German

Course summary

This A-level course has been developed to inspire an appreciation of the language, literature, film and culture of the German-speaking world. Pupils will develop advanced level knowledge and understanding of the language, culture and other German-speaking countries and communities, as well as practical language and transferable study skills. Which topics will I study? • Sustainability, recycling and the use of renewable energy in Germany • The German school system, further education and vocational training • The world of work, living and working in Germany • Trends in German music, the influence of music on popular culture • Digital and traditional media, the influence of media on German society • The role of traditions in Germany • Immigration, integration and the modern multicultural society • Society in the GDR before reunification • The collapse of communism and the fall of the Berlin Wall • Reunification and its effects on society In addition to the above themes, pupils are required to study two works from a list of either two literary texts or one literary text and one film. Examples of literary texts on the specification: • Der Besuch der alten Dame, Friedrich Dürrenmatt, 1956 (play) • Der Vorleser, Bernhard Schlink, 1995 (novel) • Die Entdeckung der Currywurst, Uwe Timm, 1993 (novella) Examples of films on the specification: • Almanya – Willkommen in Deutschland, dir. Yasemin Samdereli (2011) • Das Leben der Anderen, dir. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (2006) • Der Untergang, dir. Oliver Hirschbiegel (2004)