ML7189: Beginners German Language Year 1

School German
Department Code MLANG
Module Code ML7189
External Subject Code 100323
Number of Credits 40
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Mr Marc Schweissinger
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2020/1

Outline Description of Module

This is an intensive beginner’s language programme. The course is designed to enable students with no previous knowledge of the language to reach a level of intermediate proficiency by the end of the year, and to build towards the use of the language at a high level. Study focuses on the four major language skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening – through classwork exercises and written work, use of video and audio material, and interaction with native speakers (including Erasmus students hosted by the department).

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Understand the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise their learning with guidance with the tutor
  2. Read, understand and speak the German language to at least the level of A2 Common European Framework
  3. Engage confidently and with appropriate grammatical correctness and spontaneity in everyday conversation in the German language
  4. Write coherent texts in a range of registers on a range of topics with appropriate grammatical accuracy
  5. Extract data and ideas from a range of authentic written texts
  6. Have extended and refined vocabulary and skills by engaging with the Independent Learning Portfolio
  7. Be able to engage with appropriate language learning technologies
  8. 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

The module will be taught through a blend of live online classes and guided, interactive online tasks and activities, designed to fulfil the learning outcomes. These will be delivered remotely, and on-campus if the University deems it safe and practicable.

Independent Learning: You will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying outside the online classes. 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 online class work by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in German. You will also be expected to prepare exercises and activities for the live online classes, to write assignments and generally begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Students will develop:

  1. Subject-specific language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in the German language at the appropriate level
  2. The ability to use language creatively and precisely for a range of purposes and audiences
  3. The abilities to extract and synthesize key information from written, spoken and other sources
  4. A greater awareness of how languages (including the mother tongue) function
  5. 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
  6. The ability to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team
  7. Skills in intercultural awareness, understanding and competence, including a critical understanding of other cultures and practice other than one’s own
  8. Enhanced skills in effective communication, presentation and interaction
  9. Enhanced digital literacy skills

How the module will be assessed

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.

 Reassessment

You may be required to resit one or more of the assessments in this module if you fail the module. The Examination Board will advise you which assessments you need to resit during the August resit period. 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Portfolio 20 E-Learning Portfolio N/A
Oral/Aural Assessment 20 Oral Recording N/A
Written Assessment 20 Translation Into English N/A
Written Assessment 20 Free Writing In German N/A
Written Assessment 20 Writing Component - Semester 2 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 A2

Developing a sense of different registers

Developing an awareness of the cultural contexts of German culture

Making the most of independent learning and learning technologies

Essential Reading and Resource List

Semester one:

Evans/Pude/Specht: Menschen A1. Deutsch als Fremdsprache Kursbuch. Muenschen: Hueber. (2015 or 2016.)

Glas/Peter, Pude, Reimann: Menschen A1. Deutsch als Fremdsprache. Arbeitsbuch. Muenchen: Hueber. (2015 or 2016.)

Semester two:

Habersack/Pude/Specht: Menschen A2. Deutsch als Fremdsprache. Kursbuch. München: Hueber. (2015 or 2016)

Breitsameter/Glas-Peters/Pude: Menschen A2. Deutsch als Fremdsprache. Arbeitsbuch. München: Hueber. (2015 or 2016)

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

Schenke/Seago: Basic German. A Grammar and Workbook. London: Routledge, 2004.

Students are also expected to engage with the materials and resources included in the Independent Learning Portfolios on Learning Central


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