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Study information

German for Business

Module titleGerman for Business
Module codeFLG3615
Academic year2024/5
Credits15
Module staff

Ms Astrid Hermes (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

2

Module description

German for Business is designed for students who have spent a period of study/work in a country where German is spoken and/or have completed appropriate Advanced level courses. The module focuses on developing all four core language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in a range of current business-related contexts. You will be expected to have an interest in using German in business contexts, although no formal prior business study is required. The module is taught in German. Please note that this module is not appropriate for native speakers of the language.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module is appropriate for students who have spent a period of study / work in a country where the language is spoken (such as students on a ‘with European study’ programme) and/or have completed Advanced level courses (FLG3530/3515 or equivalent). 

This module is broadly equivalent to C1/C1+ (exit level) – Proficient user of the common European framework for languages, and aims to: 

  • review and consolidate advanced structures and vocabulary of the target language, extending these to cover specifically vocational and business-oriented topics.
  • develop the particular skills required to understand and use written and spoken German as used in general business contexts.
  • develop the economic terms and concepts encountered, for example, in non-specialist but informed publications devoted to current business affairs.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

  • 1. Demonstrate a consistent grammatical control of complex language and structures of the target language
  • 2. Read, comprehend and summarise a wide range of demanding, longer written and aural texts in most registers on business-related topics in the target language, including articles and reports concerned with business issues in which the writers adopt particular attitudes and viewpoints.
  • 3. Communicate confidently, fluently and precisely in range of business-related situations, both orally and in writing, and demonstrate the ability to research a specialist business topic, extracting and summarising key information from a range of written and spoken sources, and produce a written portfolio of material to a high professional standard

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

  • 4. Demonstrate advanced levels of autonomy in language learning and ability to research a project - with minimal direction from the teacher
  • 5. Use available learning aids in a variety of media, including a specialist dictionary, to consolidate your learning.

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

  • 6. Give an oral presentation on a business-related topic, expanding on and responding to requests for further information from others
  • 7. Work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team, reacting to situations as appropriate
  • 8. Make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and develop an awareness of and sensitivity to a foreign business culture.

Syllabus plan

The module provides a systematic approach to acquiring advanced structures in a communicative context and in accordance with the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. At this level, you are expected to demonstrate competence in the use of all advanced grammatical structures. However, there may be remedial revision / consolidation of certain grammar topics.

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

Main topics

  • Experience in German-speaking countries and individual business interests
  • German industry sectors and features of the economy
  • The company and organisational structures
  • Marketing and sales
  • Presenting a business
  • Globalisation and digitisation
  • Sustainable development
  • The changing world of work
  • Intercultural communication
  • Job application and interview techniques

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 a proficient language learner.

For this module, you will be asked to consolidate your class work by learning advanced business vocabulary and structures, and by reading, watching or listening to material in German. You will receive regular feedback on your progress from class activities, homework assignments and formative assessment tasks. 

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
441060

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching44Language classes
Guided independent study106Consolidation of class work by learning business-related vocabulary and structures and by reading, watching or listening to material from a wide range of sources in German. Prepare exercises and learning activities for class, write assignments and further develop a repertoire of effective language learning strategies

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
4 formative tasks per year (grammar and vocabulary, writing, reading and listening comprehension)VariableAllWritten feedback

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
502525

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Examination (Listening and text reduction)251.5 hours1-5, 8Written feedback
Oral examination259-10 minutes2, 4-5, 7-8Written feedback
Dossier 50Consists of different components, including short summaries and an essay (1500 words) in German1-6, 8Written feedback
0
0
0

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Listening and text reduction examinationWritten examination1-6, 8Referral/Deferral period
Oral examinationOral examination2, 4-5, 7-8Referral/Deferral period
DossierDossier1-6, 8Referral/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%.

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

There is no coursebook for this module and you will work with a range of authentic German-speaking materials.  Please see ELE for recommended resources.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Recommended websites:

Key words search

German, business, German for Business, Advanced German, German Language

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

Completion of FLG3515/3530: German Advanced Two or equivalent

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

2010

Last revision date

28/07/2020