German 4 for finalists (LL338)
Summary
Level:
Prior knowledge of German required:
- B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). Level to be assessed at diagnostic interview.
- or a high grade at AS-level
- or equivalent in International Baccalaureate (standard level grades 5/6/7, higher level grades 4/5)
- or successfully completed Language Centre German 3
- or equivalent
Successful completion of German 4 qualifies students to progress to German 5Link opens in a new window
Main Objectives:
- To further improve reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
- To understand ideas in complex text, and produce text on a wide range of topics.
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Additionally, students will research, analyse and reflect on cultural context, enhancing their cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies.
- To work towards B2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
Credits:
30 CREDITSTeaching:
One weekly blended session for 21 weeks consisting of a two-hour face-to-face class on campus.
Four online workshops, each lasting ninety minutes, spread across terms one and two.
Some independent study will also be set.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore for a 30 credit module, the minimum expected amount of study is 300 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required. Students can make use of Moodle to facilitate this.
Assessment:
Term 2: portfolio (15%)
Term 3: one reading /writing test (30%) and one speaking test (40%) and one independent project (15%)
Main Tutor:
Dr Birgit Oehle Birgit OehleLink opens in a new window
Diagnostic Test Higher Levels
Course Texts (must be bought by student):
Sander, I., Daniels, A., Köhl-Kuhn, R., Bauer-Hutz, B., Mautsch, K.F., Tremp Soares, H. (2012) Mittelpunkt neu B2, Stuttgart: Ernst Klett Sprachen (ISBN 978-3-12-676652-4)
Additional Material
- Further information will be provided about grammar reference materials, but the most comprehensive guide for native speakers of English is, Durrell, M. (2011) Hammer's German Grammar and Usage, 5th ed, London: Hodder Education.
Course Description:
This module will strengthen reading and writing skills and will also reinforce the communicative skills acquired during previous study of the German language. The module will offer a more advanced study of language structure and syntax, and will concentrate on using the target language for discussing and analysing aspects of German-speaking society.
Students will gain a critical understanding of cultural contexts, develop analytical and reflective abilities in cross-cultural settings, and engage in autonomous learning and effective resource management.Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- interact with fluency and spontaneity, and account for and sustain viewpoints
- write clear detailed text on a wide range of subjects; explain viewpoints on topical issues, giving advantages and disadvantages
- understand the main ideas and some detail of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics
- apply knowledge of grammar appropriate to the level
- Critically analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, demonstrating enhanced intercultural and cross-cultural competencies
- Conduct and present independent research into Germanophone cultured and societies.
- Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and manage resources.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level B2 (independent user) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language.
Syllabus
Topics will vary a little from year to year, but indicative topics are:
- societal values
- the world of work
- interacting with others
- studying abroad
Grammar
- Term 1 will review and develop essential features such as: case; word order; complex sentences.
- Term 2 will cover items allowing greater differentiation and sophistication of expression, such as the passive; conditions; subjunctives.
The module will allow students to develop strategies for self-directed and autonomous learning, as well as an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and the ability to engage with and communicate on them thoughtfully and respectfully.
Assessment components and weighting
Independent project 15%
Portfolio 15%
Reading/Writing 30%
Oral 40%
The module can count towards the Warwick AwardLink opens in a new window
