Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module GERM3211: GERMAN LANGUAGE 4 FOLLOWING YEAR ABROAD

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (German)

GERM3211: GERMAN LANGUAGE 4 FOLLOWING YEAR ABROAD

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • German Language 2 (GERM2021) or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • German Language 4 (GERM3071).

Aims

  • To build on and enhance the work undertaken during the Year Abroad.
  • Students use authentic material from a dossier which provides the basis for various language exercises: writing and re-writing in German and German oral work.
  • At the end of the year we expect the best students to have reached near-native proficiency.
  • Weekly oral classes with native Germans also contribute to this objective.

Content

  • The module is based on a dossier of authentic German texts on a range of areas of topical concern in the German-speaking countries.
  • These texts provide material for formal exercises and student-centred learning.
  • This material provides the foundation for the end-of-year examination, in which writing and re-writing exercises in German and tested oral work reflect the subject matter, idiom and linguistic registers found in the dossier.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Increased knowledge and understanding of a number of topical issues in the German-speaking countries.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should consolidate and develop skills in oral and written argument and presentation, and in German grammar.
  • Increased command of the relevant German vocabulary and registers.
Key Skills:
  • Students' ability to use the internet and other learning resources to research and present relevant material should have improved.
  • Students should have extended their general written and oral communication skills.
  • Should be able to discuss topical or general issues with a high degree of fluency.

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

  • There are TWO one-hour classes per week. Students are also required to attend small-group conversation classes with a native speaker on a regular basis. These will be organized by their oral/precis tutor.
  • Students are required to attend all classes for their groups, and to prepare themselves for classes and participate actively in discussions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 21 Weekly 1 hour 21
Oral 21 Weekly 1 hour 21
Student preparation and reading 158
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100% No
Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Year Abroad Oral Examination 15 minutes 100% No
Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral Examination 15 minutes 100% No

Formative Assessment:

Regular written and oral practice.


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