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

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

No prior knowledge

Barred Combinations

Description for 2020/21

German is the most widely spoken language in the EU, and Germany is the second largest export nation in the world. Learning German, therefore, makes very good sense if you want to enhance your future employment prospective, whatever your chosen career path.
This course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of German and will develop basic communication skills in German in everyday situations such as introducing oneself and giving and understanding personal information about oneself, family and friends. Alongside the German language, you will get an insight into German culture e.g. we will learn about a variety of German traditions and 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, 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 course will be based on oral work - speaking in groups and in pairs in a variety of question-and-answer and role play exercises. But you will also develop your reading and writing skills in German. We will use a course book which will give a basic outline and structure to the course, but 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).
Please note:
Language module levels 1 and 2 (90001 and 90002) are not available as electives counting towards final year credits.
Year 1 and 2 students can only take one absolute beginners language module (90001) in one academic year.

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

understand familiar words and basic phrases concerning themselves and their family when people speak slowly and clearly.: 1,2
ask and answer simple questions in the area of immediate need, and interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat things at a lower rate of speech and help them formulate what they are trying to say.: 1
write simple phrases and sentences to describe themselves and people they know.: 2
fill in forms with personal detail and ask and answer simple questions in writing.: 2
recognize and act upon basic cultural differences as encountered in everyday situations: 1,2
understand familiar words and phrases, for example on notices and posters.: 1,2

Study hours

20 hours of synchronous and asynchronous class time
100 hours class preparation and revision and private study
22 hours revision for and completion of written exam
8 hours preparation for and attendance at spoken interaction exam

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.
This module cannot be taken as level 3 module.

Description of Module Assessment