Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module CFLS1G51: GERMAN STAGE 5

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study

CFLS1G51: GERMAN STAGE 5

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2019/20 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Successful completion of German Stage 4, or language proficiency or a qualification corresponding to B2.1 of the Common European Framework, subject to decision by the module’s language coordinator. No higher German language entry qualification permitted.tted.

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 further, in both writing and oral
  • To gain a language proficiency level in German equivalent to at least B2.2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
  • To develop further listening and reading skills;
  • To broaden the knowledge of contemporary Germany;
  • 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.
  • Course 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

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On successful completion of this 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;
  • demonstrate a sound broad knowledge of some historical, social and political aspects of contemporary Germany;
  • demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of the cultures and societies in the German-speaking world gained through the study of cultural products;
  • demonstrate a sound broad 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.).
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On successful completion of the module learners will be able to:
  • write on a wide range of various contemporary issues, expressing and discussing views;
  • enter unprepared into conversation on issues related to unfamiliar topics of a complex nature;
  • understand and report on the main points of clear standard speech and authentic aural passages on various topics, and argue complex points in a convincing manner;
  • summarise complex texts, opinions and/or views of complex topics ina alogical and effective manner
  • apply a range of grammatical principles;
  • use a range of language learning techniques and skills effectively by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar
  • research unfamiliar subjects and explain them in German
Key Skills:
  • On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
  • hold a short presentation in German;
  • write an essay demonstrating the ability to organise complex and multi-faceted ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose and critically analyse arguments;
  • independently gather, process and reference information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic resources;
  • express ideas fluently and without much obvious searching for expressions;
  • use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional 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;
  • 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).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 40 Twice Weekly 1 hour 40
Preparation and Reading 160
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Listening, Reading and Writing Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
In-class Assessment (Week 9) 45 minutes 30% No
Project Assessment (Week 14) 30% No
Controlled Assessment (Week 19) 60 minutes 40% Yes
Component: Listening and Speaking Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Group oral assessment with pre-prepared listening tasks (Weeks 21-22) 20 minutes 100% Yes

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