GER-90001 - Module Specification
Language Centre
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

No prior knowledge.

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module is designed for students with no prior knowledge of German and will develop basic communication skills in everyday situations such as introducing oneself and giving and understanding personal information about oneself, family and friends. Alongside the German language, students will get an insight into German culture e.g. such as a variety of German traditions, customs and culture specific behaviour. By following the video series of 'Deutsch Plus' which charts the problems and successes of an immigrant to Germany in his first job, students will be able to put the language learnt into a work-based context. As the focus of this module is on communication skills, a large proportion of class time will be based on oral work - speaking in groups and in pairs in a variety of question-and-answer and role play exercises. Students will also develop reading and writing skills in German. The course book will give a basic outline and structure to the module, and the book will be supplemented by regular video work and other materials. There will also be the opportunity to practise and reinforce vocabulary and language structures by using computer exercises in KLE, linked to the weekly classes.
The language level of this module corresponds to work leading to Level A1 in the European Common Framework for Languages (CEFR -A1).

To equip students who have no prior knowledge of German with basic language skills and introduce them to aspects of German culture.
The module also aims to introduce students to general language learning strategies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Recognise and understand familiar words, basic sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance (e.g. personal information, family, studies, etc.) when people speak slowly and clearly: 1,3
Understand and extract key information from simple written texts, for example messages, notices, posters, catalogues, etc.: 1,2
Interact in simple, familiar situations, asking and answering simple questions related to personal information, and being able to ask for repetition or clarification, provided the other person talks slowly and clearly: 3
Write simple notes, messages and short texts (e.g. personal letters or emails) providing personal information about themselves and their surroundings, making pertinent grammatical and lexical choices: 1,2
Understand and use simple grammatical structures and rules and develop language learning strategies: 1,2,3
Recognize and act upon very basic cultural differences as encountered in everyday situations and demonstrate knowledge of common traditions in the German speaking world: 1,2,3

Study hours

22 hours of contact time in class.
40 hours assessment preparation and completion.
88 hours guided independent study.

School Rules

Admission to the module must be confirmed through completion of a language level self-assessment form
Students are only permitted to take one German language module per semester.
Students can only take one absolute beginners language module (90001) in any one academic year.

Description of Module Assessment