Module GERM2152: German Language 2B

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (German)

GERM2152: German Language 2B

Prerequisites

• German Language 1B (GERM1112) or equivalent.

Corequisites

• At least one additional level 2 module in German Studies

Excluded Combination of Modules

• German Language 2A (GERM2021) OR any Level 1 GERM-coded content module OR German modules offered in CFLS

Aims

• To develop students’ expertise in the German language by extending their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, and to develop their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The intention is to use the language actively and to instill an awareness of its potential for expression.
• To provide accelerated attainment of a level equivalent to B2 (CEFR) in all aspects of the German language, including: - Upper intermediate level of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills - Upper intermediate understanding of the grammatical system, and ability to use grammatical structures appropriate to this level - A solid grounding in vocabulary appropriate to upper intermediate level and building on the level attained in German Language 1B.
• To deepen students’ awareness of the culture(s) of the target language, in order to support their study of German literature, history, film, etc.

Content

• A systematic review of major areas of German grammar, appropriate to Level B2 of the CEFR
• Oral and written exercises in groups and individually
• Intermediate translation skills.
• Students will undertake a broad range of written, spoken and audiovisual activities, with a view to developing their proficiency in all areas of German language competency, appropriate to intermediate / independent user level.
• The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the (language area)-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

• 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 B2 of the CEFR, viz:
• the ability to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics
• the ability to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• the ability produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
• further knowledge of some aspects of the cultures of the German-speaking countries, building on the foundational knowledge attained in German Language 1B.

• Students should be able to converse, write and read in German at a level of fluency appropriate to CEFR B2, and will have consolidated their knowledge of key grammatical points, and developed their ability to use these in a wide range of contexts, by completing examples via the exercises in the dossier.

• 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 B2 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 develop their familiarity with a wide range of grammatical structures and vocabulary and to use these appropriately across a range of contexts, and will facilitate engagement with a broad variety of cultural artifacts.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Assessed exercises across all areas of language, to include regular 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