Teaching and Student Feedback
I am a Lecturer in German, Film and Visual Culture at the University of Aberdeen. I have previously taught at the University of Cambridge, the University of Nottingham, King's College London, and the University of Birmingham, teaching German language, literature, film and culture at undergraduate and MA level. I have over eleven years of teaching experience and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in March 2020. My current teaching responsibilities (since 2018) are listed under 'Teaching' on my University of Aberdeen staff webpage.
In 2015 I was nominated in the category ‘Teaching – Best Feedback’ in the University of Nottingham Students’ Union Staff Oscars. Below you'll find module descriptions of courses that I've previously developed and taught, together with student feedback (given via Student Evaluation of Teaching [SET] and Student Evaluation of Module [SEM] surveys at the University of Nottingham and via correspondence*).
*reproduced with permission
POST-WAR AUSTRIAN LITERATURE
(Level 2, Year 2 module, taught at the University of Nottingham in 2013/14 and 2014/15)
This module introduced students to several landmark texts of post-1945 Austrian literature and their social and cultural contexts. Focusing on a selection of prose and dramatic works by Ingeborg Bachmann, Thomas Bernhard and Elfriede Jelinek, the module examined issues including the writers' responses to the trauma of the Second World War and the Holocaust, representations of post-war Austrian society, and the literary techniques that the authors use to articulate their views. Through close reading of primary texts, students developed knowledge and understanding of modern Austrian history, literature and culture from the 1930s to the 1980s.
Student comments:
In 2015 I was nominated in the category ‘Teaching – Best Feedback’ in the University of Nottingham Students’ Union Staff Oscars. Below you'll find module descriptions of courses that I've previously developed and taught, together with student feedback (given via Student Evaluation of Teaching [SET] and Student Evaluation of Module [SEM] surveys at the University of Nottingham and via correspondence*).
*reproduced with permission
POST-WAR AUSTRIAN LITERATURE
(Level 2, Year 2 module, taught at the University of Nottingham in 2013/14 and 2014/15)
This module introduced students to several landmark texts of post-1945 Austrian literature and their social and cultural contexts. Focusing on a selection of prose and dramatic works by Ingeborg Bachmann, Thomas Bernhard and Elfriede Jelinek, the module examined issues including the writers' responses to the trauma of the Second World War and the Holocaust, representations of post-war Austrian society, and the literary techniques that the authors use to articulate their views. Through close reading of primary texts, students developed knowledge and understanding of modern Austrian history, literature and culture from the 1930s to the 1980s.
Student comments:
"an enjoyable and relevant module"
"the topics were interesting and posed some important questions"
"the topics covered were very interesting and the inclusion of historical background was very helpful"
"really enjoyed the module - it was my favourite!"
"Dr Krylova teaches very well and makes concepts very clear"
"I'm generally not very good at literature but Katya has been very good at helping us to understand different techniques and concepts and how to notice them in texts"
"it was lovely to be taught by someone who clearly knows what they are talking about and is interested in the topic"
"a knowledgeable lecturer, and her knowledge of the subject helped us greatly"
"obviously very experienced in this field"
"Katya seemed very interested and passionate about her topic of study"
"very communicative and open"
"approachable, friendly, understanding"
"made me feel comfortable and able to make suggestions with regard to interpretations of the text without fear of being embarrassed"
"Katya is very patient and so you don't feel embarrassed speaking and asking questions"
CONFRONTING THE PAST IN CONTEMPORARY AUSTRIAN LITERATURE AND FILM
(Level 3, Year 4 module, taught at the University of Nottingham in 2013/14 and 2014/15)
This module explored key developments in Austrian literature and film since the early 1980s, concentrating particularly on literature and film following the so-called 'Waldheim affair', which marked a caesura in Austrian self-understanding with relation to the Second World War and the Holocaust. Focusing on works of diverse genres (a novel, life writing, drama and film) by Gerhard Roth, Ruth Klüger, Elfriede Jelinek, Lukas Stepanik and Robert Schindel, we analysed key developments in contemporary Austrian literature and film over recent decades as well as exploring theoretical issues and debates relating to memory studies, Holocaust testimony, exile, gender, Austrian-Jewish writing, and negotiations of identity.
Student comments:
(Level 3, Year 4 module, taught at the University of Nottingham in 2013/14 and 2014/15)
This module explored key developments in Austrian literature and film since the early 1980s, concentrating particularly on literature and film following the so-called 'Waldheim affair', which marked a caesura in Austrian self-understanding with relation to the Second World War and the Holocaust. Focusing on works of diverse genres (a novel, life writing, drama and film) by Gerhard Roth, Ruth Klüger, Elfriede Jelinek, Lukas Stepanik and Robert Schindel, we analysed key developments in contemporary Austrian literature and film over recent decades as well as exploring theoretical issues and debates relating to memory studies, Holocaust testimony, exile, gender, Austrian-Jewish writing, and negotiations of identity.
Student comments:
"widened my knowledge of Austrian history and literature - a very interesting module"
"the module gives an extremely interesting view of Austria's past, which is not that well known"
"my interest in the module increased from lesson to lesson; really enjoyed this class"
"really interesting module, thank you!"
"teacher provided a variety of media and teaching techniques, which I really enjoyed (presentations, films, group and in-class discussions, etc.)"
"the different teaching methods and mediums made the class interesting, memorable and easy to follow"
"the atmosphere in class was engaging; students were motivated to contribute to discussion; I was never afraid of giving a wrong answer"
"Katya always designed her lectures really well. She increased my interest on the topic of Austrian Literature. She was really competent and delivered her knowledge well to the student"
"lecturer is clearly enthusiastic about the teaching material"
"the teaching was clear and easy to understand"
"Katya was very informative and not at all intimidating"
"I liked the atmosphere that she created in the class"
"Katya gave useful feedback, for example with the essay plans"
"the teacher was extremely helpful and supportive when I asked for any advice"
"lecturer provided help and advice immediately, both in person and via email"
"teacher was really friendly and made sure that we were able to follow"
MODERN AUSTRIAN IDENTITY AND MEMORY (Level 4, section of ‘Modern and Contemporary German Studies: Theory and Practice’ core module, Modern and Contemporary German Studies MA), taught at University of Nottingham in 2012/13.
This section of the module provided an introduction to debates surrounding Austrian identity following the Second World War. In the first session we considered central aspects of Austrian post-war identity, focusing specifically on the political culture of the Second Republic, neutrality, and the Lebenslüge of the ‘first victim’ thesis, and explored the presentation of these through the legendary satire Der Herr Karl (1961) by Carl Merz and Helmut Qualtinger. The second session focused on the Waldheim affair and its impact on Austrian society and identity through an examination of Heldenplatz (1988), the last play by the vociferous and passionate critic of his native Austria, Thomas Bernhard. The play was examined in the context of the very public debate it provoked in Austria about the nation’s historical legacy and the freedom of art.
No individual feedback available as module was team-taught.
DISSERTATION SUPERVISING
I have supervised extended essays for the Modern and Contemporary German Studies MA at Nottingham as well as final-year undergraduate dissertations.
Student comments:
This section of the module provided an introduction to debates surrounding Austrian identity following the Second World War. In the first session we considered central aspects of Austrian post-war identity, focusing specifically on the political culture of the Second Republic, neutrality, and the Lebenslüge of the ‘first victim’ thesis, and explored the presentation of these through the legendary satire Der Herr Karl (1961) by Carl Merz and Helmut Qualtinger. The second session focused on the Waldheim affair and its impact on Austrian society and identity through an examination of Heldenplatz (1988), the last play by the vociferous and passionate critic of his native Austria, Thomas Bernhard. The play was examined in the context of the very public debate it provoked in Austria about the nation’s historical legacy and the freedom of art.
No individual feedback available as module was team-taught.
DISSERTATION SUPERVISING
I have supervised extended essays for the Modern and Contemporary German Studies MA at Nottingham as well as final-year undergraduate dissertations.
Student comments:
"A huge thank you for supervising my dissertation this semester. I really appreciate all the time you put into the meetings and responding to my many emails. Your support and advice made writing the dissertation much less difficult than I thought it would be!"
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2017 Module convenor for second-year undergraduate module 'Introduction to German Cinema', Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Module convenor for second-year undergraduate module 'German Literary Modernism', Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Supervisor for 'Final Year Independent Study Module in Modern Languages', Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Supervisor for 'Students in German on Teaching Assistantships and Work Placements', Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Seminar tutor for final-year team-taught undergraduate module 'Core Language 4 A and B' (component taught: Translation into English), Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Seminar tutor for first-year undergraduate team-taught module 'German Core I: Advanced: Democracy, Diversity and Dynamism' (components taught: Reading and Writing German, Learning German, Seminar), Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Seminar tutor for first-year undergraduate team-taught module 'German Core I: Beginners: Democracy, Diversity and Dynamism' (component taught: Seminar), Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2016 Module convenor for final-year undergraduate module ‘Writing in Tongues: Literature and Migration in the Modern German Context’, Department of German, King’s College London.
2016 Module convenor for second-year undergraduate module ‘Berlin: Past & Present’, Department of German, King’s College London.
2016 Supervisor for final-year undergraduate module ‘Dissertation’, Department of German, King’s College London.
2016 Supervisor and seminar tutor for final-year undergraduate module ‘Translation from and into German III’, Department of German, King’s College London.
2016 Supervisor for third-year (Year Abroad) undergraduate module ‘Year Abroad Academic Essay in German’, Department of German, King’s College London.
2015 Supervisor for module ‘German Studies Dissertation’, Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2013-2015 Module convenor for final-year undergraduate module ‘Confronting the Past in Contemporary Austrian Literature and Film’, Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2013-2015 Module convenor for second-year undergraduate module ‘Post-war Austrian Literature’, Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2013 Seminar tutor for module ‘Reading German Literature II’ (Level 1), Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2012 Seminar convenor for section ‘Modern Austrian Identity and Memory’ of ‘Modern and Contemporary German Studies: Theory and Practice’ (core module of the Modern and Contemporary German Studies MA, Level 4), Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2012 Seminar tutor for module ‘Introduction to German Film Studies’ (Level 1), Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2009-2010 Supervisor for papers Ge3 ‘Introduction to German Literary Texts’; Ge6 ‘Modern German Culture: 1890 - the Present Day’; Ge10 ‘German Literature, Thought and History since 1910’, Department of German and Dutch, University of Cambridge.
2008-2010 Co-convenor of Critical Theory seminar (sessions taught: Introduction to Critical Theory, Psychoanalysis, Theory in Practice) for second-year linguists at Churchill College, University of Cambridge.
2008 Translation teaching assistant, Postgraduate Teaching Shadowing and Mentoring Programme, Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages, University of Cambridge. Shadowed Professor Andrew Webber’s Part I translation class, taught and supported students during group work.
2017 Module convenor for second-year undergraduate module 'Introduction to German Cinema', Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Module convenor for second-year undergraduate module 'German Literary Modernism', Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Supervisor for 'Final Year Independent Study Module in Modern Languages', Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Supervisor for 'Students in German on Teaching Assistantships and Work Placements', Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Seminar tutor for final-year team-taught undergraduate module 'Core Language 4 A and B' (component taught: Translation into English), Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Seminar tutor for first-year undergraduate team-taught module 'German Core I: Advanced: Democracy, Diversity and Dynamism' (components taught: Reading and Writing German, Learning German, Seminar), Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2017 Seminar tutor for first-year undergraduate team-taught module 'German Core I: Beginners: Democracy, Diversity and Dynamism' (component taught: Seminar), Department of Modern Languages, University of Birmingham.
2016 Module convenor for final-year undergraduate module ‘Writing in Tongues: Literature and Migration in the Modern German Context’, Department of German, King’s College London.
2016 Module convenor for second-year undergraduate module ‘Berlin: Past & Present’, Department of German, King’s College London.
2016 Supervisor for final-year undergraduate module ‘Dissertation’, Department of German, King’s College London.
2016 Supervisor and seminar tutor for final-year undergraduate module ‘Translation from and into German III’, Department of German, King’s College London.
2016 Supervisor for third-year (Year Abroad) undergraduate module ‘Year Abroad Academic Essay in German’, Department of German, King’s College London.
2015 Supervisor for module ‘German Studies Dissertation’, Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2013-2015 Module convenor for final-year undergraduate module ‘Confronting the Past in Contemporary Austrian Literature and Film’, Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2013-2015 Module convenor for second-year undergraduate module ‘Post-war Austrian Literature’, Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2013 Seminar tutor for module ‘Reading German Literature II’ (Level 1), Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2012 Seminar convenor for section ‘Modern Austrian Identity and Memory’ of ‘Modern and Contemporary German Studies: Theory and Practice’ (core module of the Modern and Contemporary German Studies MA, Level 4), Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2012 Seminar tutor for module ‘Introduction to German Film Studies’ (Level 1), Department of German Studies, University of Nottingham.
2009-2010 Supervisor for papers Ge3 ‘Introduction to German Literary Texts’; Ge6 ‘Modern German Culture: 1890 - the Present Day’; Ge10 ‘German Literature, Thought and History since 1910’, Department of German and Dutch, University of Cambridge.
2008-2010 Co-convenor of Critical Theory seminar (sessions taught: Introduction to Critical Theory, Psychoanalysis, Theory in Practice) for second-year linguists at Churchill College, University of Cambridge.
2008 Translation teaching assistant, Postgraduate Teaching Shadowing and Mentoring Programme, Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages, University of Cambridge. Shadowed Professor Andrew Webber’s Part I translation class, taught and supported students during group work.