This course delivered in the Autumn Semester is a continuation and consolidation of the language acquired so far and seeks to refine and consolidate oral and written skills to a higher degree of specialisation. It also addresses remaining deficiencies in grammar, syntax and vocabulary in preparation for the Final Examination.  In addition the course provides time to reflect on, analyse and discuss aspects of German culture and society in a contemporary context.

For Erasmus students, this corresponds to level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

·         To reinforce and improve German syntax, style and vocabulary

·         To familiarise with abstract concepts of language and linguistics

·         To enhance analytical skills in written and oral German

·         To improve reading skills and reflect on meaning and style

·         To enhance knowledge and understanding of the German speaking societies and cultures

·         To enhance oral and aural and presentation skills

·         To develop group working skills and transferable skills

·         To stimulate and encourage independent-learning

·         To build on language skills acquired during the Year Abroad

Teaching, learning and assessment are designed to enable the student to achieve the learning outcomes described above. The aim of this course is to enable the student to communicate in German at level 6. The students will improve on their knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation of the language and also about the cultural context in which it is used. While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation and the student be expected to take part actively in discussion and in tasks like, indicatively, small group and pair work, role play, and individual or group presentations. The class will be taught in the TL in most instances.

Oral skills such as Presentation skills with anunderstanding of contemporary social, cultural and political issues in Germany  and the German speaking countries and with a development of a reasoned and well structured argument.

Analysis of written texts with emphasis on an analytical approach, research in depth on a topic, exploration of grammatical problems and syntax structure, work on registers.

Other key skills developed include learning, research and organisational skills; communication and IT skills; intercultural and interpretation skills.

To develop transferable skills

Revision and improvement on the students’ grammar skills at a C2 level, which will enable them to communicate in the target language with a near-native competence. Specific topics in this course include the simple and complex sentence, the noun clause, the verb clause, and the use of subjunctive, amongst others.

·         Buscha, A. and Linthout, G.. (2005). Das Oberstufenbuch: Deutsch als Fremdsprache. 3^rd ed. Leipzig: Schubert.

·         Collins Complete and Unabridged German Dictionary, 7^th ed. London: Collins, 2007.

·         Durrell, M. et al. (2002). Essential German Grammar. London: Arnold.

·         Fagan, S. M. B. (2004). Using German Vocabulary. Cambridge: CUP.

·         Glotz-Kastanis J. and Tippmann, D. (2010) Sprechen, Schreiben, Mitreden: Ein Übungsbuch zum Training von Vortrag und Aufsatz in der Oberstufe. 6^th ed. Ismaning: Hueber.

·         Künzl-Snodgrass, A. and Mentchen, S. (2003). Upgrade your German. London: Arnold

·         Oxford German Dictionary, 3^rd ed. Oxford: OUP, 2008

·         Spencer, M. and McCrorie, M. (2000). Help yourself to advanced German grammar. Harlow: Longman.