This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Level 4 of the degree and provides a solid preparation for independent study during the compulsory period of study abroad in the third year.

This module is designed to enable you to develop the transferable skills: 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. This module also aims to prepare you thoroughly both linguistically and culturally for your period of study abroad.  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.

1. Read, understand and speak German to a level comparable with B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). (LO1)
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 language, culture and society. (LO2)
3. Write coherent texts in German in a range of registers on a wide range of topics relating to German culture and society with appropriate grammatical and lexical accuracy. (LO3)
4. Extract and synthesise data and ideas from a range of authentic written and/or audio/audio-visual texts. (LO4)

The module will be delivered through 3 weekly seminars taught on campus, supplemented by online teaching and learning activities and materials. One session in Semester 1 is taught concurrently with ML2361, English-German Tandem.

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 year you will begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies.

1. An understanding of the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and the skills to organise your learning with guidance from 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. Enhanced digital literacy skills including the ability to engage with appropriate language learning technologies
11. The ability to identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools)

The key language skills are receptive (reading and listening), production (speaking and writing), mediation 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.

IMPORTANT: In order to meet the learning outcomes of the module and pass the module, you must achieve a pass mark (40%) in both the Oral Examination and the final Written Exam AND an overall module average of at least 40%.

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.

OPPORTUNITY FOR RE-ASSESSMENT

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. Resit assessments that are not supported by extenuating circumstances will be capped at the pass mark applicable to your programme.

MAPPING OF ASSESSMENTS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Class test assesses ILO 1

Written coursework assesses ILO 1,2,3,4

Oral exam assesses ILO 1,2

Written exam assesses ILO 1,3,4

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) and work placements (applications)
• Getting by (accommodation, transport; medical emergencies, dealing with bureaucracy, cost of living, student jobs)
• Studying, working and leisure pursuits
• Mentality, values and social conventions
• The German language and language learning in an immersive, independent learning context
• Discursive conventions, text types, style and register

Grammar points reinforced include the complex sentence, passive voice, reported speech.