German studies 3: language and culture of the German-speaking world
This module follows on from an OU Level 2 German module. It further develops your knowledge and understanding of German-speaking societies and extends your language competence. The interactive online study materials are based around text, audio and video resources, including interviews and documentaries. You'll engage in critical analysis, develop academic writing, research and presentation skills, and be introduced to the concept of linguistic and cultural mediation. The six module themes provide both broad and focused coverage of historical and contemporary aspects of German-speaking societies, which you are encouraged to discuss with your fellow students in tutorials and forums.
What you will study
All of the materials for this module are delivered online via the module website.
Each of the six units covers different aspects of the language and culture of the German-speaking world. The unit topics in detail are:
Unit 1: Nationale und regionale Identität
regional identity
landscapes and political structures in German-speaking countries
the region of East Friesland, its geography, culture, and economy
issues around language and identity
the role of dialects in German-speaking countries
the contested notion of ‘Heimat’.
Unit 2: Forschung, Technologie und Innovation
from scientific discovery to innovation
science and scientists during the Third Reich
keeping a competitive edge through innovation
international research
the United Nations’ development goals
social robots
vaccines as saviours in a pandemic
green technologies
science and ethics
discussions around genetic engineering
the limits of science.
Unit 3: Geschichte und Politik
overview of German history
Kaiserreich, Weimar Republic, and Hitler’s rise to power
Germany, Austria and Switzerland during the Hitler era
local history and contemporary witnesses
reappraisal and reflection
the post-war era in Germany and Austria
critical voices and opposition
reunification
the current political system
political parties and elections in a changing society
migrant communities and right-wing groups
Germany in Europe.
Unit 4: Migrationund Identität
reasons for emigration from German-speaking countries
recent history of migration into Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
the right to asylum
policies, key issues and controversies in integration
migration as a lived experience.
Unit 5: Kunst im Kontext
what is art?
the origins and functions of art
different forms of art
why we read and why writers write
overview of German-language literature
reading a short story
functions of architecture
controversial monuments
dance, music, theatre, and film
changing trends in German film
reappraising history through film: analysing “Nirgendwo in Afrika”.
Unit 6: Wirtschaft im Fokus
jobs and motivation
economic development in Germany from 1945 to the Covid pandemic
industrial strife
regional and national economies
globalisation
a ‘green’ car industry?
economy vs. ecology
the concept of sustainability
our future.
You will be working on text and audio-visual material through completing a wide range of online activities, which are designed to deepen your understanding of the module topics and develop your confidence in communicating in German. Throughout the module, you will progressively develop your academic skills, leading up to a small-scale project at the end. All materials are interactive and encourage your participation; they also allow you to evaluate your progress regularly and provide you with strategies to further develop your skills as an independent language learner. With your fellow students, you can engage jointly in forums, and in Unit 4, you will take part in an interactive cross-language discussion task.
This module is designed to enable you to achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level C1 of the Council of Europe Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Entry requirements
This is an OU level 3 module for students who have successfully completed an OU level 2 German module or who already have an equivalent knowledge of German.
Preparatory work
If you have time before the module begins, we suggest that you continue to use your German in any way you can. You could do this by: redoing some of the activities in your OU level 2 German module; watching and listening to the audio and video materials from your OU level 2 module; reading a German newspaper; accessing resources such as online editions of newspapers and magazines, internet radio and television; or borrowing German books and films from the local library. Anything you can do to keep practising your German will help you to prepare yourself for the start of the module.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
One of the TMAs is an interactive speaking assignment which will be carried out by your tutor online.
What's included
You'll have access to a module website, which is the focal point of your study, and includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
online tutorial access
access to forums where you can communicate with your tutor and fellow students.
You will need
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials and to take part in your interactive assignment, you’ll need a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
You will also need to have access to a suitable German dictionary, either in print or online, for example
Collins German Dictionary Complete and Unabridged: For advanced learners and professionals (2019).
You will be working with the following grammar book, which you can access electronically through the library, or you may have a printed copy if you have previously studied L223.
Durrell et. al. (2015) Essential German Grammar. 2nd ed. Routledge.
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L333 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Future availability
German studies 3: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L333) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2034.