Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
German 1 or equivalent (e.g. one year of German language studies several years ago)
This module is designed for students with limited prior knowledge of German (e.g. German 1, or one year of German at school several years ago) and will develop basic communication skills in everyday situations such as introducing oneself, talking about your daily routines and about your immediate surroundings. Alongside the German language, students will get an insight into German culture e.g. we will learn about a variety of German traditions, customs and culture specific behaviour. By following the video series 'Deutsch Plus' which charts the problems and successes of an immigrant to Germany in his first job, you 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 the class time will be based on oral and aural work listening to tapes and video material, and speaking in groups and in pairs in a variety of question-and-answer and role play exercises. Students will also develop and practise reading and writing in German. The course book will give a basic outline and structure to the module, and the book will be supplemented by regular audio-visual work and other materials. You will also have the opportunity to practise and reinforce vocabulary and language structures by using computer exercises in KLE, linked to the weekly classes.Upon successful completion of this module, students will normally have reached level A1 of the Common European Language Framework (CEFR - A1)
Aims
This module aims to improve students written, reading, oral and listening language skills acquired in German 1; to provide them with a basic understanding of culture specific behaviour; and enable them to become more efficient language learners.
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, hobbies, etc.) when people speak slowly and clearly: 1,3Understand and extract key information from simple written texts, for example messages, notices, posters, catalogues, etc.: 1,2Interact 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: 3Write 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: 1,2Understand and use simple grammatical structures and rules and develop language learning strategies: 1,2,3Recognise 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
22 hours of contact time in class.40 hours assessment preparation and completion.88 hours guided independent study.
Admission to the module must be confirmed through completion of a language level self-assessment formStudents are only permitted to take one German language module per semester.
Description of Module Assessment
1: Online Tasks weighted 30%Online TasksStudents will complete a series of online exercises to assess their reading comprehension, grammar and writing skills in the target language.
2: Class Test weighted 20%Class TestStudents will complete an in-class test which may include writing a short text in the target language in class.
3: Oral Exam weighted 50%Spoken interaction assessmentA 4-8 minute spoken interaction assessment to test speaking (productive), listening (receptive) and conversation (interaction) skills. Task may include presentation, role play, description or similar and question and answer. If assessments are organised in pairs or groups, individual marks will be awarded to each student.