Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module GERM1112: GERMAN LANGUAGE 1B

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (German)

GERM1112: GERMAN LANGUAGE 1B

Type Open Level 1 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap 12 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Grade A or above at A level in a foreign European language, or equivalent qualification, subject to decision by the module’s language coordinator

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Any other German Language module offered in MLAC or CFLS

Aims

  • To provide an accelerated introduction to all aspects of the German language, including: - reading, writing, listening and speaking skills - a thorough understanding of the grammatical system - a solid grounding in vocabulary.
  • To develop students’ awareness of the culture(s) of the target language, in order to support their progression to the further study of German literature, history, film, etc.

Content

  • All essential grammatical structures appropriate to Level B1 of the CEFR
  • Oral and written exercises in groups and individually
  • Introduction to basic translation skills.
  • Students will undertake a broad range of written, spoken and audiovisual activities, with a view to developing a solid foundation in all areas of language competency in German.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module, students should have acquired:
  • a range of German vocabulary and a knowledge of German grammar which corresponds to Level B1 of the CEFR
  • a knowledge of some aspects of the cultures of the German-speaking countries.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be able to converse, write and read in German at a level of fluency appropriate to CEFR B1, and will have covered key areas of German grammar by completing the set textbooks and supplementary exercises as appropriate.
Key Skills:
  • Students will develop their skills as language learners, their communication and presentation skills, their ability to organise their own study and, on completion of the module, will be able to communicate at a level equivalent to CEFR B1 in the target language, across the four key areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

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

  • So that students achieve competence in all key language skills, a variety of methods will be employed, including oral practice, grammatical exercises, reading and listening comprehension, and translation practice.
  • These methods will allow students to become familiar with essential grammatical structures and vocabulary and to use them in different learning contexts, and will facilitate engagement with a broad variety of cultural artifacts.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 42 2 x weekly 1 Hour 42
Plenary Grammar Hour 21 1 x weekly 1 Hour 21
Practical Language Classes 42 2 x weekly 1 hour 42
Preparation and Reading 295
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Examinations Component Weighting: 87.5%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 1 3 hours 60% yes
Written Examination 2 2 hours 40% yes
Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 12.5%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral examination 10 minutes 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Assessed exercises across all language areas, to include weekly grammar and vocabulary tests, written tasks and listening and reading comprehension exercises.


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