851-0886-00L  New Zealand Through Literature and Film (C1-C2)

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersUniversity lecturers
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentNo enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link


AbstractThis course is designed for non-native English speakers at Bachelor’s and Master’s level from all disciplines who wish to gain an insight into New Zealand culture, history, and society through its rich tradition in film and literature, while improving their English language skills further towards C2.
ObjectiveIn this course, students are introduced to New Zealand through its rich tradition of literature and film. The course addresses issues that have arisen in this former colony from its earliest settlement to the present day. Key questions include: What did New Zealand mean to its early settlers? Where did they come from? What is the Treaty of Waitangi, and what is its status today? How culturally diverse is New Zealand, and what is bi-culturalism in New Zealand? How did early European settlers view New Zealand, and what does it mean to be a New Zealander today?

Students will analyse and discuss poetry, prose, and film. They will become aware of various ways of "reading" texts and film, and will improve their skills in planning and writing cohesive essays in which they marshal their arguments in a convincing and formal manner.

Overall, the aims are that students become more discerning readers, improve their skills in expressing their views in written and spoken form clearly and concisely, and gain an understanding of the importance of literature and film to the development of New Zealand’s unique present-day identity.