Module GERM1011: German Language 1A

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (German)

GERM1011: German Language 1A

Prerequisites

• Grade A in German at A level or an equivalent qualification, subject to decision by the module’s language coordinator

Corequisites

• At least one additional level 1 module in German Studies

Excluded Combination of Modules

• •German Language 1B (GERM1112) or any German language modules offered by the Centre for Foreign Language Study

Aims

• To improve the written, spoken and comprehension skills developed at A-level; to give a systematic review of major areas of German grammar, appropriate to consolidated B2 level of CEFR.

Content

• The module is topic-based.
• A wide range of topics is discussed, many of them concerned with German culture and current affairs
• Essays and other written exercises develop writing skills, whilst greater fluency is achieved through participation in role-play, language games and discussions
• Grammar teaching is an integral part of the module, as is listening comprehension
• 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 the course students should have:
• consolidated their knowledge of key grammatical points,
• increased their fluency and confidence in speaking German in a variety of situations,
• gained practice in writing in German.

• Students should be able to converse, write and read in German at a level of fluency equivalent to consolidated 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, employing appropriate register and with appropriate expressive range.

• Students will develop their skills as language learners, their communication and presentation skills, and their ability to organise their own study.

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

• For the oral/essay component, work will take the form both of written essays and oral contributions of various kinds, including, e.g. small 'papers' on a subject, contributions to a debate, and ongoing engagement with peers in the group, one-to-one or in small groups, with a view to maximising speaking time. The oral/essay component is taught in German.
• The grammar/translation component deals with a number of major areas of German grammar over the year, laying the foundation for further systematic work over the course of the whole degree programme. These areas will be treated by way of tackling examples via exercises in the dossier and wider practical examples such as through translation into German. Progress will be monitored by means of tests and formative translations. It is mainly taught in German, with explanations given in English where necessary.
• Summative assessment of reading/writing skills and of grammatical knowledge will take the form of an end-of-year examination.
• 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

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular written/oral practice.

■ 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