German literature and education for conscientization

Abstract

This thesis introduces the concepts of critical education as inspired by the Frankfurt School of thought in their formulation of a critical theory of society. It also develops the critical educators' methodological approach to teaching, known as 'critical pedagogy'. Over and above this, this thesis also proposes a critical pedagogical framework to teaching German literature to Maltese adolescents at Sixth Form level - through the combination of critical content and pedagogy, as advocated by the critical pedagogists themselves. This critical approach to teaching will thus serve not only to teach aspects of German language and literature, but also to lead students towards a more critical view of society.