ML7188: Advanced German Language Year 1
School | German |
Department Code | MLANG |
Module Code | ML7188 |
External Subject Code | 100323 |
Number of Credits | 40 |
Level | L4 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Conny Opitz |
Semester | Double Semester |
Academic Year | 2018/9 |
Outline Description of Module
This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired at A-Level stage or equivalent. The emphasis is on progressive language learning, reflected through continuous assessment of learning. It integrates the study of a number of key cultural issues with a deepening study of the structures, vocabulary and sounds of the language. Students will manipulate information from spoken and written texts in the Target Language. Students will develop their competencies in using language-learning technologies to support their linguistic progress
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Understand the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise their learning with guidance with the tutor
- Read, understand and speak the target language to at least the level of B1 Common European Framework
- Engage confidently and with appropriate grammatical correctness and spontaneity in everyday conversation in the target language
- Write coherent texts in a range of registers on a range of topics with appropriate grammatical accuracy
- Extract data and ideas from a range of authentic written texts
- Have extended and refined vocabulary and skills by engaging with the Independent Learning Portfolio
- Be able to engage with appropriate language learning technologies
- To be able to identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tool)
How the module will be delivered
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 students will be expected to take part actively in discussions and in tasks such as small group and pair work, role play, and individual or group presentation.
There will be 3 hours of language seminars per week.
Independent Learning: You will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying outside the class. 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 class work by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in the target language. You will also be expected to prepare exercises and activities for the class, to write assignments and generally begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies. Independent Learning logbooks will be provided on Learning Central to help structure your language learning outside class time.
Skills that will be practised and developed
- Subject-specific language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in the target language at the appropriate level
- The ability to use language creatively and precisely for a range of purposes and audiences
- The abilities to extract and synthesize key information from written, spoken and other sources
- A greater awareness of how languages (including the mother tongue) function
- 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
- The ability to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team
- Skills in intercultural awareness, understanding and competence, including a critical understanding of other cultures and practice other than one’s own
- Enhanced skills in effective communication, presentation and interaction
- Enhanced digital literacy skills
How the module will be assessed
Coursework - e-learning portfolio. Ongoing over 2 semesters - 10%
Class test - semester 1 - 20%
Coursework - oral assessment - semester 1 - 10%
Coursework - Discussion Essay - semester 1 - 5%
Coursework - Precis - semester 1 - 5%
Coursework - Translation - semester 2 - 5%
Coursework - Commentary - semester 2 - 5%
Class test - oral class test - semester 2 - 10%
2 hour written examination - Spring exam period - 30%
The opportunity for reassessment in this module -
At the end of semester 2, students who gain an overall pass in the module will not be required to re-sit any failed components.
If no overall pass is attained, students will submit a coursework portfolio in the August re-sit period.
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Portfolio | 10 | E-Learning Portfolio | N/A |
Class Test | 20 | Class Test Semester 1 | N/A |
Oral/Aural Assessment | 10 | Oral Assessment Semester 1 | N/A |
Written Assessment | 5 | Discussion Essay (Autumn Semester) | N/A |
Class Test | 10 | Oral Class Test Semester 2 | N/A |
Exam - Spring Semester | 30 | Advanced German Language Year 1 | 2 |
Written Assessment | 5 | Precis (Autumn Semester) | N/A |
Written Assessment | 5 | Translation (Spring Semester) | N/A |
Written Assessment | 5 | Commentary (Spring Semester) | N/A |
Syllabus content
The course will focus on:
Consolidating and building on knowledge of grammar points already studied
Developing more complex sentence structures
Developing the range of vocabulary relevant to contemporary society, as specified in the European Common Framework of Reference, level B1
Developing a sense of different registers
Developing an awareness of the cultural contexts of the target cultures
Making the most of independent learning and learning technologies
Essential Reading and Resource List
Course books
- Hering, Axel et al. (2009) Übungsgrammatik für die Mittelstufe. Ismaning: Hueber
- a comprehensive dictionary e.g. Collins German Dictionary: German-English, English-German, 8th ed., Harper Collins 2013, or the Oxford German Dictionary: German-English. English-German, 3rd ed., OUP 2008
- a monolingual dictionary. Recommendation: Langenscheidt Großwörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache. Langenscheidt 2010, which can be provided by the department for a small charge
Students are also expected to engage with the materials and resources included in the Independent Learning Portfolios on Learning Central.
Background Reading and Resource List
Background Reading and Resource List
- Durrell, M. et al. (2015). Essential German Grammar. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
- Zorach, C. and Melin C. (2014). English Grammar for Students of German. US: Olivia & Hill Press.
- Kars, J. and Häussermann, U. (1997). Grundgrammatik Deutsch. Frankfurt am Main: Diesterweg.