficiency in the German language and to give students 

the opportunity to explore various aspects of German culture, past and present, with particular 

emphasis on the last 250 years, from the eighteenth century Enlightenment to the present. In first 

year, the study of language and culture is combined, but in second and third years, separate language 

and culture courses are offered in order to allow more in-depth study. 

Students may study German within the normal requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or as part of 

another degree program, such as the Bachelor of International Studies, the Bachelor of European 

Studies and the Bachelor of Languages. Students can study German as an elective for just one 

semester or one year, but in order to develop their language skills, most students will choose to 

complete a major (24 units) or a minor (18 units) in German. For maximum benefit, students should 

consider taking all of the language and culture courses on offer, thereby completing an extended 

major (30 units). Students who choose to enrol in the Diploma in Languages will need to complete a 

major (24 units) in their chosen language. More information on compiling a minor or a major in 

German can be found below. Anyone wishing to study German as part of a Diploma in Languages or 

as part of a degree program other than the Bachelor of Arts should consult the HUMSS Faculty Office 

in order to plan their course choices before proceeding to second year. 

Note that all courses are semesterised, so students will receive a result at the end of each semester. 

As is the case with all language courses at university, the progression requirements for German are 

such that students must normally successfully complete one semester of language work before 

proceeding to the next semester course. From semester to semester and year to year, students build 

on their knowledge and skills as they become more confident in understanding, speaking and writing 

the language. 

Students who wish to pursue their interest in German beyond third year can do so by enrolling in 

Honours, provided they have a major in German with a Credit average. It is also possible to combine 

Honours in German with Honours in another discipline in the Faculty. After Honours, research 

degrees at both Masters and PhD levels can be undertaken in areas of German Studies that 

correspond to the research interests of staff. 

After First-Year 

In second year and third year (in both streams), there are separate language and culture courses in 

each semester, as follows (note that the "S" indicates the continuers' stream while "A" corresponds to 

first semester and "B" to second semester). The study of language and the study of culture are, of 

course, interconnected. The study of language provides access to another culture; the study of 

another culture will not only provide you with a knowledge and understanding of that culture but 

also improve your language skills (classes at second and third year level are mostly conducted in 

German), so to get most out of your German Studies we strongly recommend that you do both 

language and culture courses. 

6

Beginners' Stream 

Level II 

Continuers' Stream 

Level II 

Sem 1 German IIA: Language & Society German IISA: Language & Society 

German IIA: Cultural Studies 

German IISA: Cultural Studies 

Sem 2 German IIB: Language & Society German IISB: Language & Society 

German IIB: Cultural Studies 

German IISB: Cultural Studies 

Level III 

Level III 

Sem 1 German IIIA: Language & Society German IIISA: Language & Society 

German IIIA: Cultural Studies German IIISA: Cultural Studies 

Sem 2 German IIIB: Language & Society German IIISB: Language & Society 

German IIIB: Cultural Studies German IIISB: Cultural Studies 

All courses are of 3 units in value. The content of the culture courses will vary from year to year. 

Constructing a Major in German 

As for all other disciplines or interdisciplinary areas within the Faculty, a major in German comprises 

24 units, or 8 x 3 unit courses. Unlike most other subject areas, however, there are specific 

progression requirements in German. Firstly, you normally need to pass each language course before 

moving on to the next semester of language study. Secondly, you need to pass a minimum of 9 units 

at second year (e.g. two language semesters plus one culture course or two culture courses and one 

language course) before enrolling in any of the third-year courses. 

The standard way of constructing a major in German is as follows: 

6 units in first year 

9 units in second year (2 language courses + 1 culture course or 1 language course + 2 culture 

courses) 

9 units in third year (2 language courses + 1 culture course or 1 language course + 2 culture courses) 

Extended Major 

To derive maximum benefit for your German skills, you can choose to complete an extended major of 

30 units by taking all 10 courses, as follows: 


12 units in second year (2 language courses + 2 culture courses) 

12 units in third year (2 language courses + 2 culture courses) 

This is particularly important for anyone considering enrolling in Honours German in their fourth 

year. 

7

Diploma in Languages 

Any student who has accepted or who holds a place in an undergraduate Bachelor degree at the 

University of Adelaide, and who has obtained the consent of their relevant faculty to study the two 

awards concurrently, can apply for admission to the Diploma in Languages. 

The course is not available to students from universities other than Adelaide. Languages currently 

available to University of Adelaide students through the Language Outreach program are included in 

the Diploma of languages. If you are a Flinders student you can do German in a Flinders Diploma of 

Languages. 

You cannot do the Diploma of Languages by itself. You can only do it if you are enrolled concurrently 

with full - or part-time study in another undergraduate degree. You can begin the Diploma in 

Languages at any point in your undergraduate degree, but you must remember that the Diploma in 

Languages requires a three-year sequence of German. 

If you are enrolled in the Diploma in Languages, you need to complete a major in your chosen 

language (ie 24 units). If you choose to do German for your Diploma, simply follow the instructions for 

completing a major in German. In order to accommodate these additional language courses, students 

will add one year to their undergraduate degree program. 

For further information refer to the Faculty's Graduate Coursework Degrees leaflet or visit the Faculty 

website at: 

http://arts.adelaide.edu.au/arts-web/ 

Alternatively contact the Faculty Office. 

The major for students who commenced German before 2008 

Students who commenced German before 2008 and who completed second-year German under the 

previous curriculum structure will have passed 14 units, as follows: 

First year: 6 units 

Second year: 8 units 

This leaves a total of 10 units to complete in order to fulfil the current requirements for a major (or 

for a Diploma in Languages). As all courses are now of 3 units in value, the Faculty has determined 

that students in this situation will qualify for a major (or Diploma) if the number of units they 

complete falls 1 or 2 units above or below the 24 units required for the new major. This means you 

have two options: 

Either 

Complete 4 courses at third year (2 language + 2 culture courses) 

Total units: 14 + 12 (4 x 3) = 26 units 

or 

Complete 3 courses at third year (2 language + 1 culture or 1 language + 2 culture courses) 

Total units: 14 + 9 (3 x 3) = 23 units 

Note that when you commenced (i.e. before the introduction of the new curriculum), the major (and 

Diploma) in German corresponded to 26 units, which is one of the options indicated above. 

8

Constructing a Minor in German 

As for all other disciplines or interdisciplinary areas within the Faculty, a minor in German comprises 

18 units, or 6 x 3 unit courses. Unlike most other subject areas, however, there are progression 

requirements in German. You normally need to pass each language course before moving on to the 

next semester of language study. 

This means you have two ways of constructing a minor in German: 

Either 


12 units in second year (2 language courses + 2 culture courses) 

or 


6 units in second year (2 language courses or 2 culture courses or 1 language course and 1 culture 

course) 

6 units in third year (2 language courses or 2 culture courses or I language course and 1 culture 

course) 

9

Aims of Our Courses 

Generic Skills 

All German courses focus on providing students with the necessary generic skills, that is, their primary 

aim is to: 

1) develop students’ proficiency in the written and spoken language and 

2) give students the opportunity to explore various aspects of German culture and society, past and 

present. 

This means that as each semester progresses, students will be assisted to: 

• increase their vocabulary in a range of different subject areas 

• gain proficiency in reading and writing German 

• develop an understanding of grammatical structures and their accurate use 

• develop an increasing level of communicative proficiency in spoken German 

• develop an understanding of the interconnecting relations of language and culture 

• increase their knowledge of German society and culture 

• gain knowledge of various aspects of German cultural and social history. 

Graduate Attributes 

The German Studies discipline encourages you to develop the following skills and attributes: 

• a knowledge and understanding of the German language and many different aspects of German culture 

and society 

• the ability to work independently to use a variety of sources to further your own understanding of the 

German language and culture 

• the ability to work to strict timelines, as all German courses are designed around regular assessment 

exercises 

• the ability to research, synthesise, analyse and present information using a wide range of appropriate 

technologies and resources 

• increased critical and analytical thinking skills 

• the ability to work collaboratively with your peers and to communicate effectively with them, often in 

German 

• the potential to learn other languages more easily in the future 

• an understanding of and respect for global and local cultural differences and diversity, combined with a 

knowledge and understanding of issues involved in intercultural communication 

• a heightened awareness and understanding of different ways of seeing the world, including specifically 

German and European world views 

• an understanding of and commitment to the importance of life-long learning through a passion for 

German language and culture that will, we hope, encourage you to travel, study or work in a Germanspeaking 

environment in the future. 

10

GERMAN I A: Beginners’ German 

(GERM 1002) 

Level: 

One 

Course Coordinator: 

Margaret King 

Points Value: 3 

Quota: 

None 

Duration: 

Semester One 

Prerequisites: 

None 

Restrictions: 

Assumed Knowledge: 

Contact hours (per week): 

Times: 

German Studies IS; except with the permission of German 

Studies, SACE stage 2 German 

None 

4 hours of language workshops 

Wed. 9.10-11 am & Thurs. 9.10-11 am 

or Tues. 4.10-6pm & Wed. 4.10-6pm. 

No previous knowledge of German is assumed. All classes contain a balanced combination of 

comprehension, speaking, grammar, reading and writing. It is expected that each student will spend 

at least eight hours of private study each week working with the course materials, reviewing work 

done in class and preparing lessons. Aspects of German culture will be a component of language 

instruction throughout the year. Successful completion of this course with a Pass (50% and above) 

admits students to German I B Beginners German (1003). 

Prescribed text: 

T. Terrell, B. Nikolai, E. Tschirner:, Kontakte 6 th edition (McGraw-Hill) (available in a shrinkwrap which 

contains a course book and a workbook). 

N.B. 

Students intending to proceed to higher years are strongly advised to buy Collins German 

Dictionary. (Collins, latest edition ) 

ASSESSMENT 

Assessment is continuous, with homeworks, vocab tests, a class test during the semester and a final 

test at the end. Students' oral participation will also be assessed by an oral examination at the end of 

the semester. Further details will be provided in the Course Outline handed out at the beginning of the 

semester. Please make sure you get one and read it carefully. It will also be available on MyUni. 

11

GERMAN I B Beginners’ German 

(GERM 1003) 

Level: 

One 


Judith Wilson 


Quota: 

None 

Duration: 

Semester Two 


Restrictions: 


Times: 

German I A Beginners German (GERM 1002) or the 

permission of the course coordinator 

German Studies IS; except with the permission of German 

Studies, SACE stage 2 German 

4 hours of language workshops 

Mon. 12.10-2 pm & Tues. 10.10 am-12 pm. 

or Tues. 4.10-6pm. & Thurs. 4.10-6pm. 

This second semester course is the sequel to German I A Beginners’ German. It is expected that each 

student will spend at least eight hours of private study each week working with the course materials, 

reviewing work done in class and preparing lessons. Aspects of German culture and literature will be a 

component of language instruction throughout the semester. Successful completion of this course 

with a Pass (50% or more) normally admits students to German Studies II A. 




N.B. Students intending to proceed to higher years are strongly advised to buy Collins German 

Dictionary. (Collins, latest edition ) 

ASSESSMENT 

Assessment is continuous, with homeworks, vocab tests, a class test during the semester and a final 

test at the end. Students' oral participation will also be assessed by an oral examination at the end of 

the semester. Further details are provided in the Course Outline. If you are joining the course in 

second semester, please make sure you obtain a Course Outline and read it carefully. It will also be 

available on MyUni. 

12

GERMAN STUDIES IS A (GERM 1011) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


One 

Judith Wilson 

None 

Semester One 

New SACE Stage 2 Continuers’ German with a scaled score 

of B- or higher, or equivalent 

Restrictions: 

German Studies IA 


See prerequites 

Contact hours (per week): Language workshops 1x2hrs. 

Tutorial - 

1x1hr. 

Culture lecture 

1x1hr. 

The aim of German Studies ISA is to make students more skilled at speaking and writing the German 

language and more informed about contemporary German culture. Through lectures and tutorials 

and using books, films and videos, students will be given practice in speaking and writing the language 

and become more informed about the cultural, social and political history of Germany from 1945 up 

to the present. 

It is assumed that students will normally have studied German to year 12 level, but other students 

may take the course where appropriate. Students with outstanding qualifications in language may, 

with the permission of German Studies, take the language component of the course at a more 

advanced level. NB. These students will, however, still be enrolled in German ISA. There will be a 

placement test in Orientation Week to decide this. 

In the first semester all students will have a weekly lecture on the topic: Milestones in German 

History: 1945 to the present. The other three weekly contact hours are devoted to practical language 

instruction, 2 hours in a language workshop and one in a small conversation tutorial group. 

ASSESSMENT 

1. Language: Homeworks, class tests, end-of-semester tests, tutorial participation,, 

vocab tests and an oral examination or an oral presentation. 

2. Culture: An essay and a minor assignment(s). See the Course Outline for details. 

Students are expected to achieve a reasonable balance in all areas of the 

course. 

13

Lecture and Tutorial Schedule 

1. Language workshops 

All students will attend a two-hour language workshop per week throughout the semester, either 

Tues. 10.10-12 or Thursday 11.10-1. The language workshop is designed to extend students' 

command of written German. Students will also receive instruction in basic German grammar and its 

application. 

2. Tutorial 

There is a weekly tutorial in small groups to encourage students to practise speaking German and to 

increase their active command of the language. An assessment of each student's oral participation 

will count towards the final result, and there will be an oral examination or oral presentation at the 

end of the semester. The tutorials are on Thursday 3.10-4 or Thursday 4.10-5, or Friday 12.10-1. 

NB. Tutorials will begin in the second week of the semester. 

Prescribed texts: 

Moeller, J et al. Kaleidoskop 8th edition, Student Activities Manual, Premium Website Printed Access 

Card, 2012 (Cengage) 

NB. Students intending to proceed to higher years are strongly advised to buy Collins German 

Dictionary (latest edition). 

Important! Please note! 

Students doing the language part of the course at another level should check which language class 

they will be attending before they buy the books! 

3. Milestones in German History: 1945 to the Present Wednesday 10.10 - 11 

NB. All German Studies ISA take this course. 

For Germans in the East and the West, the path into the 21st century has been full of turning-points 

and events which have shaped the generations – from Germany’s Stunde Null in 1945 to the erection 

of the Berlin Wall in 1961 to the fall of the Wall in 1989 and German reunification in 1990, to mention 

just some of the most significant. This course provides an overview of essential facts about politics, 

society and culture from 1945 to the present. 


There will be a reader for this course which can be purchased from Image and Copy at the beginning 

of the semester. 

14

GERMAN STUDIES IS B (GERM 1012) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 


One 

Judith Wilson 

None 

Semester Two 

German Studies ISA (Pass or higher) 

or its equivalent 

German Studies IA or IB 

Language workshops - 1x2hrs. 

Tutorials – 1x1hr. 

Culture lecture – 1x1hr. 

The aim of German Studies IS B is to extend students’ knowledge about the life and language of 

contemporary German-speaking countries. Through lectures and tutorials and using books, films and 

videos, students will be given practice at speaking and writing the language and will learn more about 

different aspects of contemporary German culture. 

It is assumed that students will normally have completed German Studies IS A (Pass or higher), but 

other students may take the course where appropriate. Students with outstanding qualifications in 

language may, with the permission of German Studies, take the language component of the course at 

a more advanced level. 

In second semester all students will have a weekly lecture on the topic: Understanding Contemporary 

Germany. 

The other three weekly contact hours are devoted to practical language instruction, 2 hours in 

language workshops and one in a small tutorial group. 

ASSESSMENT 

1. Language: Homeworks, class tests, end-of-semester tests, tutorial participation, 

tutorial compositions, vocab tests and an oral. 

2. Culture: An essay and a minor assignment(s), two tests. See the Course Outline for 

details. 

Students are expected to achieve a reasonable balance in all areas of the course. 

15


1. Language workshops 

All students will attend one two-hour language workshop per week throughout the semester on 

Monday 2.10-4. Language workshops are designed to extend students' command of written German. 

Students will receive instruction in basic German grammar and its application. There will be regular 

homeworks, two class tests and an end-of-semester test. These will all contribute to the student's 

final mark at the end of the year. 

2. Tutorial 

There is a weekly tutorial in small groups to encourage students to practise speaking German and to 

increase their active command of the language. An assessment of each student's oral participation 

will count towards the final result, and there will be an oral at the end of the semester. The tutorials 

are on Wed. 10.10-11, or Thurs. 9.10-10. 

Tutorials will begin in the second week of the semester. 


Moeller, J et al. Kaleidoskop 8th edition, Student Activities Manual, Premium Website Printed Access 

Card, 2012 (Cengage) 






3. Understanding Contemporary Germany 

Wednesday 1.10 - 2 

NB. All German ISB and IIB Cultural Studies students take this lecture. 

This lecture course is designed to contribute to students’ understanding of contemporary Germany. It 

does not aim to be comprehensive, but will focus on aspects of the culture and society that are 

distinctively German and on related issues. It will begin with the question of Germany identity and 

cover a range of different topics such as Germany’s regions, German citizenship and the challenges of 

migration and multi-ethnicity, changes in the German language and what they reflect, stereotypical 

perceptions of Germany and the Germans and the reasons for their persistence. 

Information will be provided mainly in English but lectures will include film and print material in 

German and guest speakers will speak in German so students are gradually exposed to more complex 

issues in German and are thus given the opportunity to expand their vocabulary and improve their 

listening and comprehension skills. 

Prescribed reading: 

There will be a reader for this course that can be purchased from Image & Copy at the beginning of 

the semester. 

16

GERMAN STUDIES II A: GERMAN LANGUAGE & SOCIETY 

(GERM 2203) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 



Two 

Margaret King 

None 

Semester One 

A Pass in German I B (GERM 1003) or its equivalent 

German Studies IIS; no part of this course may be counted 

toward other courses in German Studies 

See prerequisites 

Language workshop – 1x2hrs. 

Tutorial –1 

German Studies II is the level two course for the Beginners’ stream. Building on the language sections 

of German IA and IB, this course aims to further develop students' proficiency in the four language 

skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - through a combination of readings and reproductive 

and creative exercises. It also aims to enhance students' intercultural understanding through the use 

of authentic texts that focus on aspects of contemporary society in German-speaking countries and 

promote comparison and discussion. 

Lecture and Tutorial Schedule - 

Language workshop 

All students will attend a three-hour language workshop per week throughout the semester, Thursday 

11.10- 12 and Friday 1.10 - 3. The language workshop is designed to extend students’ command of the 

four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will also develop the 

appropriate background knowledge of cultural contexts necessary for cultural competence in 

communication. The course organization, content and assessment are all designed to provide a solid 

grounding in all these areas. 






ASSESSMENT 

Assessment is continuous, with regular homeworks and vocabulary test, a class test during the 

semester and a final test at the end. Students' oral participation will also be assessed by an oral 

examination at the end of the semester. Further details will be provided in the Course Outline handed 

out at the beginning of the semester. Please make sure you get one and read it carefully. It will also be 



\ 

17

GERMAN STUDIES II B: LANGUAGE & SOCIETY (GERM 

2204) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 

Two 

Judith Wilson 

None 

Semester Two 

Prerequisites: Normally a Pass in German Studies IIA, (GERM 2203) 

or its equivalent 

Restrictions: 




Language Workshop – 1x2hrs. 

Tutorial -1x1hr. 

Building on German IIA, this course aims to further develop students' proficiency in the four language 

skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - through a combination of readings and reproductive 

and creative exercises. It also aims to enhance students' intercultural understanding through the use 

of authentic texts that focus on aspects of contemporary society in German-speaking countries and 

promote comparison and discussion. 


1. Language classes 

All students will attend a two-hour language workshop each week throughout the semester, Friday 

11.10-1. The language workshop is designed to extend students’ command of the four basic language 

skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will also develop the appropriate background 

knowledge of cultural contexts necessary for cultural competence in communication. The course 

organization, content and assessment are all designed to provide a solid grounding in all these areas. 

2. Tutorials 

Tutorials are given each week in small groups to encourage students to practise speaking German and 

to increase their active command of the language. An assessment of each student’s oral participation 

and other tutorial work will count towards the final result. The tutorials are on Friday 2.10-3 and 

Friday 3.10-4. 


Hilpert, Silke et.al. Schritte International 5 (Hueber) 

Gottstein-Schramm, Barbara, Schritte Übungsgrammatik (Hueber) 

ASSESSMENT 

Assessment is continuous, with regular homeworks and vocabulary tests, a class test during the 

semester and a final test at the end. Students' oral participation will also be assessed by an oral 

examination at the end of the semester. Further details will be provided in the Course Outline handed 

out at the beginning of the semester. Please make sure you get one and read it carefully. It will also be 



18

GERMAN IIB: CULTURAL STUDIES (2224) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 



Two 

Judith Wilson 

None 

Semester One 





Lecture – 1x1hr. 

Seminar –1x2hrs. 

This course is designed to extend students' understanding of contemporary Germany. Information 

will be provided mainly in English but lectures will include film and print material in German and guest 

speakers will speak in German so students are gradually exposed to more complex issues in German 

and are thus given the opportunity to improve their listening and comprehension skills. Students 

attend one lecture with German ISB students, but have in addition a two-hour seminar which will 

expand on some of the topics treated in the lecture.This seminar will provide students with the 

opportunity to study topics in more depth through the discussion of various texts associated with 

issues presented in the lectures. 

Lecture and Seminar Schedule 

Lecture: Understanding Contemporary Germany: Wednesday 1.10 - 2 

Seminar: Thursday 2.10-4 

ASSESSMENT 

An essay, an oral presentation and a minor assignment(s). Marks will also be given for participation 

and preparation and homework. See the Course Outline for details. 



There will be a reader for this course which can be purchased from Image and Copy at the beginning 

of the semester. 

19

GERMAN STUDIES IIS A: LANGUAGE & SOCIETY (GERM 

2211) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Two 

Judith Wilson 

None 

Semester One 

A Pass (i.e. 50% and above) in German Studies IS B (GERM 

1012) or its equivalent. 

Restrictions: 



German Studies II; no part of this course may be counted 




Tutorial – 1x1hr. 

Building on the language sections of German ISA and ISB, this course aims to further develop 

students' proficiency in the four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - through a 

combination of readings and reproductive and creative exercises. It also aims to enhance students' 

intercultural understanding through the use of authentic texts that focus on aspects of contemporary 

society in German-speaking countries and promote comparison and discussion. 

Language instruction consists of one two-hour language workshop per week Wednesday 2.10-4 and 

one weekly tutorial in small groups. Tutorial times are Tuesday 9.10-11 or Thursday 12.10-1 

Prescribed Texts: 

Koithan, Ute et al, Aspekte. Mittelstufe Deutsch 2 (B2) (Langenscheidt) 

You need to have 1) Lehrbuch 2) Arbeitsbuch 






ASSESSMENT 

Homework, class tests, end-of-semester test, tutorial participation, vocab tests and an oral 

examination or an oral presentation. See Course Outline for details. 

20

GERMAN IISA: CULTURAL STUDIES (2221) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 




Lecture: 

Mon. 11.10 - 12 

Seminar: Tues. 12.10-2 

Two 

Margaret King 

None 

Semester One 

GERM 1012 or equivalent 

No part of this course may be counted toward other 

courses in German Studies 




A German Childhood: The overall aim of this course is to develop students' understanding of German 

culture through the study of texts, written and visual, in the framework of their social and historical 

context. Students will not only develop their cultural understanding, but also their reading and 

analytical skills and their language proficiency. 

The specific focus of the course is growing up in Nazi Germany and Austria. How do children behave in 

extreme circumstances like these? For those who survived, is it ever possible to escape from the 

identity of either victim or perpetrator/bystander? In this course we will examine texts and films in 

which Germans and Austrians, both Jewish and non-Jewish, attempt to make sense of their childhood 

and come to terms with this most difficult period in German history. Topics to be discussed include 

schooling, the importance of Nazi youth groups, the influence of mothers, fathers and peer groups 

and the role of memory in structuring our perceptions of ourselves and our pasts. 


Nöstlinger, Christine: Maikäfer Flieg! Beltz & Gelberg 

There will also be a reader for this course which can be purchased from Image and Copy at the 

beginning of the semester. 

ASSESSMENT 

An oral presentation, a written presentation, a book journal and a research essay. See the Course 

Outline for details. 

22

GERMAN IISB: CULTURAL STUDIES (2222) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 




Lecture: 

Tues. 9.10 - 10 

Seminar: Frid. 9.10-11 

Two 

DAAD Lecturer 

None 

Semester One 







In Semester 2 it is anticipated that German Studies will have a new staff member, a DAAD lecturer, 

who will be taking this course. For that reason we cannot provide any details about the content of the 

course at this stage. Information will be provided as soon as it is available. 


ASSESSMENT 

. 

23

GERMAN STUDIES III A: LANGUAGE & SOCIETY (GERM 

3203) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 

Contact Hours (per week) 

Three 

Margaret King 

None 

Semester One 

A Pass in German Studies II B (2204) or its equivalent 

No part of this course may be counted towards other 




German IIIA is the follow-on course from the level 2 beginners’ language course. The primary aims of the 

course are: 1) to develop further students’ proficiency in the written and spoken language and 2) to explore a 

variety of aspects of German culture and society. The three weekly contact hours offer a focus on language 

work to develop concurrently all four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, while at the 

same time encouraging the further development of the appropriate background knowledge of cultural contexts 

necessary for cultural competence in communication. The course organization, content and assessment are all 

designed to provide a solid grounding in all these areas. 

Language instruction consists of one two-hour language workshop per week Thursday 3.10-5 and one 

weekly tutorial. The tutorial is on Wednesday 11.10-12. 


Hilpert et. al.: Schritte International 5 & Schritte International 6. Hueber Verlag 

Gottstein-Schramm et. al. Schritte Übungsgrammatik Hueber Verlag 

Students are encouraged to acquire the latest edition of Collins German Dictionary (Collins) if they 

have not already done so. 

ASSESSMENT 

Homework, vocabulary tests, a class test, an end-of -semester test, tutorial participation, and an oral 



24

GERMAN STUDIES III B: LANGUAGE & SOCIETY (GERM 

3204) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 

Contact Hours (per week) 

Three 

Judith Wilson 

None 

Semester One 

Normally a Pass in German Studies III A (3203) or its 

equivalent 





German IIIB is the follow-on course from the semester 1 level 3 beginners’ language course. The primary aims 

of the course are: 1) to develop further students’ proficiency in the written and spoken language and 2) to 

explore a variety of aspects of German culture and society. The three weekly contact hours offer a focus on 

language work to develop concurrently all four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, 

while at the same time encouraging the further development of the appropriate background knowledge of 

cultural contexts necessary for cultural competence in communication. The course organization, content and 

assessment are all designed to provide a solid grounding in all these areas. 

Language instruction consists of one two-hour language workshop per week Friday 1.10-3 and one 

weekly tutorial. The tutorial is on Tuesday 10.10-11. 


Hilpert et. al.: Schritte International 5 & Schritte International 6. Hueber Verlag 

Gottstein-Schramm et. al. Schritte Übungsgrammatik Hueber Verlag 



ASSESSMENT 

Homework, vocabulary tests, a class test, an end-of -semester test, tutorial participation, and an oral 


Students are expected to achieve a reasonable balance in all areas of the courses. 

25

GERMAN IIIA: CULTURAL STUDIES (3223) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 



Two 

Margaret King 

None 

Semester One 

A Pass in German II B (GERM 2204 or GERM 2224) or its 

equivalent 







Lecture: 

Mon. 11.10 - 12 

Seminar: Tues. 12.10-2 

A German Childhood: The overall aim of this course is to develop students' understanding of German 

culture through the study of texts, written and visual, in the framework of their social and historical 

context. Students will not only develop their cultural understanding, but also their reading and 

analytical skills and their language proficiency. 

The specific focus of the course is growing up in Nazi Germany and Austria. How do children behave in 

extreme circumstances like these? For those who survived, is it ever possible to escape from the 

identity of either victim or perpetrator/bystander? In this course we will examine texts and films in 

which Germans and Austrians, both Jewish and non-Jewish, attempt to make sense of their childhood 

and come to terms with this most difficult period in German history. Topics to be discussed include 

schooling, the importance of Nazi youth groups, the influence of mothers, fathers and peer groups 

and the role of memory in structuring our perceptions of ourselves and our pasts. 


Nöstlinger, Christine: Maikäfer Flieg! Beltz & Gelberg 

There will also be a reader for this course which can be purchased from Image and Copy at the 

beginning of the semester. 

ASSESSMENT 

An oral presentation, a written presentation, a book journal and a research essay. See the Course 

Outline for details. 

26

GERMAN IIIB: CULTURAL STUDIES (3224) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 




Lecture: 

Tues. 9.10 - 10 

Seminar: Frid. 9.10-11 

Two 

DAAD Lecturer 

None 

Semester One 

A Pass in German IIIA (GERM 3203 or GERM 3223) or its 

equivalent 










ASSESSMENT 

27

Level: 

GERMAN STUDIES IIISA: GERMAN LANGUAGE & 

SOCIETY (GERM 3211) 

Course Coordinator : 


Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 



Three 

Judith Wilson 

None 

Semester One 

Normally a Pass in German Studies IIS B (2212) or its 

equivalent 

No part of this course may be counted toward any other 

course in German Studies 




Building on the language sections of German IISA and German IISB, this course aims to consolidate 

and expand students' German competence and refine their skills in written and oral communication 

on more complex topics. It also aims to enhance students' intercultural understanding through the 

use of authentic texts that focus on aspects of contemporary society in German-speaking countries 

and promote analysis and discussion at a more advanced level. 

Language instruction consists of one two-hour language workshop per week Friday 12.10-2 and one 

weekly tutorial in small groups. Tutorials are Tuesday 11.10-12 or Thursday 10.10-11. 


Koithan, Ute et. al., Aspekte. Mittelstufe Deutsch 3 (C1) (Langenscheidt) 




ASSESSMENT 

Homework, class test, end-of -semester test, tutorial participation, vocab tests and an oral 

examination or presentation. 

See Course Outline for details. 


28

Level: 

GERMAN STUDIES IIISB: GERMAN LANGUAGE & 

SOCIETY (GERM 3212) 

Course Coordinator : 


Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 



Three 

DAAD Lecturer 

None 

Semester One 

Normally a Pass in German Studies IIIS A (3211) or its 

equivalent 

No part of this course may be counted toward any other 

course in German Studies 




Building on the language sections of German IIISA, this course aims to expand students' German 

competence and refine their skills in written and oral communication on more complex topics. It also 

aims to enhance students' structural understanding through the use of authentic texts that focus on 

aspects of contemporary society in German-speaking countries and promote analysis and discussion 

at a more advanced level. 

Language instruction consists of one two-hour language workshop per week Wednesday 9.10-11 and 

one weekly tutorial in small groups. Tutorials are Wednesday 1.10-2 or Thursday 1.10-2. 


Koithan, Ute et.al., Aspekte. Mittelstufe Deutsch 3 (C1) (Langenscheidt) 




ASSESSMENT 

Homework, mid-semester test, end-of-semester test, tutorial participation, vocab tests and an oral. 

See Course Outline for details. 


29

GERMAN IIISA: CULTURAL STUDIES (3221) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 



Two 

Judith Wilson 

None 

Semester One 

A Pass in German II SB (GERM 2212 or GERM 2222) or its 

equivalent 







Lecture: 

Friday 9.10 - 10 

Seminar: Thursday 2.10-4 

Die böse Kommode and the Treachery of Translation 

“In jeder Oper gibt es eine böse Kommode!” What or who is “die böse Kommode”? If you can answer 

this question, you already know something about the treachery of translation. Although translation as 

a mode of language acquisition is now rarely taught as part of foreign language programs, its 

importance as a medium of intercultural communication and understanding is widely recognised. 

Historically translation has played an important role in the development of languages, cultures and 

societies. As a result of globalisation, internationalisation and migration, it has now become a growth 

market. Even if you’re not a professional translator, you may be called on to translate for someone 

who doesn’t know the language. Confronted with a foreign language or a foreign situation, we all 

resort to translation. For the unwary, translation can be treacherous, but it doesn’t need to be. In this 

seminar we will explore some of the differences between German and English, the problems they 

pose for someone moving between the two languages and strategies for solving them. We will hear 

from people in the field about the challenges of professional translation, look at translation in various 

contexts, compare translations and try our hand at translating a range of different texts on different 

topics. The aims of the seminar are not only to provide students with an understanding of the 

translation process and basic translation skills, but also to enhance their linguistic competence and 

cultural awareness. 

Prescribed Texts 

Students will need a good dictionary e.g. the Collins German Dictionary (Collins, latest edition). 

ASSESSMENT 

Class participation, homeworks, translation tests and a translation project. See the Course Outline for 

details. 

All grades of pass require a reasonable balance of achievement in all areas of the course. 

30

GERMAN IIIS B: CULTURAL STUDIES (3222) 

Level: 



Quota: 

Duration: 


Restrictions: 




Lecture: 

Thurs. 10.10-11 

Seminar: Mon. 10.10-12 

Two 

DAAD Lecturer 

None 

Semester One 

A Pass in German IISB (GERM 2212 or GERM 2222) or its 

equivalent 









Prescribed Texts 

ASSESSMENT 

31

GERMAN Special Topic II 

(GERM 2030) 

Level: 

Two 

Course Coordinator: Margaret King (Semester 1), Judith Wilson (Semester 2) 


Quota: 

None 

Duration: Semester 1 and/or Semester 2 


Restrictions: 


Contact Hours (per week): 4 

12 units Level I Humanities/Social Sciences 


courses in German Studies. 

See prerequisites. 

Assessment: 

See German IA/IB Beginners 

This course offers the opportunity for students in second year to complete a first level German 

language course. It is particularly appropriate for prospective postgraduates or Honours students who 

need to develop a reading ability of the German language for research purposes. Students intending 

to do semester 2 of this topic must normally have completed semester 1. 

32

GERMAN Special Topic III 

(GERM 3030) 

Level: 

Three 

Course Coordinator: Margaret King (Semester 1), Judith Wilson (Semester 2) 


Quota: 

None 

Duration: Semester 1 and/or semester 2 


Restrictions: 


Contact Hours (per week): 4 

12 units Level II Humanities/Social Sciences 


courses in German Studies. 


Assessment: 

Restrictions: 


See German IA/IB Beginners 

Not available to students who have completed German 

language at any level. 


This course offers the opportunity for students in third year to complete a first level German language 

course. It is particularly appropriate for prospective postgraduates or Honours students who need to 

develop a reading ability of the German language for research purposes. Students intending to do 

semester 2 of this topic must normally have completed semester 1. 

. 

33

STUDYING GERMAN ABROAD 

Through academic exchange agreements, scholarships and semester abroad schemes, German opens 

the door to study and research possibilities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A number of 

departments at this University have close ties with German universities or are in the process of 

establishing them - the Conservatorium encourages both its performance and musicology students to 

study German, the Law Faculty has an exchange agreement with the University of Mannheim, the 

Faculty of Engineering has close ties with the University of Stuttgart and the Technische Universität in 

Munich. 

Exchange Agreements 

With the internationalisation of communication and education, the opportunities for this type of 

exchange will increase and so too will the need for students to know more than one language. 

The University of Adelaide has exchange agreements at present with a number of German universities 

including the Free University of Berlin. For a complete list, see information provided on the 

International Office website. These exchange links enable students to do part of their chosen course 

at a European university for which credit is given as part of their South Australian degree. For further 

information, please consult Adelaide Abroad, Level 5, Oliphant Building. 

IMPORTANT: 

You can get no more than 12 credit points towards your degree by participating in an exchange 

program. 

You need to enrol in Adelaide before you go to ensure you get credit for work done overseas. 

To get credit for German you must take courses in Germanistik, Interkulturelle Germanistik or 

Deutsch als Fremdsprache. 

GERMAN IN GERMANY II or III 

(GERM 2021) (GERM 3021) 

German Studies offers this course as the equivalent of a semester course in Germany. The course 

takes place in January and February as part of the Stuttgart Enhanced Summer University. The course 

may be taken as a course in its own right, either at second year level or 3rd year level (3 points). 

Alternatively, it is possible to use it as part of a German major. 

Prerequisite: 

24 units at Level 1 or equivalent. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

The course is divided into two components running concurrently: 

a) an intensive language course – students undertake 15 hours of instruction per week in a 

totally German-speaking language environment; 

b) a cultural/historical program which will entail 8 hours per week of the chosen elective. There 

will also be visits to museums and art galleries as well as to other significant cultural centres. 

For details, contact Adelaide Abroad, Level 5, Oliphant Building. 

ASSESSMENT 

The assessment will be as specified for specific language and culture courses taken as part of the 

Stuttgart program. Students must enrol to receive credit for this course. Contact the Faculty of 

Humanities and Social Sciences for further information about their requirements. 

34

HONOURS IN GERMAN STUDIES 

(GERM 4401A) 

Course Coordinator: Margaret King (Semester 1), DAAD Lecturer (Semester 2) 

Honours in German Language and Culture 4401 is the final stage of students' formal training in 

German language. Accordingly, the course offers a range of language exercises that develop a high 

level of oral and written language proficiency. During the Honours year, students will also extend their 

knowledge and appreciation of German culture, both through their participation in cultural studies 

seminars and through the independent research carried out for the thesis. Because it gives students 

the opportunity to follow their interests and develop their research skills, the thesis is the key to a 

successful Honours year and prepares students for further research in German language and culture 

should they wish to continue to the higher degrees, ie. the MA or the PhD. 

Honours German involves a full year's study of the German language and culture. It may be taken fulltime, 

or, for those with significant work commitments, part-time over two years. Intending Honours 

students must have qualified for the Ordinary degree of the Bachelor of Arts and have obtained a 

Credit or higher in German IIISA/B or German IIIA/B in their third year. 

The content of Honours German Language and Culture is as follows: Language — two or three hours 

per week in semesters 1 and 2 focusing on advanced written and oral skills; Cultural Studies — three 

hours per week in semesters 1 ; 12,000 word thesis in German and possibly an oral interview on the 

thesis topic. Students enrolling in German Honours from German IIIA/B may choose to write a 15,000 

word thesis in English. It is also possible to do a combined Honours degree in which students share 

their work between German Studies and another discipline. The work to be completed for each 

discipline should be negotiated with the Honours Coordinators of German and the other discipline. 

Assessment: continuous assessment of language 25%; cultural studies 25%; thesis and oral interview 

50% (Language – 6 points; Cultural Studies – 6 points; Thesis + Oral – 12 points) 

Final percentage scores correspond to Honours categories as follows: 

80-100 First Class Honours 

70-79 Second Class Honours Division A 

60-69 Second Class Honours Division B 

50-59 Third Class Honours 

0-49 Fail 

Combined Honours with European Studies 

This is another alternative to the above for students wishing to do Honours with a substantial German 

Studies content but with a thesis in English. Successful completion of combined German / European 

Studies Honours at an appropriate level will enable students to continue with postgraduate work in 

either German Studies or European Studies. 

The structure of combined German Studies / European Studies Honours will normally be as follows: 

Semester 1 & 2: 

Semester 1: 

Advanced Language 2-3 hours per week 

Assessment as for Honours German Studies (above) 

Total 25% 

European Studies Lec. & Seminar, 3 hours per week 

Total 25% 

35

Semester 2: 

Thesis of 15,000 words on a German-related topic using German and 

English language resources, written in English. 

Total 50%. 

Students wishing to vary the above program should consult the German Studies and European 

Studies Honours Coordinators before enrolling. 

Honours Thesis 

Students in the Honours year are expected to write a thesis on a topic agreed between the student 

and German Studies. 

The thesis is to be presented by the end of the mid-semester break in the second semester. It is 

therefore preferable to work out the topic in the second semester of the preceding year. 

Each student has a supervisor for the thesis who will help in the formulation of the topic, give 

guidance on the relevant primary and secondary literature, discuss ideas with the student and help 

plan the work, read drafts of chapters and comment on both form and content. 

If the thesis is to be written in German, the supervisor will go through the whole draft once to point 

out mistakes in expression and give advice on style. After this reading, it is up to the student to see 

that the German is acceptable. Questions on specific points can, of course, be answered at any time 

before the thesis is submitted. 

German Studies encourages students to be original in choosing topics preferably in areas where they 

have a special interest, but students need to consider the availability of literature on the topic in the 

university library and the areas of expertise of their supervisor. Our basic policy is that we will 

consider supervising any topic that is well thought-out and falls within a staff member's area of 

competence. Ideally, a student should try out ideas on various members of staff before deciding on a 

topic. The more informal consultations between students and staff members, the better. 

Thesis topics of an interdisciplinary kind are welcome and can usually be supervised jointly with other 

Departments. 

The topic will be finally decided in consultation between the student, the course director and the 

future supervisor. This means that students are encouraged to find a prospective supervisor, talk the 

topic over and agree on a formulation that suits both. The course director will be happy to make 

suggestions as to which staff members will be interested in what topics. It is important that both the 

student and the supervisor are happy with the topic. The earlier exploratory discussions can begin, 

the better it is for both sides. 

As a rough guide, staff members have nominated the following areas as those they are particularly 

interested in. But this list is not exclusive and there is no suggestion that students should choose only 

these areas. The list is meant only to offer some suggestions as to where to start. 

Students should note when members of staff are on leave, as this may make supervision difficult in 

particular cases. 

Margaret King 

Areas: 

Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival, 19th century musical life and German national 

identity, 20th century children's literature 

36

Dr Engelhard Weigl (Honorary Visiting Research Fellow) 

Areas: 

Judith Wilson 

18th century philosophy and literature, the West German education system, history of 

science and Alexander von Humboldt. 

Areas: 18 th & 19 th century German women writers, German-Australian connections in the 

nineteenth century, postcolonial and intercultural approaches to German studies, East 

German literature 

Honours - Cautionary Notes 

German Studies takes a very dim view of unacknowledged quotation in the Honours thesis, as it does 

if it is used in any essay, and students can be penalized severely when this is detected. This may 

extend to not awarding the degree at Honours level. All phrases and sentences taken from primary 

and secondary literature must be placed in quotation marks and acknowledged precisely. Ideas 

borrowed from critics must also be acknowledged. A good thesis allows the reader to see clearly and 

immediately what is the student's own contribution and what comes from the works listed in the 

bibliography. In general, a balance should be struck between quotation and direct comment. 

The German language of the thesis should represent the student's own efforts as modified by the 

supervisor. Allowances can be made for very difficult topics. Staff will generally be aware when 

students produce German not their own or their supervisor's and will not accept work that has been 

rewritten by a native speaker outside German Studies. 

37

Postgraduate Study 

German Studies at The University of Adelaide offers the possibility of MA and PhD Degrees by 

research only. Normally a First Class Honours Degree is required in order to enrol directly as a 

doctoral candidate. 

The University of Adelaide is ideally suited for postgraduate research in German Studies. The Barr- 

Smith library houses one of the best German journal collections in the country; it also contains a 

specialized European Documentation Centre (EDC) and a huge German literature microfiche 

collection, donated to it by the German government in 1996. The city of Adelaide is also home to the 

Lutheran Archives, in North Adelaide, a key resource for anyone wishing to carry out research about 

German settlers in South Australia. 

It is essential in planning postgraduate work to consult staff on the availability of appropriate 

resources and supervision. For some brief information on the research interests of staff in German 

Studies, see the section on Honours above. Interested students should in the first instance contact the 

Postgraduate Coordinator. 

Postgraduate research can be, but need not be, supported by a postgraduate scholarship. For further 

information about the availability of postgraduate research awards, contact the Scholarships office. 

38

SCHOLARSHIPS 

1. Assistantships - each year, the German government offers a number of Assistantships aimed 

primarily at teachers, but also, depending on the number of applicants, available to students who 

intend pursuing a career as a teacher of German in Australia. 

2. The Goethe Institute also offers scholarships for intending teachers. See Goethe Institut Australien 

website for further details - http://www.goethe.de/INS/au/lp/enindex.htm 

3. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for students to do an intensive 

Language course (8 weeks) in Germany in January/February. See – DAAD Information Centre website - 

http://ic.daad.de/sydney/scholarship.htm 

4. Some of the German universities offer scholarships to assist students participating in the semester 

abroad scheme. For further information, contact the International Office. 

5. Postgraduate Study in Germany 

The German Academic Exchange Service offers scholarships to Australian students who wish to spend 

time in Germany as part of their postgraduate study programme. See – DAAD Information Centre 

website - http://ic.daad.de/sydney/scholarship.htm 

6. Rice Scholarships 

Postgraduate students may also apply for a Rice Scholarship which is offered by the University 

through the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences to support one year of study abroad by a 

postgraduate student in a language-based discipline. A small number of travel awards are also 

available under this scheme. For further information, contact the Faculty of Humanities and Social 

Sciences. 

39

ASSESSMENT AND ESSAY WRITING 

Assessment 

Assessment normally takes the form of language exercises, language tests, tutorial participation, 

vocabulary tests, working papers, oral presentations and essays. It is policy to return test papers and 

examination scripts to students. 

A cover sheet for German Studies assignments, available from the School of Humanities office in the 

Napier Building, should be duly completed and attached to all written assignments (essays, working 

papers). 

Redemption of Marks 

The broad departmental policy on redeeming marks is as follows: 

1. Only work which has received a fail mark may be redeemed and that only once. Weekly 

exercises, including tutorial assignments, and minor assignments will not be redeemable. The 

maximum result which can be achieved in a supplementary granted because of poor 

performance is 50%. 

2. Work not handed in by the due date and not covered by an extension may not be redeemed. 

3. Students who cannot complete work by the due date and want an extension should email 

the person(s) taking that course/option before the due date giving reasons for the request. 

4. Work handed in late without an extension will be penalised by 10% in the first week; after 

that the work will normally not be accepted. 

5. When an extension has been granted for a piece of work, the student will normally be held 

to have been given an opportunity to redeem the work. 

6. Work which contains unacknowledged quotation, is quite obviously not the student's own or 

which does not represent a reasonable attempt to satisfy the terms of the exercise may not 

be redeemed. 

7. It will be assumed that all homework exercises, essays and tests are the student's own work. 

Work which is obviously not the student's own will not be given a mark. 

8. Students must notify the lecturer concerned of their intention to redeem a mark - whether 

for an essay or a test - within one week of receiving it. No marks can be redeemed after the 

German Studies Examiners' meetings in July and November. 

9. Exceptions to these rules can only be made at the discretion of the Course Coordinator and 

on documented medical or compassionate grounds. 

10. Any dispute concerning the application of these rules shall normally be considered in the first 

instance by the German Studies staff. 

40

Grievance Procedures 

The Student Grievance Resolution Process is now on the Student Policy & Appeals website at: 

www.adelaide.edu.au/student/grievance/. 

The following five policies now include reference to the new Student Grievance Resolution 

Process:Unsatisfactory Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy at: 

http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/1803/ 

Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/700/ 

Plagiarism Policy at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/230/ 

Policy on Cheating in Examinations and Related Forms of Assessment at: 


Reasonable Adjustments to Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy at: 


If possible, try to resolve the issue by talking to the staff member concerned first. 

Essay Writing 

WHEN PRESENTING ESSAYS IT IS IMPORTANT TO: 

- use a cover sheet, available outside the School of Humanities office in the Napier Building, 

completing all details required; 

- write work only on alternate lines, or type in double-spacing, and in all work leave a margin of at 

least 3.5 cm so that the marker can write comments or suggestions; use only one side of the paper; 

- compose the essay according to a plan and try to develop a clear line of discussion or argument; 

- make the essay as legible as possible by typing or writing clearly with ink that contrasts with the 

paper, e.g. not faint blue ink on paper with faint blue lines; 

- document each use you make of others' material, whether from books, articles or lecture notes; 

sentences or phrases taken from someone or somewhere else need quotation marks around them; 

ideas and factual material derived from books and/or lectures must be properly footnoted, with their 

full source-details given. 

- when writing your essay, refrain from lifting sentences or parts of sentences from secondary 

literature without acknowledgment - it sticks out; 

- use secondary literature critically, making it clear whether you agree with the views quoted or, if 

not, why you disagree; 

-attach a reading list at the end that is set out consistently and mentions all books or other sources 

you have actually used for the essay and only them. 

N.B. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE A COPY OF ALL ESSAYS BEFORE THEY HAND THEM IN. 

THIS IS FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION; ESSAYS RARELY GO MISSING, BUT THEY CAN. 

41

Students Should Avoid: 

- making a series of statements which are obviously derived from elsewhere and acknowledging or 

marking as quotation some small part of them; 

- writing footnotes without precise page references - it is not enough to give just the title, author or 

"Chapter 3"; 

- having fifteen books or articles in your bibliography and mentioning only three in your essay - there 

is no point in listing a work at the end if you have not shown somewhere how you have benefited 

from it in your essay; 

- re-telling the plot of literary works without any analysis or comment - assume the marker knows the 

plot and, if you re-tell some of it, then do so in a way that makes points; 

- citing anonymous opinions or sources, e.g. "it is widely known", "many people say", "some have 

said" etc.; always identify and document where such opinions or factual statements come from; 

- exceeding the length requirement at the expense of the quality of what you hand in; this applies 

particularly to essays in German, where careful checking of what you have written is essential and 

brings more marks than submitting long ramblings full of errors of the sort you can easily avoid by 

taking a bit more time and being a bit more careful. 

NB. Students should make sure they are familiar with the following policies: 

All University Policies can be obtained from: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/ 

Academic Honesty and Assessment 

Obligations for Coursework Students 

policy and Academic Dishonesty 

Procedures 

Assessment for Coursework Programs 

Copyright 

Examinations 

Student Grievance Resolution Process 

Unsatisfactory Academic Progress by 

Coursework Students 





http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/grievance/ 


Learning Support 

The German Studies staff are always happy to provide you with support in your academic work. 

Please ASK if you are not sure about anything. You can also obtain assistance from the Centre for 

Learning and Professional Development. Their Language and Learning Service is located on level 2 of 

the Schulz Building. It offers students a range of academic workshops, as well as print and online 

resources to develop language and learning skills at undergraduate and postgraduate coursework 

levels. 

The LLS provides sessions for local and international students with language backgrounds other than 

English. These include a series of workshops on academic writing, conversation tutorials and a 

volunteer program for individual conversation development. 

A special series of workshops designed specifically for postgraduate coursework students is offered 

each semester. 

Workshops may also be arranged in response to specific requests from students and staff within 

departments, schools and faculties. 

For further information: telephone 8303 5771 or email clpd@adelaide.edu.au or visit the website at 

http://www.adelaide.edu.au/clpd/lls/ 

42

Personal Support 

Sometimes things go wrong. Staff in German Studies are always sympathetic towards students with 

genuine problems and we recommend that you let us know about any difficulties or disabilities 

affecting your academic performance as soon as possible. You can also consult the Learning and 

Disability Access Services or the Counselling Centre, both on the ground floor of the Horace Lamb 

Building. 

43

A.U. GERMAN CLUB 

If you are looking for an opportunity to practise your German, or you simply want to socialise, then 

join the German Club! It has been in existence for well over 40 years now, and is still going strong! It is 

one of the largest clubs and has members, ranging from native speakers to people with no knowledge 

of German, encompassing many different faculties and year levels. 

Typically there has been a weekly Kaffeeklatsch. There, members can get to know each other whilst 

enjoying coffee, tea, and various delicious cakes. 

In addition to Kaffeeklatsch, there are many social events. Over the past few years, these have 

included video nights, dress-up cocktail parties, a bike hike, dinners, café/pub crawls, trips to 

Hahndorf and the annual Winery Tour and soccer game versus the French Club. 

Plays and cabarets provide students with excellent opportunities to improve their German and make 

lots of friends. Regular German speaking hours are an option depending on members' interest. 

German Club abounds in chances to socialise, improve your German, and, if you are so inclined, 

develop leadership and teamwork skills by involvement on either the official committee, or in the 

organisation of club activities and social events. 

If you'd like to join, or would just like to find out more, speak with the German Club members on the 

Barr Smith Lawns in O' Week! 

44

Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) information 

We would like to inform you of the current OH&S practices within the university to ensure your 

safety and that of others. It is in your interest to read the information carefully. 

Evacuation Procedures 

There are two types of alarms systems used in the university, as follows: 

When Alert Signal Sounds 

(Beep…Beep…) 

If In No Immediate Danger 

DO NOT EVACUATE! 

• Cease inter/across floor movement. 

• Secure classified material (if applicable). 

• Await further instructions via the PA or 

from the Warden. 

When Evacuation Signal Sounds 

(Whoop…Whoop…) 

DO NOT USE LIFTS! 

Evacuate safely. 

• Proceed via the safest route to the 

Assembly Area. 

• Follow the directions of the Warden(s). 

• Do not re-enter the building until 

instructed to do so by persons in 

authority. 

Evacuation Procedures posters 

You will notice that ‘Evacuation Procedures’ posters are prominently displayed in all foyer areas in 

all buildings in the university. The posters include the designated evacuation area - you must 

proceed to this area when you hear the evacuation signal and follow the instructions of Fire 

Wardens. 

First Aid 

Emergency Only 

For a high-level medical emergency, phone 8303 5444 (extension 35444). 

First Aid assistance 

The School has a number of First Aid Officers that are available to assist you. Please phone 

8303 4249 (extension 34249) and ask to speak to a First Aid Officer. First Aid kits are 

located in the School Office on Level 7 Napier building. 

Accident and incident reporting 

If you are involved in an accident or a near-miss incident whilst on campus it needs to be reported – 

preferably within 48 hours. Your cooperation is necessary in the reporting of all potential hazards, 

accidents and near-miss incidents to ensure that the university maintains a high standard of safety. 

The ‘Accident & Incident Reporting’ form is available from the: School of Humanities Office, Level 7 

Napier Building. 

Reporting property damage 

Please report all property damage that is potentially hazardous to Security, phone 8303 5990 

(extension 35990). 

45

2012 CALENDAR DATES 

Orientation Week 

20 - 24 February 

Lectures Commence 

27 February 

Mid Semester Break 

2 April – 13 April 

Lectures Recommence 

16 April 

Swot Vac 

12 June - 15 June 

Mid Year Exams 

16 June – 30 June 

Semester Break 

2 July - 20 July 

Semester 2 Commences 

23 July 

Mid - Semester Break 

17 September – 28 September 

Lectures recommence 

2 October 

Swot Vat Week 

29 October – 2 November 

End of Year Exams 

3 November - 17 November 

Vacation begins 

20 November 

46

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