MLG1001 - German Language
2016/7 Module description
| Staff | Mr Christian Mossmann - Convenor |
|---|---|
| Credit Value | 30 |
| ECTS Value | 15.00 |
| NQF Level | 4 |
| Pre-requisites | |
| Co-requisites | none |
| Duration of Module | Term 1: 11 weeks; Term 2: 11 weeks; |
Module description
This module is designed to offer you the chance to practise all four skills of German language learning – reading, writing, speaking and listening – through a wide variety of exercises. You will have the opportunity to practise translations, both into German and English, write short essays, give presentations and take part in debates on a range of topics. The module also aims to consolidate and extend your understanding of German grammar through weekly lectures, class practice and online exercises. Through the study and discussion of texts and videos, you will be able to deepen your understanding of both German and Austrian history, and culture and contemporary life in German-speaking countries. The module uses structured learning materials which have been tailor-made for first-year undergraduate students of German and which include a wide range of independent online study materials.
This module is designed for students who have an A-level in German language, or equivalent, and who wish to acquire the foundation for studying German at Level two and beyond.
Module aims
To reinforce and extend the level of the four skills - writing, reading, listening and speaking - achieved at 'A' level. To consolidate the student's understanding of German grammar, and facilitate his/her application of this to written and oral tasks. To increase the student's level of comprehension of written and spoken German. To enhance the student's ability to communicate in accurate German in a clear and structured manner. To expand the student's vocabulary in German.ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Write and speak German with increased accuracy and fluency and increase proficiency in reading and aural comprehension.
- 2. Apply knowledge of a range of grammatical features of the target language, including some complex or advanced structures, to a range of linguistic exercises.
- 3. Use the target language in a range of linguistic exercises (including a short essay, translation into German).
- 4. Use dictionaries to establish basic meanings and find key grammatical information.
- 5. Give oral presentations in German to a small group of listeners, and engage in debates on a range of issues.
- 6. Express ideas and opinions in German in oral and written form, responding to texts dealing with the history, culture and politics of Germany and Austria, the ideas of others in the group, and the questions of the tutor.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 7. Understand a broad range of linguistic terminology, and apply this to verbal and written work.
- 8. Keep abreast of current affairs by engaging with German-language media (printed and electronic, including television and radio).
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 9. Communicate information in verbal and written form in a foreign language.
- 10. Express and defend opinions on a range of current issues.
- 11. Advance your linguistic competence independently, with guidance from course tutors.
Syllabus plan
Each week the four contact hours of the module will be spent as follows:
- Grammar lecture (1h)
- Grammar practice class (1h)
- Written language class (1h)
- Oral practice class (1h)
Over the two terms students practise translation into English and German and essay writing in German. In the oral classes students practise their speaking and listening skills by means of a range of activities and exercises. Students receive a detailed module syllabus at the start of the academic year.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 88 | 212 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar lectures | 22 | Explanation and practice of selected grammatical structures |
| Grammar practice classes | 22 | Further practice and consolidation of the grammatical topic of the week as well as discussion of formative assessment pieces |
| Written language classes | 22 | Practice in reading comprehension and in acquisition of module-based vocabulary |
| Oral practice | 22 | Focus on improving confidence in spoken German through debates and presentations; practice in listening comprehension through audio and video podcasts. |
| Guided independent study | 212 | Private study to consolidate learning |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 homework tasks per term (translations into German / translations into English / short essays) | variable | 1-4, 6, 7, 9-11 | Written feedback and class discussion |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 50 | 30 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral, includes Referate (class presentations) | 20 | Various | 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Verbal and written feedback |
| Listening comprehension test | 10 | 1 hour | 1, 3, 9 | Written feedback |
| Coursework | 20 | Two grammar and vocabulary tests (1 hour each) | 1-3, 7, 9, 11 | Written feedback |
| Written examination | 50 | 2 hours | 1-3, 6, 7, 9-11 | Corrected paper returned to students with feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | Oral | 1, 5, 9, 10 | Referral/deferral period (August) |
| Listening Comprehension Test | Listening Comprehension Test | 1,3,9 | |
| Grammar and Vocabulary Tests | Grammar and Vocabulary Tests | 1-3, 7, 9, 11 | Referral/deferral period (August) |
| Written examination | Written examination | 1-3, 6, 7, 9-11 | Referral/deferral period (August) |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
A grammar to accompany the lectures as well as all texts discussed in class are supplied by the department and are available online.
Grammar exercises are also available online at the module's ELE site.
Students may find the following grammar useful: Martin Durrell, Katrin Kohl and Gudrun Loftus, Essential German Grammar (London: Arnold, 2002).
Recommended dictionary: Collins German Dictionary Complete and Unabridged (Glasgow: HarperCollins, 2007)
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Students can access a comprehensive range of materials for this module on the university's online learning environment ELE. This includes all course materials as well as interactive grammar and vocabulary exercises, listening comprehension exercises or links to recommended language learning websites.
Available as distance learning?
No
Last revision date
01/02/2016
Key words search
German; German language; language; Austria;
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