Syllabus

German II: Children‘s and Young Adult Literature in German

Code
GTY3J8
Points
7.5 Credits
Level
First Cycle
School
School of Language, Literatures and Learning
Subject field
German (TYA)
This course can be included in the following main field(s) of study
German1
Progression indicator within (each) main field of study
1G1F
Approved
Approved, 04 February 2026.
This syllabus is valid from 04 February 2026.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • explain the main features of children’s and young adult literature in the German-speaking countries and their historical development
  • apply scholarly concepts and use literary analysis methods
  • reflect on the texts’ messages and current importance in relation to time and space
  • reflect on how children’s and young adult literature can be used in language teaching at different educational levels and for different age groups.

Course Content

The course examines both the historical development of children’s and young adult literature in German and a selection of texts from contemporary German-language children’s and young adult fiction. The course is based on a broad concept of literature, which also includes, for example, graphic novels, comics, and film adaptations. The works are analysed and contextualised in relation to various themes and are critically examined in light of current issues and topics such as gender perspectives, sustainability, diversity, everyday realism, (post-)migration, and how these themes are communicated to young readers. Students analyse the literature from both didactic and scholarly perspectives.

Assessment

  • Active participation in seminars
  • Written assignments
  • Oral presentations

Grades

The grading scale used for the final course grade is U–VG.

Grades are reported as follows:

  • Children‘s and Young Adult Literature in German - 7.5 Credits | U–VG

Entry Requirements

  • German: Modern German Literature, 7.5 credits

Other Information

This course overlaps previous course code GTY23C.

This course cannot be counted towards the same degree along with courses that have equivalent content.

If the student has received a decision/recommendation granting study support from Dalarna University because of a disability, then the examiner has the right to offer an alternative examination arrangement. The examiner takes into account the objectives in the course syllabus when deciding whether the examination can be adapted in accordance with the decision/recommendation.