MLG1001 - German Language

2020/1 Module description

StaffProfessor Chloe Paver - Convenor
Credit Value30
ECTS Value15
NQF Level4
Pre-requisitesA Level German or equivalent
Co-requisitesNone
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 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

The module aims to:

  • reinforce and extend the level of the four skills writing, reading, listening and speaking - achieved at 'A' level
  • consolidate your understanding of German grammar, and facilitate your application of this to written and oral tasks
  • increase your level of comprehension of written and spoken German
  • enhance your ability to communicate in accurate German in a clear and structured manner
  • expand your 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 German, including some complex or advanced structures, to a range of linguistic exercises
  • 3. Use German 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

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

Over the two terms you will practise translation into English and German and essay writing in German. In the oral classes you will practise your speaking and listening skills by means of a range of activities and exercises. You will 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 ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
882120

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 22Grammar lectures: Explanation and practice of selected grammatical structures – 22 x 1 hour
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 22Grammar classes: Further practice and consolidation of the grammatical topic of the week as well as discussion of formative assessment pieces – 22 x 1 hour
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 22Language classes: Practice in reading comprehension and in acquisition of module-based vocabulary – 22 x 1 hour
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 22Oral German: Focus on improving confidence in spoken German through debates and presentations; practice in listening comprehension through audio and video podcasts. – 22 x 1 hour
Guided independent study212Private study to consolidate learning

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Up to 6 formative tasks (translations; composition; grammar and vocabulary exercises; listening comprehension; oral exercise)Variable1-11Written and class discussion

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
503020

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Oral20Upto 20 minutes1, 5, 7-10Written and oral feedback
Grammar and Vocab Test 101 hour1, 3, 7,9,11Written feedback
Portfolio40Various tasks1-4, 7, 9, 11Written feedback
Written examination 30Take home examination1-4, 6-7, 9-11Written feedback

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
OralOral1, 5, 7-10Referral/deferral period
Grammar and vocabulary testGrammar and vocabulary test1,3,7,9,11Referral/deferral period
PortfolioPortfolio1-4, 7, 9, 11Referral/deferral period
Written examinationWritten examination1-4, 6-7, 9-11Referral/deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

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.

Students may find the following grammar useful:

  • Martin Durrell, Katrin Kohl and Gudrun Loftus, Essential German Grammar (London: Routledge, 2015).
  • Recommended dictionary: Collins German Dictionary Complete and Unabridged (Glasgow: HarperCollins, 2013)

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic 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

Origin date

22/02/2019

Last revision date

09/07/2020

Key words search

German; German language; language; Austria; Germany; Advanced German

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