Upper-division Writing Requirement Review Form (5/4/09)

I. General Education Review – Upper-division Writing Requirement

Dept/Program
Subject / GRMN, LS, MCLG / Course # (i.e. ANTH 455) or sequence / GRMN 351H, LS 321H, MCLG 330H
Course(s) Title / German Culture to 1900
Description of the requirement if it is not a single course
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office.
Please type / print name / Signature / Date
Instructor / Marton Marko
Phone / Email / 243-5418,
Program Chair / Linda Gillison
III Overview of the Course Purpose/ Description
This interdisciplinary course with a writing focus provides an overview of the major cultural developments in Germany from its prehistoric beginnings to 1900. Students will become familiar with the chronology of historical developments, with major figures in the political and cultural sphere, and major contributions German-speaking culture has made globally. Focal points will be presented in three contexts: chronological, geographical, and topical. Analysis and discussion will be provided regarding the major social and intellectual forces informing directions of politics, daily life, and national identity in chronological terms, with emphasis on how social structures of continuity and change characterized periods in German cultural history through 1900. From a geographic perspective, emphasis will be placed on how various movements and social developments can be seen as having taken place within a given framework of area identity related to defining what is German. Topically, interdisciplinary dimensions will be highlighted in drawing connections between different fields in the context of German cultural history, such as sociology, political science, philosophy, theology, urban studies, literature, music, and the fine arts.
IV Learning Outcomes: Explain how each of the following learning outcomes will be achieved.
Student learning outcomes :
Identify and pursue more sophisticated questions for academic inquiry / Writing assignments, lectures, and class discussions extend beyond level of general observation of historical and cultural phenomena to focus on interconnection of differing dimensions of how the concept of German culture can be defined, characterized, and examined in three primary contexts: chronological, geographical, and topical. A synthesis of these dimensions will be emphasized, highlighting an interdisciplinary approach toward German Studies. Students will not only be able to identify and examine key movements and figures in the course of German cultural history up to the advent of the 20th century, but will draw connections between phenomena through a German Studies approach that will emphasize the chronological, geographical and topical dimensions of material covered, formulating arguments and ties concerning the development of German-speaking culture through the time period through 1900 that bring these dimensions together, as well.
Find, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information effectively from diverse sources (see http://www.lib.umt.edu/informationliteracy/) / In addition to the course text, students will seek out information sources and reference for their studies, reflected in writing assignments which will involve in the evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of information in the production of these written projects. These assignments present students with the opportunity to illustrate their ability to articulate a) their recognition of larger issues which inform specific topics on which they write, b) how their research sources frame information and present topics at hand, and c) how they are able to synthesize information and material gathered from class lectures, course discussion, and their research outside class by means of four formal writing assignments incorporated in the course. These assignments are:
1) Website Essay (2 pp.): Synthesizes critical observations re: distinctions between conventional written text and web resources, as well as discussion of material found via chosen web resource related to key terms, topics, and ideas of course
2) Working Bibliography and Bibliographic Review (3 pp.): Working Bibliography illustrates student ability to find and collect appropriate resources, as well as use correct citation methods. Bibliographic Review provides initial framework through which key ideas derived from sources begin to frame blueprint of Research Paper
3) Research Paper Abstract (1 p.): Illustrates student ability to identify and focus on central theme of paper, synthesizing supporting facts, ideas, and material related to research topic succinctly and clearly in 1-page scope.
4) Research Paper (6 pp.): Final trajectory of Assignments 2 and 3, where students synthesize key ideas focused on in Abstract and worked out via Bibliographic Review in extended form, incorporating supporting material to complete comprehensive discussion of their own ideas and arguments in light of their research.
Manage multiple perspectives as appropriate / The writing assignments outlined above require students to engage with multiple perspectives regarding topics they research via sources used for each their website analysis essay as well as their research paper. In the case of the website analysis paper, this involves not only an examination of a particular authorial source, as such, but also brings students to examine the role of medium, as well, as an aspect of perspective. The working bibliography and bibliographic review affords ongoing collection, management and examination of multiple perspectives, on which the instructor may also provide feedback as the student progressively evaluates sources and perspectives for their project.
Recognize the purposes and needs of discipline-specific audiences and adopt the academic voice necessary for the chosen discipline / As the course description outlines, this class is an interdisciplinary one. The common link to disciplines introduced in the course is, however, a perspective via the field of German Studies. As such, focus will be directed in writing assignments (Writing Assignments 2 – 4 in particular) toward framing discussion vis-à-vis the three perspectives central to a German Studies approach: chronological, geographical, and topical. Attention will be given toward ways in which each of these dimensions is clarified in textual discussion involving the phenomenon of German Studies. Clarification and writing models will be provided representing each of the following approaches toward examination in the field: historical, socio-cultural, and literary-artistic-creative. Students will select from one of these main directions in following a topic for their final research paper and adhere to discussed writing approach and convention accordingly.
Use multiple drafts, revision, and editing in conducting inquiry and preparing written work / Each writing assignment will involve the handing in of a formal first draft and a second draft on dates indicated on syllabus. Initial drafts prior to the formal first draft may also be submitted for review. Each formal first draft will be assessed in terms of appropriateness with regard to assignment, effectiveness of conceptualization, and quality of writing approach. Constructive feedback will be offered accordingly. Suggestions and expectations for second drafts will be clarified based on explanation of comments re: first drafts.
Follow the conventions of citation, documentation, and formal presentation appropriate to that discipline / Writing models and discussion will be provided regarding effective and proper language use and style appropriate to German Studies, along with correct and proper forms of citation and documentation. While the subject matter will be Central European, in focusing on English writing skills appropriate to the discipline, attention will be devoted to the composition of effective, communicative, and persuasive English. Attention will also be given to structural organization of observation, argument, and supporting evidence as it relates to the use and inclusion of differing sources: literary, creative, and artistic, as well as historic and scientific. Finally, instruction will be offered regarding the use of formal compositional language appropriate to the discipline rather than colloquial language use.
Develop competence in information technology and digital literacy (link) / “Information literacy requires an awareness of the way in which information systems work, of the dynamic link between a particular information need and the sources and channels required to satisfy that need” (Darch et al. 1997). This definition provided by the UM Mansfield Library website serves as the guideline by which information literacy goals in this course are approached. Writing Assignments 1 (Website Essay) and 2 (Bibliography and Bibliographic Review) specifically address a) student need of information and the evaluation and b) assessment of information resources with regard to specific research and investigative needs. Students will be directed to the Mansfield Library information literacy web page and discussion of these main goals and strategies re: information literacy will be discussed in class. Particular focus regarding use and evaluation of digital media is provided by the website analysis essay assignment, which serves as a frame by which students may evaluate and assess their use of further digital sources in their research.
V. Writing Course Requirements Check list
Is enrollment capped at 25 students?
If not, list maximum course enrollment. Explain how outcomes will be adequately met for this number of students. Justify the request for variance. / X Yes o No
Are outcomes listed in the course syllabus? If not, how will students be informed of course expectations? / X Yes o No
Are detailed requirements for all written assignments including criteria for evaluation in the course syllabus? If not how and when will students be informed of written assignments? Please attach one example of instructions for written assignment. / o Yes X No
In addition to outlined descriptions of writing assignments included in syllabus, students will receive specific assignment description hand-outs during the semester. See example attached separately.
Briefly explain how students are provided with tools and strategies for effective writing and editing in the major. / Writing samples representing differing sub-fields of German Studies are provided students as a) examples of areas of focus which they may ultimately follow in their own research for class and b) examples of synthetic approach of material that unifies given topics under the rubric of German Studies. Editing help along with advice concerning approach toward subject matter via disciplinary guidelines is further provided by feedback offered following initial drafts.
Which written assignments include revision in response to instructor’s feedback? / Each of the aforementioned written assignments will include revision in response to instructor feedback. 1. Website Essay, 2. Bibliography and Bibliographic Review, 3. Research Paper Abstract, 4. Research Paper
Are expectations for Information Literacy listed in the course syllabus? If not, how will students be informed of course expectations? / X Yes o No
VI. Writing Assignments: Please describe course assignments. Students should be required to individually compose at least 20 pages of writing for assessment. At least 50% of the course grade should be based on students’ performance on writing assignments. Clear expression, quality, and accuracy of content are considered an integral part of the grade on any writing assignment.
Formal Graded Assignments / 1) Website Essay (2 pp.), 10 % of Course Grade: Synthesizes critical observations re: distinctions between conventional written text and web resources, as well as discussion of material found via chosen web resource related to key terms, topics, and ideas of course
2) Working Bibliography and Bibliographic Review (3 pp.): Working Bibliography illustrates student ability to find and collect appropriate resources, as well as use correct citation methods. Bibliographic Review provides initial framework through which key ideas derived from sources begin to frame blueprint of Research Paper
3) Research Paper Abstract (1 p.): Illustrates student ability to identify and focus on central theme of paper, synthesizing supporting facts, ideas, and material related to research topic succinctly and clearly in 1-page scope.
4) Research Paper (6 pp.) (40 % of Course Grade, including Bibliographic Review and Abstract): Final trajectory of Assignments 2 and 3, where students synthesize key ideas focused on in Abstract and worked out via Bibliographic Review in extended form, incorporating supporting material to complete comprehensive discussion of their own ideas and arguments in light of their research.
Each assignment will involve the submission of a formal first draft along with a follow-up second draft.
Informal Ungraded Assignments / Students have the opportunity to hand in initial working drafts of each of their assignments before submission of formal first drafts.
VII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form. ß The syllabus should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html

GERMAN CULTURE, BEGINNINGS TO 1900

GRMN 351H, LS 321, MCLG 330

Spring 20XX

Marton Marko

LA 435

Office Hours: XX- XX and by appointment

243-5418

I. Objectives & Goals:

This interdisciplinary course provides an overview of the major cultural developments in Germany from its prehistoric beginnings to 1900. Students will become familiar with the

chronology of historical developments, with major figures in the political and cultural sphere, and major contributions German-speaking culture made during periods up to the advent of the 20th century.

II. Expectations and Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to attend class regularly, do the assigned reading, take notes, study their notes as well as the reading and viewing materials, and to follow guidelines for writing assignments. Emphasis will be placed on the definition and identification of key terms, guiding ideas, movements, and trends which can be recognized as having connected and influenced time periods in German cultural history up to 1900. Students will learn to recognize main characteristics, ideas, trends and movements in German cultural history during this time and be able to identify texts, artifacts, and cultural phenomena within these frameworks. Course material will be covered in the form of assigned readings as well class lectures which will cover and complement readings. Coursework will also involve your own research for writing assignments. In addition to these writing assignments, there will be a written midterm exam as well as written final exam which will present informational questions as well as thematic questions to gauge your comprehension of class material as well as your capacity to organize points and observations in the context of themes covered in the course.

The formal writing assignments include:

1) Website Essay (2 pp.):

In this essay you will synthesize critical observations regarding a web resource found related to a topic in German Studies, as well discuss material found via your chosen web resource related to key terms, topics, and ideas of the course.

2) Working Bibliography and Bibliographic Review for Research Paper (3 pp.):

Your working bibliography will allow you illustrate your ability to find and collect appropriate resources, as well as use correct citation methods for your class research paper. Your bibliographic review will provide the initial framework through which key ideas derived from your sources will begin to frame the blueprint of your research paper.