Module MLAN1241: GERMAN READING SKILLS FOR RESEARCH 2

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (CFLS)

MLAN1241: GERMAN READING SKILLS FOR RESEARCH 2

Prerequisites

• German reading skills corresponding to B1 of the Common European Framework (such as an AS-level or an equivalent qualification) or higher, subject to decision by the module’s language coordinator.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any Core Language Modules offered by the School of Modern Languages & Cultures.

Aims

• To promote self-motivated study of German as a preliminary to, and as providing an essential tool for, research in the general field of History and other disciplines that require a reading knowledge of the German language.

Content

• Reading skills for academic German.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• demonstrate a knowledge and an understanding of the basic underlying German grammar;
• demonstrate a knowledge of vocabulary used in German general academic discourse in Arts and Humanities.

• On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• extract relevant information and understand original written sources in German with the requisite aids such as dictionaries, grammars and commentaries to hand.
• acquire various reading strategies such as skimming and intensive reading
• make effective use of reference materials such as grammars and dictionaries (standard and online)
• use a range of language-learning techniques and skills by independently developing strategies to extend the lexis in their subject-area and their knowledge of grammar
• understand and translate passages of German of the type and difficulty level likely to be needed for their research

• work as independent learners and researchers
• use reference materials
• apply reading skills and strategies effectively for academic purposes

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

• This module is delivered through seminar style classes.
• There will be one 2-hour seminar per week for 9 weeks in term 1and for 9 weeks in term 2.
• The portfolio will contain a selection of reading passages and evidence of the learner’s engagement with the language issues (grammatical, vocabulary-related, syntactical) he or she has identified and overcome. The evidence of this learning process will take the form of a weekly blog with regular tutor feedback and signposting to further study.
• Students will be monitored and formally assessed by way of a reflective portfolio (see above) and by a formal written examination.
• The final examination will be completed unseen, but with dictionaries

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be given independent learning tasks for each class and tutorial with teacher feedback.

■ 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