GER30080 German Language III a

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module is aimed at consolidating independent language use (Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR] level B2) and the transition to autonomous language ability (CEFR level C1). The module builds on the foundations acquired in level two language modules (GER 20060 and GER20070, or GER20240 and GER20250). Elective students interested in taking this module need to contact the module coordinator for individual assessment prior to registration.
The focus of the module is on the comprehension and synthesis of audio-visual and written sources. Students will be expected to research German material independently and to extract and summarise oral and written texts on a range of topics, with a particular focus on personalities from the German-speaking world. Students who have achieved at least a B grade in this module are deemed to have consolidated level B2.2 and be moving towards level C1 of the CEFR.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

• Demonstrate comprehension of medium-length and longer-length clips from audio and audiovisual material in German.
• Summarise information and synthesise ideas in writing.
• Show a commitment to autonomous learning by researching independently from German-language media, such as newspapers and online sources.
• Express different positions on a current issue in written German using a variety of grammatical structures and appropriate vocabulary and idiom.
• Keep up a casual conversation with a good level of fluency, coping with abstract expressions.
• Give a recorded presentation (narrated powerpoint) with a good level of fluency using the appropriate register and a wide range of vocabulary.

Indicative Module Content:

This module explores audio-visual and written materials drawn from a variety of media including TV documentaries, online audio-visual and press sources that deal with personalities from different historical periods and different aspects of German-speaking society It focuses on advanced written and oral production and comprehension in German, supporting students as they independently refine their grammatical knowledge and expand their vocabulary to present portraits of selected persons and hypothesise about their views on social, cultural and political issues. In addition to the class hours, class preparation and formative homework exercises, students are expected to sign-up for 3 short "Gesprächstermine" in groups of 2 or 3 during the trimester (2 in weeks 1-7, 1 in weeks 8-12). Ample slots will be given out in advance.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

20
Specified Learning Activities

42
Autonomous Student Learning

48
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In order to benefit from the learning experience, students need to attend fully and participate actively in this module. Students are also expected to work consistently and independently outside of class time, and attend at least 3 of the small discussion groups, "Gesprächstermine".

In-class work will include:
• small group and partner work
• class discussion
• aural comprehension work

Independent work outside of class will include:
• selecting, reviewing and researching German-speaking personalities and current issues
• drafting texts and correcting written work
• preparing and practising oral presentations
• practising spoken skills (conversation and phonetic practice)
• reading/viewing/listening to source materials and taking notes or answering comprehension questions
• recording and learning vocabulary
• practising grammar skills based on online material and quizzes
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Programme students of German must have successfully completed GER 20060 (German Language 2a) and GER 20070 (German Language 2b) OR GER 20180 (Intensive German Ex-Beginners) OR GER 20240 (German Ex-Beginners A) and GER 20250 (German Ex-Beginners B) prior to taking GER 30080.

Learning Recommendations:

An extended period spent abroad in a German-speaking country or frequent exposure to a German-speaking environment is highly recommended. The proficiency level recommended is a minimum of B2 (CEFR). Programme students of German are deemed to have met this if a minimum of a B grade has been achieved in GER 20070 (German Language IIb).

Non-programme students of German or students taking this module as an elective, but who have not completed or passed both Level 2 German language modules, must contact the module coordinator.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
GER20060 - German Language II a, GER20070 - German Language II b, GER20180 - Intensive German Ex-Beginners, GER20240 - German for Ex-Beginners A, GER20250 - German for Ex-Beginners B

Incompatibles:
LANG10110 - German Gen Purp 4, LANG10130 - German Gen Purp 2, LANG20070 - German Gen Purp 5, LANG20250 - German Gen Purp 3, LANG20450 - German for General Purposes 4

Additional Information:
Prerequisites: EITHER GER 20060 and GER 20070 OR GER 20240 and GER 20250 OR GER 20180


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Porträt-essay based on material discussed in class and a specific question (choice of questions).
In-person written exam.		 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

55
Assignment: Recording of an oral Presentation (Porträt) on a selected and independently-researched personality. Week 7 n/a Graded No

35
Class Test: In the Monday class of week 3. Short questions revising grammatical structures (practised during the modules at levels 1 and 2), reading and listening comprehension questions. Week 3 n/a Graded No

10

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on formative assessments (regular homework) will be provided individually and for the entire class. Students should submit AT LEAST two pieces of work before the presentation and two before the written end-of-trimester assessment. Formative online quizzes will be graded automatically. Students are encouraged to complete practice tasks for the summative assessment and will be given individual feedback. Taking an online Einstufungstest will help to get back into the swing of things after the summer and assess one's level. Formative assessment.

Name Role
Ms Zeineb Bahri Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Siobhan Donovan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Michael Kane Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Helga Muellneritsch Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Gillian Pye Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 10:00 - 10:50
Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn