Advanced German Language Skills
| Module title | Advanced German Language Skills |
|---|---|
| Module code | MLG3111 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Professor Ulrike Zitzlsperger (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 45 |
|---|
Module description
This module builds upon MLG2001 (or equivalent) and the year abroad. Guided by the module tutors you will learn to fine-tune your translation skills; develop your vocabulary; consolidate your knowledge of German grammar; advance your intercultural skills; and increase your fluency in oral German. These skills not only form part of the development of a high standard in using the German language but also reflect some of the skills sought after by employers.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to:
- develop a high level of skill in written translation between German and English, English and German and in composition in German.
- develop fluency and expressiveness in oral German.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Apply a knowledge of a broad range of grammatical features of German (including some complex advanced structures) to a range of linguistic exercises; research conventions of usage, find synonyms, and explore nuances of meaning in German vocabulary; tackle complex translation passages into and out of German in a variety of styles and argue a case in written German in answer to challenging contemporary issues.
- 2. Discuss complex topical and abstract issues in an appropriate register of oral German, using a broad range of vocabulary and idiom; give a structured oral presentation in German on a variety of topics addressed to a small group of listeners; engage, in German, in debates.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Understand and use in class discussion a broad range of linguistic terminology; identify strategies for improving linguistic accuracy.
- 4. Engage critically with German language media.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Communicate information and arguments of some complexity in German; express and defend opinions on a wide range of current and abstract issues.
- 6. Advance, with limited guidance, linguistic competence independently; develop the potential for learning new languages independently in the future.
Syllabus plan
In the first term the written language classes focus on the translation from German into English; from English into German; and the writing of summaries in German. This work is supplemented by linguistic exercises designed to extend your knowledge of vocabulary and to revise advanced elements of grammar.
In the second term you will focus on translations into German; and the writing of Stellungsnahmen, which build upon the summaries exercised in the first term.
In the weekly oral classes you engage in a variety of group and individual exercises to increase oral fluency and extend your vocabulary. These classes also prepare you for the oral examination by offering practice in the discussion of academic, intercultural and Landeskunde-topics.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 66 | 234 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 44 | Language classes (22x2 hrs.) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Oral classes (22x1 hr.) |
| Guided Independent Study | 234 | Independent study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular written (at least 10) and oral assignments | Various | 1-6 | Formative assessment is returned with corrections and annotations; course tutors are available for one-to-one tutorials in office hours. |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 75 | 25 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written examination Translation and Commentary (Winter) | 25 | exam | 1, 3, 4, 6 | Written and oral feedback |
| Written examination Translation and Commentary (Summer) | 25 | exam | 1, 3, 4, 6 | Written and oral feedback |
| Writing skills exam (Summer) | 25 | exam | 1, 3- 6 | Written and oral feedback |
| Oral examination | 25 | 15 minutes | 2-6 | Oral feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written examination Translation and Commentary | Written examination Translation and Commentary | 1, 3, 4, 6 | Referral/deferral period |
| Written examination Translation and Commentary | Written examination Translation and Commentary | 1-6 | Referral/deferral period |
| Writing skills exam (Summer) | Writing skills exam | 1, 3-6 | Referral/deferral period |
| Oral examination | Oral examination | 2-6 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Referral – if you miss an assessment for certified reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment. The mark given for re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Martin Durrell, Hammer’s German Grammar (Routledge, 2011)
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | MLG2001 |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 2013 |
| Last revision date | 13/05/2021 |
