German Language
| Module title | German Language |
|---|---|
| Module code | MLG1001 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Professor Chloe Paver (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
This module is designed to offer you the chance to practise all four skills of German language learning – reading, writing, speaking and listening – through a wide variety of exercises. You will have the opportunity to practise translations, both into German and English, write short essays, give presentations and take part in debates on a range of topics. The module also aims to consolidate and extend your understanding of German grammar through weekly lectures, class practice and online exercises. Through the study and discussion of texts and videos, you will be able to deepen your understanding of German and Austrian history and culture and contemporary life in German-speaking countries. The module uses structured learning materials which have been tailor-made for first-year undergraduate students of German and which include a wide range of independent online study materials.
This module is designed for students who have an A-level in German language, or equivalent, and who wish to acquire the foundation for studying German at Level two and beyond.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to:
- reinforce and extend the level of the four skills writing, reading, listening and speaking - achieved at 'A' level
- consolidate your understanding of German grammar, and facilitate your application of this to written and oral tasks
- increase your level of comprehension of written and spoken German
- enhance your ability to communicate in accurate German in a clear and structured manner
- expand your vocabulary in German
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Write and speak German with increased accuracy and fluency and increase proficiency in reading and aural comprehension
- 2. Apply knowledge of a range of grammatical features of German, including some complex or advanced structures, to a range of linguistic exercises
- 3. Use German in a range of linguistic exercises (including a short essay, translation into German)
- 4. Use dictionaries to establish basic meanings and find key grammatical information.
- 5. Give oral presentations in German to a small group of listeners, and engage in debates on a range of issues.
- 6. Express ideas and opinions in German in oral and written form, responding to texts dealing with the history, culture and politics of Germany and Austria, the ideas of others in the group, and the questions of the tutor.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Understand a broad range of linguistic terminology, and apply this to verbal and written work.
- 8. Keep abreast of current affairs by engaging with German-language media
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Communicate information in verbal and written form in a foreign language
- 10. Express and defend opinions on a range of current issues
- 11. Advance your linguistic competence independently, with guidance from course tutors
Syllabus plan
Over the two terms you will practise translation into English and German and essay writing in German. In the oral classes you will practise your speaking and listening skills by means of a range of activities and exercises. You will receive a detailed module syllabus at the start of the academic year.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 88 | 212 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Grammar lectures: Explanation and practice of selected grammatical structures 22 x 1 hour |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Grammar classes: Further practice and consolidation of the grammatical topic of the week as well as discussion of formative assessment pieces 22 x 1 hour |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Language classes: Practice in reading comprehension and in acquisition of module-based vocabulary 22 x 1 hour |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Oral German: Focus on improving confidence in spoken German through debates and presentations; practice in listening comprehension through audio and video podcasts. 22 x 1 hour |
| Guided independent study | 212 | Private study to consolidate learning |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 formative tasks (translations; composition; grammar and vocabulary exercises; listening comprehension; oral exercise) | Variable | 1-11 | Written and class discussion |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 30 | 20 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 20 | Up to 20 minutes | 1, 5, 7-10 | Written and oral feedback |
| Grammar and Vocab Test | 10 | 1 hour | 1, 3, 7,9,11 | Written feedback |
| Portfolio | 40 | As described on the ELE page | 1-4, 7, 9, 11 | Written feedback |
| Written examination | 30 | 1.5 hours | 1-4, 6-7, 9-11 | Written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | Oral | 1, 5, 7-10 | Referral/deferral period |
| Grammar and vocabulary test | Grammar and vocabulary test | 1,3,7,9,11 | Referral/deferral period |
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 1-4, 7, 9, 11 | Referral/deferral period |
| Written examination | Written examination | 1-4, 6-7, 9-11 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- A grammar to accompany the lectures as well as all texts discussed in class are supplied by the department and are available online.
- Grammar exercises are also available online.
Students may find the following grammar useful:
- Martin Durrell, Katrin Kohl and Gudrun Loftus, Essential German Grammar (London: Routledge, 2015).
- Recommended dictionary: Collins German Dictionary Complete and Unabridged (Glasgow: HarperCollins, 2013)
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Web based and electronic resources:
Students can access a comprehensive range of materials for this module on the university's online learning environment ELE. This includes all course materials as well as interactive grammar and vocabulary exercises, listening comprehension exercises or links to recommended language learning websites.
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | A Level German or equivalent |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 22/02/2019 |
| Last revision date | 09/07/2020 |
