Module GERM2111: GERMAN LANGUAGE 2 AND YEAR ABROAD

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (German)

GERM2111: GERMAN LANGUAGE 2 AND YEAR ABROAD

Prerequisites

• German Language 1 (I) (GERM1011) or equivalent.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• German Language 2 (GERM2021). Not available to students following the European Studies programme; German in Society II (LANG2071).

Aims

• In respect of work undertaken in Year 2: to improve and expand linguistic competencies (oral and written).
• In respect of Year Abroad: to further improve and expand linguistic skills, knowledge of the culture of a country where the target language is spoken, and to stimulate intercultural awareness.
• In Year 2 students improve their written and oral skills, expanding on the foundation of grammatical and syntactical accuracy consolidated at Level 1, so as to explore more sophisticated modes of verbal expression and a variety of linguistic registers.

Content

• The module emphasises performance skills, to enhance student's ability to write and speak German more freely and move more easily between English and German.
• Study of a series of specific topics which are the focus for discussion, writing and interpreting exercises.
• A business correspondence component prepares students for the year abroad.
• The module is dossier based.
• Prepared dossiers contain material on 8 topics, as well as examples of 'business' letters.
• Topics are either of general or specific socio-cultural interest.
• The topics are explored orally in a number of different ways: debate exposition, free discussion, etc.
• A variety of written assignments consolidates vocabulary and requires students to pay more attention to formal features of the language.
• The interpreting hours held in the language laboratory teach students the skill of focusing on the content rather than the form of expression in English and German.

Learning Outcomes

• In the Year Abroad, students experience total immersion in the linguistic and cultural environment of a German-speaking country, acquiring increased knowledge and the ability to observe, absorb, and evaluate cultural differences.

• The module emphasises performance skills, to enhance the student's ability to write and speak German more freely and move more easily between English and German.

• Students will improve their written and oral skills, expanding on the foundation of grammatical and syntactical accuracy consolidated at Level 1, so as to explore more sophisticated modes of verbal expression and a variety of linguistic registers.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Year 2: Regular, assessed practice in a variety of written and oral exercises extends linguistic accuracy and verbal manipulation.
• these exercises included some relevant to functioning well in a German-speaking country.
• Summative assessment tests competencies acquired in formative practice.
• Year Abroad assessment consists of an essay to demonstrate: accuracy of language.
• appropriateness of language (register and idiom).
• range of language (lexis and structures).
• originality of content (evidence of personal experience and response.
• sophistication of reflection and analysis.
• insight into the target language culture).
• quality of information in content (breadth and/or depth of information).
• structure and presentation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University