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Course profile

Modern Germany (HIST2407)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Historical & Philosophical Inq

Rise of Prussia-Germany to its collapse in 1918, the democratic Weimar Republic, and the Nazi dictatorship, 1933-1945.
This course may not run if there are fewer than 20 enrolments.

The course aims to give students an understanding of the development of modern Germany from the unification of the German Empire in 1870-71, through a period of rapid economic and social development in the following decades, the emergence of Germany as a power with global imperial ambitions by 1914, the collapse of the empire, the unsuccessful experiment of the first German democracy, and the Nazi dictatorship from 1933 to 1945.

Course requirements

Assumed background

No specific pre-requisites, but it is recommended that students should have completed at least one semester of 1000-level courses before attempting a 2000-level course.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

HS229, HT234

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

The course aims to give students an understanding of the development of modern Germany from the unification of the German Empire in 1870-71, through a period of rapid economic and social development in the following decades, the emergence of Germany as a power with global imperial ambitions by 1914, the collapse of the empire, the unsuccessful experiment of the first German democracy, and the Nazi dictatorship from 1933 to 1945.ᅠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

demonstrate comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.

LO2.

show development of capacity to analyse historical developments and historiographical debates; develop skills of historical analysis and understanding of complexity of historical processes.

LO3.

show development of the ability to evaluate opinions and to reflect critically on the justifications for opinions.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Essay/ Critique Research Essay 40% 2,500 words

Due 14:00, 8 October 2024

Participation/ Student contribution Tutorial participation
  • In-person
10%

Weekly from Week 2 to Week 13.

Tutorial/ Problem Set Tutorial exercise
  • In-person
10%
Examination Exam
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
40%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Assessment details

Research Essay

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
40% 2,500 words
Due date

Due 14:00, 8 October 2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

See outline on Blackboard site for questions and reading lists.

Referencing style: Students are strongly encouraged to use Chicago style for references (footnotes) and bibliographies: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-1.html

Word Limits: A word count that is within ±10% of the set length (2,500 words) is acceptable. Word count does not include footnotes; however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.

AI: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submission through Turnitin.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 21 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Students requiring an extension must apply through the HASS Faculty online through My.UQ.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Tutorial participation

  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
10%
Due date

Weekly from Week 2 to Week 13.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

Tutorial attendance and work (10%) – doing reading for each week and participating in tutorial discussion.

Submission guidelines

In class, weekly.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Tutorial exercise

  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
10%
Learning outcomes
L02, L03

Task description

Using the one-page template provided on the Blackboard site, give a brief précis of one article or chapter set for the week's tutorial reading, stating main argument of the author(s), kind of evidence used, and how convincing or useful you find the work.

To be submitted at the tutorial (not accepted outside the tutorial time without special approval for reasons of illness or incapacity to attend the time).

Ten of these to be completed during the semester (one a week).


AI:

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

In class, weekly.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Extension possible with medical or other relevant documentation.

Exam

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
40%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

2-hour formal exam in the centrally administered examination period.

Exam will consist of two essay-type questions, one on Part A of the course, one on Part B (with internal choice of questions).

In the event of disruption during the end of semester exam period that prevents the scheduled final examination occurring as planned, the assessment will be changed to a non-invigilated, time-limited online exam. The timing of the assessment may also be affected.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Materials

None.

Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Application online through My.UQ.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: <p>Grade 1, Low Fail (0-24%), is generally awarded in cases where some assessment has been submitted, but it is of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. In work submitted, however, there is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field of study or basic requirements of the course.</p>

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: <p>Grade 2, Fail (25-44%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, and as such, does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed.</p>

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: <p>Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills.</p>

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: <p>Grade 4, Pass (50-64%), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved.</p>

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: <p>Grade 5, Credit (65-74%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated.</p>

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: <p>Grade 6, Distinction (75-84%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated.</p>

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: <p>Grade 7, High Distinction (85-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered.</p>

Additional course grading information

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

First Essay 

Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  1. Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument.
  2. Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of central issues.
  3. Ability to form a well-structured essay. 
  4. Engagement with academic sources and evidence. 
  5. Insight and/or creativity in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.
  6. Capacity to produce a coherent and well-written essay using correct grammar and syntax.
  7. Appropriately referenced, as per discipline conventions. 


To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay should be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.


To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay should be be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.


To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a proficient understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.


To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%) your essay should reflect a functional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately. 


To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%) your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial level of knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer some insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.


To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25–44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.


To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0–24%), your essay will reflect that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this course. Your essay will demonstrate an absence of research, evaluation of data and/or evidence, and lack argumentation. Use of discipline conventions will be absent, poor or inappropriate, and written expression poor or inappropriate.


Tutorial Participation

Your tutorial participation will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

  1. Evidence of participation in discussions.
  2. Evidence of preparation for the tutorial, most notably through completing the set readings.
  3. Quality of contributions to discussions.
  4. Fostering of group discussions, through courteous and respectful interactions with staff and students. 
  5. Attendance is necessary to fulfill the above criteria, as per the course requirements, but marks cannot be awarded for attendance alone.


To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), your attendance will be flawless and your participation exceptional. This grade reflects exceptional levels of preparation, mastery of course materials, and very high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers very effectively.


To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84%) your attendance will be excellent and your participation very substantial. This grade reflects excellent levels of preparation, knowledge of course materials, and high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers effectively.


To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%), your attendance and participation will be good. This grade reflects proficient levels of preparation, good knowledge of course materials, and good quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.


To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%) your attendance and participation will be satisfactory. This grade reflects adequate levels of preparation and knowledge of course materials, and an acceptable quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.


To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%) your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation and superficial knowledge of course materials and basic levels of preparation. However, when in attendance, there is evidence of your ability to demonstrate developing achievement in contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.


To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25–44%), your attendance and participation will be very unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, minimal knowledge of course materials, little evidence of preparation, and mixed to low quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.


To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, an no evidence of preparation, and little or no evidence of quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.


Tutorial exercises


Assessment criteria:

1. Ability to explain the context of the text/document.

2. Ability to identify the key components, themes or features that allow critical appreciation.

3. Ability to explain the significance of the text/document.

4. Ability to critique various interpretations of an item and to employ interpretive perspectives, when applicable.

5. Clear and concise written expression, well presented. 


Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information


  • Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
  • By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
  • All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of any assessments. You must check that the receipt confirms that submission has been successful.
  • A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after sevenᅠcalendar days, will receive zero.ᅠIn the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Co-ordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
  • Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct.
  • Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
  • For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Lecture

Week 1 Introduction to modern Germany/ German unification

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Lecture

Week 2 The Bismarckian Reich: Junkers and liberals / Bismarck’s adversaries

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Lecture

Week 3 Wilhelmine Germany/ Imperial German foreign policy

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Lecture

Week 4 The Kaiser’s Empire in total war/ Revolution 1918/1919

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Lecture

Week 5 Political crises 1919-1923/ The Great Inflation

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Lecture

Week 6 Stabilization and consolidation 1923-1929/ Stresemann and Weimar foreign policy

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Lecture

Week 7 The Great Depression and the erosion of parliamentary democracy

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Lecture

Week 8 End of the Republic/ the Nazi takeover

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Lecture

Week 9 The Nazi state

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Lecture

Week 10 Economy of Nazi Germany/ Nazi social revolution

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Lecture

Week 11 Foreign policy, 1933-1939

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Lecture

Week 12 Conformity and resistance

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Week 13 War and the Holocaust

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.