Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
EU10680 German written and spoken language (post beginners) |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Academic Year |
| Assessment: CW 50%, EX 30%, OR 20% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: This unit builds on previously acquired intermediate language skills in German. In semester 1 it aims to give students a systematic grounding in the basic structures of German grammar and syntax; to enable them to employ these structures correctly in short written texts within a communicative context and orally in a variety of practical and everyday situations. Listening and reading skills will also be systematically developed. In semester 2, the unit aims to consolidate the knowledge acquired in Semester 1, deepening the students' awareness of German grammar and syntax as well as extending their vocabulary. Students will be exposed to more complex written texts in a variety of registers, will extend their aural comprehension and oral skills to a larger number of situations and contexts, and will develop specific skills of inferring meaning from unknown or unfamiliar language.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit students should be able to: * use and understand more complex structures of the German language * employ those structures correctly in longer written texts such as reports, summaries, letters, using appropriate vocabulary * read texts in a range of contemporary registers * comprehend spoken German from audio and video sources * converse on practical and everyday situations and discuss issues with native and non-native speakers of German. Skills: Skills in precision and creativity in the use of written and spoken language, effective communication in the target language and translation are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning, ICT and preparation for study abroad in the German-speaking world are developed in this unit. Content: The unit combines intensive study of German grammar and structures in a weekly class organised specifically for students taking this unit with the broader focus on exercises designed to develop listening, reading, speaking and writing skills provided by the FLC-run units EU 20236 and 20237. With regard to the consolidation of grammar the unit focuses on morphology and syntax. With regard to writing skills and the production of texts, the unit focuses on reports, letter writing, summarisation, and translation from and into German. In the weekly spoken language class listening and speaking skills are developed by means of conversation groups, role-play, paired activities and the use of authentic audio-visual material. Contact with native speakers is a crucial aspect of the unit. There will also be regular designated self-study exercises based on CALL programmes. |