Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (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 2023/24 Module Cap 15 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Grade A or above at A level in a modern foreign 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; German Language 1A (GERM1011)

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.
  • 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

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.
  • Summative assessment of reading/writing and aural comprehension skills and of grammatical knowledge will take the form of end-of-year examinations.
  • Oral skills will be summatively assessed by means of activities carried out in class during the year, including group work.
  • Formative assessment for this module will include a combination of self-assessed, peer-assessed and tutor-assessed exercises during the year.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

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

Summative Assessment

Component: In-class written assessment Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Reading comprehension, grammar and writing skills tests 2 hours 100% Yes
Component: In-class oral and listening comprehension assessment Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Continuous assessment of oral and listening comprehension skills 100% Yes - 10-minute oral examination
Component: In-class participation Component Weighting: 5%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
In-class participation 100% No

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