Module MLAN1451: German Stage 4 (Durham Campus)

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study (MLAN)

MLAN1451: German Stage 4 (Durham Campus)

Prerequisites

• Successful completion of German Stage 3 (MLAN1281), Grade C or above in A-Level German, or a qualification corresponding to B1 of the Common European Framework, subject to decision by the module’s language coordinator). No higher German language entry qualification permitted.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any Core Language Module offered by the School of Modern Languages and Cultures.

Aims

• To consolidate and widen further the knowledge of the German language, including grammar and lexis.
• To enhance communicative proficiency in German, in both writing and oral (presentation and interaction).
• To develop further listening and reading skills.
• To broaden the knowledge of contemporary Germany and German-speaking countries.
• To develop intercultural awareness.

Content

• The development of the students’ language skills (reading, writing, listening, spoken production and interaction) will be integrated into a framework focussing on various aspects of contemporary Germany and German speaking countries (culture, politics, everyday life, social issues, etc).
• Course book materials will be supplemented with multimedia resources available online.
• There will be two one-hour seminars a week, which will be used to consolidate and develop grammatical and lexical knowledge as well as to practice oral, aural and writing skills.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
• demonstrate a sound knowledge of some aspects of contemporary Germany and German-speaking countries;
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the cultures and societies in Germany and German-speaking countries gained through the study of cultural products;
• demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the main German linguistic principles, structures and registers used in various types of documents (essays, newspaper articles, songs, adverts, websites, etc.).

• On successful completion of the module learners will be able to:
• demonstrate the ability to carry out basic research in the target language and present an oral and written summary;
• write essays on a various contemporary issues in Germany and German-speaking countries, expressing and discussing views;
• enter unprepared into conversation and issues related both to familiar and unfamiliar topics;
• understand and report on the main points outlined and authentic aural passages on various topics in clear standard German;
• give an oral presentation in German;
• apply a range of grammatical principles;
• make effective use of reference material such as grammars and dictionaries;
• use a range of language learning techniques and skills effectively by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.

• On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
• write an essay demonstrating the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose and critically analyse arguments;
• communicate information, ideas and arguments both orally and in writing;
• independently gather, process and reference information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic resources;
• use IT effectively both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning;

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.
• Contact time will be used to introduce new material and provide the students with high quality target language input from the module tutor and multimedia sources.
• In preparation for each session students will be expected to revise new material and complete formative language exercises.
• The assessment scheme for this module is designed to test students' level of attainment in language production (speaking and writing) and reception (listening and reading). In order to reflect the continuous nature of the language learning process the module will be assessed by a combination of formative and summative in-course assessment and by formal written examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular homework/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what they have done in class and to prepare the following session, some of which will be submitted and marked as formative assignments and regular feedback will be given to the students accordingly

■ 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