This stage builds upon the linguistic acquired at A level stage or equivalent. It integrates a number of topics, such as, indicatively, intercultural differences and the political and educational systems and key historical issues in the countries in which German is spoken, with a deepening study of the structures, vocabulary and sounds of the language. You will transfer information from spoken and written texts in German into English, and vice versa, through indicatively, translation, summary and commentary. Asystematic grasp of German grammar and syntax and the ability to put it to active use are stressed. Translation of modern texts such as newspaper articles on general subjects, and writing of exercises such as précis and essay to a fairly high standard, are integral to the course.

• Understand spoken language in a wider range of registers, delivered at normal speed.
• Engage confidently in conversations relating to everyday topics.
• Read and understand authentic texts in a variety of genres (indicatively, emails, newspapers, textbooks and literature) without too much effort.
• Write accurately in everyday language in order to communicate information, ideas, concepts and opinions relating to a variety of situations and topics.
• Use more complex grammatical structures and appropriate vocabulary, although possibly with some first language interference.

Teaching, learning and assessment are designed to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes described above.

While part of any class session is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation and you will be expected to take part actively in discussion and in tasks, indicatively, like small group and pair work, role play, and individual or group presentations. The tutor will give you plenty of support to build your confidence, and in the case of assessed work, will provide feedback which will help you to make progress.

Academic and key skills developed include learning, research and organisational skills; communication and IT skills; intercultural awareness and interpersonal skills.

Teaching, learning and assessment are designed to enable the student to achieve the learning outcomes described above. While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation and they will be expected to take part actively in discussion and in tasks, indicatively, like small group and pair work, role play, and individual or group presentations. The tutor will give the students plenty of support to build their confidence, and in the case of assessed work, will provide feedback which will help them to make progress. Teaching materials will be derived from authentic print and audio-visual media.

The course focuses on the study of the complex sentence, indirect speech and on the practice of the four skills of the language in order to reinforce the grammar studied in class; understanding and reporting of written and aural material; aural and oral training and practice through the use of a wide range of audio/video materials both for class teaching and independent learning. Regular coursework exercises.

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

A comprehensive dictionary e.g.Collins German Dictionary: German-English, English-German, 7th ed., Harper Collins 2007or the Oxford German Dictionary: German-English. English-German, 3rd ed., OUP 2008

Course material will be made available as handouts or on Learning Central.