Course finder

<< return to browsing

Full Year

German 1B (ELCG08002)

Subject

European Languages and Cultures - German

College

CAHSS

Credits

40

Normal Year Taken

1

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Visiting Students will need to have their level assessed via a placement test to ensure the level of this course is suitable.

Course Summary

German 1B is a language and literature course for advanced university entry level students. The German language work develops written, oral, and listening comprehension skills, and expands knowledge of the German language, contemporary issues and culture. The German literature element of the course introduces students to a selection of literary texts from the eighteenth century to the present day, and develops skills in the analysis of literature.

Course Description

German 1B language consists of three compulsory parts: German Language 1 (Text Production), German Language 2 (Grammar) and German Oral Language Practical. This is an advanced language course for students with university entry qualifications in the language. The language courses are set to the standard comparable to levels B1/B1+ on the internationally recognised Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR). German Language 1 focuses on the writing and comprehension of a variety of texts in German, and on translating short journalistic texts. Students will practice writing formal and informal short pieces of prose text on familiar, unfamiliar, and topical issues. Students engage with the topics independently in preparation for class, and subsequently exchange ideas in group work in class time. In addition to developing writing and translation skills, this course also gives students the opportunity to continue practicing reading and listening skills with comprehensions and online audio clips. These classes are not streamed as we want to create a mixed ability learning environment that encourages both learner autonomy and peer support in the classroom, since the sharing of knowledge between language learners with different abilities and skills is beneficial to the learning process. German Language 2 is a German-language grammar course set at the equivalent of B1 level on the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR). The classes will be streamed so that students will be working together with other language learners who have similar proficiency in German grammar. The course programme sets out the weekly focus on grammar, homework, and autonomous learning exercises. The German Oral Language Practical is a spoken language course set at the equivalent of B1 level. Students discuss a selection of themes that are contemporary, historical and cultural in focus, and concentrate on "Landeskunde" (learning about Germany). Students develop their German listening comprehension and their skills in holding structured and informed discussions in small groups, train expressing opinions and to comment, and give short presentations on topics in the German language. Self-study is an essential part of learning a foreign language. In order to structure this process you should keep track of your progress towards meeting the learning outcomes by keeping a language learning portfolio. You will find the language portfolio document on the online learning platform, LEARN. German 1B Literature: The course examines a selection of literary texts in German in a period ranging from the eighteenth century to modern day. This course also offers a film element. Particular attention is paid to the acquisition of critical and research skills, essay writing and discussion skills. Common themes include cultural, personal and national identity. Key movements and critical approaches to understanding literature and film are also addressed. An introduction and analysis of the text or film is delivered in the form of a weekly lecture. Students respond in weekly seminars to the selected material, when discussion, argument, and presentation skills are developed further.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 100%, Practical Exam 0%

view the timetable and further details for this course