ML7051: Ex-Advanced Language Year 2 German

School German
Department Code MLANG
Module Code ML7051
External Subject Code 100323
Number of Credits 15
Level L5
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Conny Opitz
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2022/3

Outline Description of Module

This module is designed to enable you to develop the transferable skills of translating from and into the German language efficiently; interpreting formal and informal texts between German and English; presenting, in writing, an extended, logical argument, summarising other points of view, assessing and evaluating evidence and reaching personal conclusions and syntheses; demonstrating competence in other writing skills; and operating and presenting arguments effectively in German through the use of monologue, dialogue and group discussion.. You will be able to manipulate information from spoken and written texts in German.

While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation. You will be required to prepare materials in advance of classes and will be expected to actively take part in discussions (in person and/or online), and in-class tasks.

This course corresponds to a B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Read, understand and speak German to a level comparable with B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR)
  2. Engage confidently and with appropriate grammatical correctness and spontaneity in everyday conversation in German. This includes explaining a viewpoint and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of topical issues relating to German culture and society.
  3. Write coherent German texts in a range of registers on a wide range of topics relating to target language culture and society with appropriate grammatical and lexical accuracy.
  4. Extract and synthesise data and ideas from a range of authentic written and/or audio/audio-visual texts
  5. Translate passages of text from and into English, evidencing an enhanced capacity for dealing with linguistic problems encountered in translation.

How the module will be delivered

The module will be delivered through a range of interactive teaching sessions supplemented by online teaching and learning activities and materials – and may include, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.  

Independent Learning: You will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying and participating in individual and collaborative activities outside the live sessions. Materials will be provided on Learning Central which will help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner. You will be asked to consolidate your language learning by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in the German language. You will also be expected to prepare and complete exercises and activities online, to complete written, listening and oral tasks and where appropriate to engage with tutors and peers through discussion boards and forums. Over the course of the semester you will begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies.

Skills that will be practised and developed

You will develop:

  1. An understanding of the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise your learning with guidance with the tutor
  2. A greater awareness of how languages (including the mother tongue) function
  3. The skills to be effective, independent and self-aware Iearners, including active reflection on learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and linguistic skills to ensure progression
  4. The ability to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team
  5. Cultural and linguistic awareness in preparation for the year abroad
  6. Intercultural awareness, understanding and competence, including a critical understanding of other cultures and practices other than one’s own
  7. Enhanced skills in effective communication, presentation and interaction – both in an online environment and face-to-face
  8. An awareness of registers (both written and conversational), accents and pronunciation
  9. Enhanced analytical skills
  10. An understanding and appreciation of key translation problems and techniques for overcoming these
  11. Enhanced digital literacy skills including the ability to engage with appropriate language learning technologies
  12. The ability to identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools)

How the module will be assessed

The key language skills are receptive (reading and listening), production (speaking and writing), mediation (translation between two languages) and intercultural awareness. Developing these skills involves acquiring metalinguistic and lexical competence, i.e. studying the building blocks of the language including grammatical and lexical patterns and structures. All of these skills are assessed through continuous assessment over the course of the module which reflects the progressive and accumulative nature of language learning.

The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.

Mapping of Assessments to Intended Learning Outcomes:

Class Test assesses ILOs 1

Written assignment assesses ILOs 1, 3, 4, 5

Oral assesses ILOs 1, 2

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

You may be required to resit a piece of coursework (100%) if you fail the module. The Examination Board will advise you which assessments you need to resit. Resit assessments that are not supported by extenuating circumstances will be capped at the pass mark applicable to your programme (40%)

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Class Test 30 Comprehensive Test N/A
Written Assessment 40 Written Assignment N/A
Oral/Aural Assessment 30 Oral Presentation N/A

Syllabus content

The course will focus on understanding and reporting (in writing and orally) written and aural material relevant to the year abroad, both in class and during independent learning.

Topics include

  • partner universities (destinations; enrolment, timetables)
  • getting by (accommodation, transport; restaurant, medical emergencies)
  • studying, working and leisure pursuits
  • maximising use of the German language
  • online and social media
  • current affairs
  • discursive conventions

Grammar points reinforced include the complex sentence, passive voice, indirect speech


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