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GERM2021: German Language 2A

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 2
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Modern Languages and Cultures (German)

Prerequisites

  • German Language 1A (GERM1011) or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • At least one additional level 2 module in German Studies

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • German Language 2B (GERM2152)

Aims

  • To improve and expand linguistic competencies (oral, written and aural).
  • To improve students' written, oral and aural skills, expanding on the foundation of grammatical and syntactical accuracy consolidated at Level 1, so as to explore more sophisticated modes of verbal expression and a variety of linguistic registers.
  • To expand knowledge of the culture of the countries in which the target language is spoken, and to stimulate intercultural awareness.

Content

  • Study of a series of specific topics which are the focus for discussion, writing and interpreting exercises.
  • The module is based on material from a variety of topics of intercultural or specific cultural interest.
  • The topics are explored orally in a number of different ways: debate, exposition, free discussion etc.
  • Written assignments consolidate vocabulary and require students to pay more attention to formal features of the language.
  • The interpreting hours teach students a range of pragmatic approaches to comprehension and expression in English and German.
  • The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the German-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • A greater understanding of:
  • modern German life and culture through a variety of discussion topics,
  • specific formal features of the German language,
  • register and range of expression in the German language

Subject-specific Skills:

  • The module emphasises performance skills, to enhance students ability to write and speak German more freely and move more easily between English and German.
  • Students will improve their written and oral skills, expanding on the foundation of grammatical accuracy consolidated at Level 1, so as to explore more sophisticated modes of verbal expression and a variety of linguistic registers, appropriate to a level beyond CEFR B2, working towards CEFR C1.

Key Skills:

  • Students will improve their written and oral skills, expanding on the foundation of grammatical and syntactical accuracy consolidated at Level 1, so as to explore more sophisticated modes of verbal expression and a variety of linguistic registers. Advances in their skills as language learners, their communication and presentation skills, and their ability to organise their own study will help to prepare them for the Year Abroad.

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

  • Regular formatively assessed practice in a variety of written and oral exercises extends linguistic accuracy and verbal manipulation.
  • Summative assessment tests competencies acquired in formative practice, including appropriateness of language (register and idiom) and range of language (lexis and structures).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Practicals211 per week1 hour21Yes
Interpreting Sessions211 per week1 hour21Yes
Student preparation and reading time158 
Total SLAT hours200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous AssessmentComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written summative assessment80
Continuous assessment of interpreting skills10
Oral Skills Assesment10 minutes10
Component: Written ExaminationComponent Weighting: 40%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Examination (on campus)1 hour100Yes
Component: Interpreting ExaminationComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Interpreting Exam1 hour100Yes
Component: Oral ExaminationComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Oral examination (on campus)10 minutes100Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment for this module will include a combination of self-assessed, peer-assessed and tutor-assessed exercises during the year.

More information

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