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German Advanced One

Module description

German Advanced 1 is intended for students who have successfully completed FLG2330 German Intermediate 2 or who have a level broadly of A level (Grade A*-B) or equivalent. The module develops all four core language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as advanced grammatical structures of German in a communicative context. The module is taught as far as possible in German.

It will develop your vocabulary and communication skills for both every day and academic situations to an advanced level required for working or studying abroad.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module is appropriate for students who have an A-level (Grade A*-B) in the foreign language or equivalent or B1 of the Common European Framework for languages - CEFR. The module develops all four core language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as advanced grammatical structures of German. You will also learn more about the customs, culture and society in which German is spoken in order to develop awareness of the language’s background and context. The module aims to:

• review and consolidate the advanced structures of German, developing both vocabulary and range of language structures thus equipping students with the linguistic tools to enable them to communicate effectively in everyday and academic situations
• further develop and embed active and passive language skills, including comprehension skills in listening and reading, with particular emphasis placed on the skills necessary for effective oral and written communication in German at an advanced level
• build on knowledge of the sociocultural aspects of the regions/countries in which the languages are spoken and to continue to develop transferable skills necessary for studying and/or working abroad

The exit level of this module is broadly equivalent to B2 Independent User Level of the Common European Framework for Languages.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate competence in the use of advanced grammatical structures of German
• 2. Read and comprehend a wide range of demanding, longer written and aural texts on both concrete and abstract topics in German, including articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes and viewpoints
• 3. Communicate fluently and effectively, orally or in writing, and use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes and produce clear, well-structured written text on complex subjects, expressing points of view at some length

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Demonstrate autonomy in language learning, with reduced direction from the teacher
• 5. Use available learning aids in a variety of media, including an advanced reference grammar and specialist dictionary, to consolidate your learning

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Work creatively and flexibly, react and adapt to situations as appropriate
• 7. Make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and develop an awareness of and sensitivity to a foreign culture

Syllabus plan

The module provides a systematic approach to acquiring essential grammar structures in a communicative context and in accordance with the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

The material of the textbook continues to deepen and practice grammatical structures as well as broaden the vocabulary base with in-depth topics and authentic excerpts from German TV. 

The module will cover some or all of the following topics : 

• the concept of ‚Heimat’
• communication (incl. non-verbal communication)
• work (job search. motivation, team spirit)
• science and research
• culture
• fitness
• historical events
• feelings and emotions
• our future

Main grammar topics include:

• Conjunctions with  zu + Inf:  um ...zu, ohne ... zu, anstatt ... zu;  ;
• Modal constructions
• The Passive
• Indefinite Pronouns
• Comparisons using als / als ob / als wenn
• Participles as Attributes
• The use of the Subjunctive
• Noun-Verb links

You will be expected to spend time studying outside the class and we provide guidance, facilities and materials to help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner. For this module, you will be asked to consolidate your class work by learning vocabulary and structures, and by reading, watching or listening to material in German. You will also be expected to complete the exercise book/workbook, prepare exercises and activities for the class, to write short assignments and generally acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies. You will receive regular feedback on your progress from class activities, homework assignments and coursework items. You will also receive feedback on the formative In-Class Task, including suggestions for what and how to improve and identifying your own strategies for improvement.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

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%.

You will only be required to retake any failed assessments. Marks for any passed assessments will be carried forward. If you have failed any assessments but managed to pass the module overall, you will not be allowed to retake the failed assessments.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

• Textbook: Lösche, Ralf-Peter et al. Aspekte B2: Mittelstufe Deutsch. Lehrbuch ohne DVD. Langenscheidt/Klett Verlag.
• Workbook: Koithan, Ute et al. Aspekte B2: Mittelstufe Deutsch. Arbeitsbuch mit Übungstests auf CD-ROM. Langenscheidt/Klett Verlag.
• Grammar: Elke F. Gschossmann-Hendershot & Lois Feuerle, Schaum's Outline of German Grammar, 5th edition, McGraw Hill, 2014.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11270 

Key words search

German, advanced, Advanced German, German Advanced 1, German Advanced One, German Language