Spring 2013
GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
Course Schedule - GER 272
IMPORTANT: ALL TIMES EASTERN - Please see the University Policies section of your Syllabus for
details.
Week
Unit
Assigned
Readings
Activities
Begin
Date
Due
Date
Weight (%)
Week 1
Unit 1: Wilhelmine
Germany (1871-1918)
Past and
Present;
WWI
background
reading;
Nietzche
overviews
Introduce
Yourself in
Discussion
Forum
Friday,
Ungraded
May 10th
Week 2
Unit 1: Wilhelmine
Germany (1871-1918)
"It wasn't
him, it was
her"; "The
Ring and the
Rings"; "That
sound you
hear is the
soul forming"
Syllabus
Quiz
Friday,
4%
May 17th
Unit 1
Exercise
16%
Friday,
May 17th (cumulative)
Week 3
Unit 2: Fin-de-siecle
Vienna
"Evolution
Unit 2
and the
Exercise
Modern City";
Lieutenant
Gustl
Friday,
16%
May 24th (cumulative)
Week 4
Unit 3: Weimar Republic
(1918-1933)
Past and
Unit 3
Present; The Exercise
Cabinet of
Dr. Caligari;
Ebiri Article
on Caligari;
"Disorder and
Early
Sorrow";
"Good-bye to
Berlin"
16%
Friday,
May 31st (cumulative)
Week 5
Unit 4: The Third Reich
(1933-1945)
Past and
Present; "A
Triumph of
the Will";
"The Terrible
Beauty of
Nazi
Aesthetics"
Study
Monday,
Forum One June 3rd
Friday,
June 7th
10%
Week 6
Unit 4: The Third Reich
(1933-1945)
Galileo (text
and film)
Unit 4
Exercise
Friday,
June
14th
16%
(cumulative)
Week 7
Unit 5: Jewish-German
Culture
"The
author…";
Unit 5
Exercise
Friday,
June
16%
(cumulative)
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Spring 2013
GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
"The
Klemperer
Diaries"; "The
Man Who
Fought to
Stay
German";
"WWII
ends…";
Celan's
Todesfuge
Week 8
Week 9
Unit 6: West Germany
(1945-1989)
Unit 7: East Germany
(1945-1989)
21st
Past and
Present;
videos on
Berlin wall;
"German
Terror from
the Left";
The Wall
Jumper
Unit 6
Exercise
Past and
Present; GDR
History; "My
Richard";
"East German
Steroids Toll"
RFR
Research
Stage Form
Regular
Deadline
Study
Monday,
Forum Two June
24th
Unit 7
Exercise
Week 10
"Memorial to
Unit 8:
Vergangenheitsbewältigung a Haunting
Past"; "For
Germans,
Guilt Isn't
Enough"
RFR
Research
Stage Form
"No
Excuses
Necessary"
Extended
Deadline
Week 11
The Reader
Unit 8:
Vergangenheitsbewältigung
Unit 8
Exercise
Friday,
June
28th
16%
(cumulative)
Friday,
June
28th
10%
Tuesday,
July 2nd
Friday,
July 5th
16%
(cumulative)
Tuesday, July 9th
Friday,
16%
(cumulative)
July 19th
Week 12
Week 13
Unit 9: Reunited Germany
(1989-today)
Past and
Present;
"Property";
"Artifacts…";
"Call for
Guiding…";
"TurkishGerman
Artists…"
RFR
Reflection
Stage
Regular
Deadline
Tuesday, 35%
July 23rd
Unit 9
Exercise
16%
Friday,
July 26th (cumulative)
Study
Forum
Three
Monday,
July
22nd
Friday,
10%
July 26th
RFR
Reflection
Stage "No
Excuses
Necessary"
Extended
Deadline
Tuesday, July 30th
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Spring 2013
GER 272 Online
Final Exam Multiple
Choice
Portion
University of Waterloo
Tuesday, 14%
July 30th
Take-home Tuesday, Tuesday, 21%
Portion
July 23rd August
6th
Final Examination The Final Exam is entirely online. You are not required to go to an examination centre for this examination.
Official Grades and Course Access
Official Grades and Academic Standings are available through Quest.
Your access to this course will continue for the duration of the current term. You will not have access to
this course once the next term begins.
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Spring 2013
GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
Communication
Email/Discussions/Phone
Administrative questions should be directed to the Centre for Extended Learning office at
[email protected].
Technical problems with Waterloo LEARN should be directed to Technical Support at
[email protected].
Questions relating to academic issues (e.g., course content, deadlines, etc.) should be posted on the
“Questions and Answers” discussion topic. This allows other students to benefit from your question as well.
Discussion topics can be accessed by clicking the Discussions link on the course navigation bar. Questions
of a personal nature can be directed to your instructor, Gerlinde Weimer-Stuckmann at
[email protected]
Your instructor checks email and the “Questions and Answers” discussion topic frequently and will make
every effort to reply to your questions within 24–48 hours, Monday to Friday.
A note on e-mail etiquette from your instructor.
News
Your instructor uses the News section of the Course Home page to make announcements during the term
to communicate new or changing information regarding due dates, instructor absence, etc. as needed.
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Spring 2013
GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
About the Course
Just a final commment on the course before our exam. Initially, when I
looked at the format of this course, I was not certain I liked it. However, I
must say that this format has been one of the best online courses that I
have taken. I feel that I have retained more in this course than in others.
Studying for the exam has not been so onerous, as I feel I have truly
learned the information presented. I liked the various ways to get marks,
not simply three essay assignments. The quick responses from the
instructors made it very pleasurable. I will be looking forward to taking GER
271.
Congratulations on a great course! ~ A student from a previous offering of
GER 272
Course Instructor — Gerlinde Weimer-Stuckmann
Herzlich willkommen, welcome to your online course 272!
My name is Gerlinde Weimer-Stuckmann and I will be your course instructor for this term. I am a PhD
student in my third year at UWaterloo, Germanic and Slavic Department. We will be working on a wealth
of exciting material for this class and I hope you enjoy engaging with these aspects of German literature
and culture as much as I do. If you have any questions about this course, please don't hesitate to contact me through email . You may
choose to write in either German or English and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
I hope you all have a very fulfilling term!
Course Author -Prof. James M. Skidmore
Germanic & Slavic Studies
www.arts.uwaterloo.ca/~skidmore
Course Description
GER 272 is an introduction to German-speaking culture from the later 19th century until the present day.
This period saw Germany become a united nation, modernize and industrialize rapidly, start two world
wars, implement history's most notorious genocide, divide along ideological lines, and reunite as the
largest nation in western Europe. These tumultuous events caused Germany to invent and re-invent its
national and cultural identity a number of times. This course will look at how the arts – i.e. art,
architecture, music, literature, film – define and reflect Germany identity in the modern age.
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Spring 2013
GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
Objectives
To learn about the cultural history of modern Germany by reading some important German
literature, and to experience other forms of German culture (art, film, architecture, etc.)
To develop skills in thinking, interpreting, and writing about cultural objects
To develop the independent learning skills by becoming better able to make use of the UW Library's
scholarly indexes
What is a "cultural object"? In GER 272 a cultural object is a specific item that we study in order to
gain insight into the development of German cultural history. A cultural object can be a novel, poem,
play, film, work of art, building, memorial, even an event or a person. For the most part, the cultural
objects in this course will objects from the creative visual and literary arts.
How the Course is Organized
GER 272 is divided into 9 Units. Six units deal with different periods of German cultural history, whereas
the other three cover special topics:
Unit One: 1871-1918 - The Glorious German Empire
Unit Two: Fin-de-siècle Vienna
Unit Three: 1918-1933 - The Weimar Republic
Unit Four: 1933-1945 - The Third Reich
Unit Five: Jewish-German Culture
Unit Six: 1945-1989 - West Germany
Unit Seven: 1945-1989 - East Germany
Unit Eight: Vergangenheitsbewältigung
Unit Nine: 1989-2005 - Germany Today
Each unit has its own page and a set pattern of activities. You begin the unit by doing some independent
background preparation. From there you go on to that unit's readings (and, in the case of two units,
films). The readings are accompanied by Prof Moments, short e-lectures that alert you to the instructor's
take on key issues. Each unit is reviewed by a Unit Exercise. A term-long project, the ResearchFeedback-Reflection Exercise, is a three-part assignment that culminates in an essay based on your
independent research into a cultural object. Throughout the term you have the opportunity to visit the GER
272 Question and Answer Forum to post your own questions and comments for class discussion. It all
ends with a Final Exam during the final exam period.
Expectations
It is important while at university to develop into an independent learner. This course expects you to do a
number of readings in addition to shorter and longer learning tasks, and to do them with a minimum of
guidance. It also helps you to develop independent learning skills that can contribute to a successful
university education: information literacy skills (i.e. the art of finding educational resources on your own)
and writing skills.
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Spring 2013
GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
Since I believe that university courses should challenge you, I've designed GER 272 to be both contentand activity-rich. German cultural history is extremely rich, and in order to give you even a tiny sampling
of it requires a fair amount of reading. This course requires some effort - about 8-10 hours a week - but if
you put that effort into it, you will reap many rewards.
Tips for Doing Well in GER 272
Approach the course with interest and curiosity. Focusing solely on marks and grades will snuff out
the fun of learning. You're being given an opportunity to learn: use it wisely!
Keep up with the coursework by doing tasks and assignments on a regular basis. Do not cram! And
do not leave things until the last minute!
Do not skip readings - they are the most important part of the course.
Remember that approximately a third of your grade is based mainly on effort and the timely
completion of straightforward learning tasks.
Participate fully in the online and interactive components of the course.
Keep in mind the advice of Lenin: Study! Study! Study!
When you need help, ask for it!
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Spring 2013
GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
Materials and Resources
Textbook
Required
Bertolt Brecht, Galileo (text and dvd) (you can purchase one or the other; if you can, purchase
both, but if you have to make a choice, go with the dvd)
Peter Schneider, The Wall Jumper
Bernhard Schlink, The Reader
For textbook ordering information, please contact the Waterloo Bookstore.
For your convenience, you can compile a list of required and optional course materials
through BookLook using your Quest userID and password. If you are having difficulties ordering online
and wish to call the Waterloo Bookstore, their phone number is +1 519 888 4673 or toll-free at +1 866
330 7933. Please be aware that textbook orders CANNOT be taken over the phone.
eReserves
All other readings are available through the University of Waterloo Library eReserves. eReserves can be
accessed using the eReserves widget on the Course Home page.
Resources
There is also another film to be watched, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. It is available on:
YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrNJBbXhvOs).
University of Waterloo Library (Services for Students Taking Online Courses)
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GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
Grade Breakdown
The following table represents the grade breakdown of this course:
Task or Assignment
Weight
Syllabus Quiz
4%
Unit Exercises
16%
Study Forums
10%
Research-Feedback-Reflection Exercise
35%
Final Exam
35%
Grading Scheme
The following scheme gives you a rough idea of how marks are assigned to subjectively-graded
assignments (i.e. content assignments such as RFR exercises or exam essay questions)
Explanation
Grade
Unacceptable: Below the minimum standard set for the course.
Less
than
50%
Weak: Serious difficulties with understanding the material,
50communicating knowledge, or both. Major factual or formal errors. 59%
Satisfactory: Meets demands of assignment. Grasp of material
can range from occasionally shaky to very shaky. Communication
skills can inhibit understanding. Some factual or formal errors.
6069%
Good: Meets demands of assignment well. Solid grasp of
material. Communication of ideas is generally clear. Some factual
or formal errors.
7079%
Excellent: Meets demands of assignment exceedingly well.
Material is completely understood. Ideas clearly and effectively
communicated. Nearly no factual or formal errors.
8089%
Exceptional: Exceeds demands of assignment. Exceptional
command of material. Flawless communication skills. Nearly no
factual or formal errors.
90100%
If you'd like to learn about my views on grade inflation, read this article entitled "A's for Everyone!"
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GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
University Policies
Submission Times
Please be aware that the University of Waterloo is located in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT or UTC-5
during standard time and UTC-4 during daylight saving time) and, as such, the time that your activities
and/or assignments are due is based on this zone. If you are outside the Eastern Time Zone and require
assistance with converting your time, please try the Ontario, Canada Time Converter.
Accommodation Due to Illness
If your instructor has provided specific procedures for you to follow if you miss assignment due
dates, term tests, or a final examination, adhere to those instructions. Otherwise:
Missed Assignments/Tests/Quizzes
Contact the instructor as soon as you realize there will be a problem, and preferably within 48 hours, but
no more than 72 hours, have a medical practitioner complete a Verification of Illness Form.
Email a scanned copy of the Verification of Illness Form to your instructor, and mail a hard copy to:
Centre for Extended Learning
University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
In your email to the instructor, provide your name, student ID number, and exactly what course activity
you missed.
If your instructor agrees to re-open a time-limited component, our technical support staff
([email protected]) will require an email from the instructor granting permission to allow you
access.
Further information regarding Management of Requests for Accommodation Due to Illness can be found on
the Student Medical Clinic website.
Missed Final Examinations
If you are unable to write a final examination due to illness, seek medical treatment and provide
confirmation of illness to the Centre for Extended Learning within 48 hours by emailing a scanned copy of
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GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
the completed University of Waterloo Verification of Illness Form to support your request for
accommodation. In your email, provide your name, student ID number, and the examination(s) missed.
You will be REQUIRED to hand in the original completed form at the time you write the make-up
examination, which should be within a week of having missed your exam. The original completed form
must be received before you are able to write a re-scheduled exam.
Further information about Accommodation Due to Illness regulations are available in the Undergraduate
Calendar.
Academic Integrity
In order to maintain a culture of academic integrity, members of the University of Waterloo community are
expected to promote honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. If you have not already
completed the online tutorial regarding academic integrity you should do so as soon as
possible. Undergraduate students should see the Academic Integrity Tutorial and graduate students
should see the Academic Integrity Website for Graduate Students.
For further information on academic integrity, please visit the Office of Academic Integrity.
Discipline
A student is expected to know what constitutes academic integrity to avoid committing an academic
offence, and to take responsibility for his/her actions. A student who is unsure whether an action
constitutes an offence, or who needs help in learning how to avoid offences (e.g., plagiarism, cheating) or
about “rules” for group work/collaboration should seek guidance from the course instructor, academic
advisor, or the undergraduate Associate Dean. For information on categories of offences and types of
penalties, students should refer to Policy 71, Student Discipline. For typical penalties check Guidelines for
the Assessment of Penalties.
Appeals
A decision made or penalty imposed under Policy 70, Student Petitions and Grievances, (other than a
petition) or Policy 71, Student Discipline, may be appealed if there is a ground. A student who believes
he/she has a ground for an appeal should refer to Policy 72, Student Appeals.
Grievance
A student who believes that a decision affecting some aspect of his/her university life has been unfair or
unreasonable may have grounds for initiating a grievance. Read Policy 70, Student Petitions and
Grievances, Section 4. When in doubt please be certain to contact the department’s administrative
assistant who will provide further assistance.
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Final Grades
In accordance with Policy 19, the Centre for Extended Learning does not release final examination grades
or final course grades to students. Students must go to Quest to see all final grades. Any grades posted in
Waterloo Learn are unofficial.
Note for Students with Disabilities
AccessAbility Services, located in Needles Hall, Room 1132, collaborates with all academic departments to
arrange appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities without compromising the academic
integrity of the curriculum. If you require academic accommodation to lessen the impact of your disability,
please register with AccessAbility Services at the beginning of each academic term and for each course.
Use of Computing and Network Resources
Please see the Guidelines on Use of Waterloo Computing and Network Resources.
Copyright Information
uWaterloo’s Web Pages
All rights, including copyright, images, slides, audio, and video components, of the content of this course
are owned by the course author, unless otherwise stated. These Web pages are owned or controlled by the
University of Waterloo, Centre for Extended Learning. By accessing the Web pages, you agree that you
may only download the content for your own personal, non-commercial use. You are not permitted to
copy, broadcast, download, store (in any medium), transmit, show or play in public, adapt or change in
any way the content of these Web pages for any other purpose whatsoever without the prior written
permission of the course author and the University of Waterloo, Centre for Extended Learning.
Other Sources
Respect the copyright of others and abide by all copyright notices and regulations when using the
computing facilities provided for your course of study by the University of Waterloo. No material on the
Internet or World Wide Web may be reproduced or distributed in any material form or in any medium,
without permission from copyright holders or their assignees. To support your course of study, the
University of Waterloo has provided hypertext links to relevant Web sites, resources, and services on the
Web. These resources must be used in accordance with any registration requirements or conditions which
may be specified. You must be aware that in providing such hypertext links the University of Waterloo has
not authorized any acts (including reproduction or distribution) which, if undertaken without permission of
copyright owners or their assignees, may be infringement of copyright. Permission for such acts can only
be granted by copyright owners or their assignees.
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GER 272 Online
University of Waterloo
If there are any questions about this notice, please contact the University of Waterloo, Centre for Extended
Learning, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1 or by email.
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