LA221-4-AU-CO:
Intensive Initial German 1
2019/20
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 03 October 2019
Saturday 14 December 2019
15
29 March 2019
Requisites for this module
(none)
LA222
(none)
(none)
LA222, LA240
This is an intense, fast-paced and challenging German language module, very practical and interactive, designed for complete beginners who are highly motivated and able to commit to substantial regular independent study. The module leads to CEFR A1 (roughly comparable to a GCSE in German) by the end of the autumn term. We cover reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and study the language in its cultural context.
Practical acquisition of basic language competence, comparable to Breakthrough Level (A1) of the Common European Framework.
The aim of the intensive route is to enable students to attain a level of German equivalent to an A level if students continue to the follow-on module LA222 in the spring term; and together with a summer course in Germany students can reach an intermediate exit level B1 (equivalent to LA230). Without attending the course in Germany your exit level will be elementary A2 (equivalent to LA220) at the end of the year.
Students will
• be introduced to the structures of German, learn how to construct and analyse basic sentences, understand simple written and spoken German, communicate in everyday situations.
• practise and expand transferable study skills such as independent learning, creative and analytical thinking, problem-solving, team-working, disciplined time-management, use of electronic media.
Please note that for the follow-on module in the spring term LA222, the course books Motive A2 will have to be purchased before start of spring term, and in order to progress to LA240 in their 2nd year students have to purchase and work through the course books Motive B1 during the summer – more details see module description for LA222.
This module has three components (all compulsory):
1. 2x weekly two-hour seminar based on the course book.
2. 1x weekly one-hour lab session, with group work, practical application of acquired skills including listening, speaking and pronunciation practice, online tasks, writing and group work.
3. these 5 contact hours are complemented by an additional six to seven hours independent study per week.
Students will have to purchase the course books before the start of term, see below. Additional module material will be available on-line (via Moodle) with weekly topics, self-study material and dates of assessments. During contact hours we will work on selected aspects, assuming students prepare and revise regularly using the course books and online material.
We use interactive, creative and reflective teaching methods, centred around the course book but with a strong emphasis on community-building communication, placing the language into its cultural context.
Background reading and other media suggestions (available on Moodle) will complement and deepen language competence and give more insights into culture and history of the German-speaking countries.
- Durrell, Martin; Kohl, Katrin M.; Kaiser, Claudia; Loftus, Gudrun. (2015) Essential German grammar, New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
- Appelbaum, Stanley. (1995) Great German poems of the Romantic Era =: Berühmte Gedichte der deutschen Romantik, New York: Dover Publications. vol. A dual-language book
- (2015) Motive A2: Arbeitsbuch: Hueber Verlag.
- Allinson, Mark. (2002) Germany and Austria, 1814-2000: modern history for modern languages, London: Hodder Arnold.
- Zorach, Cecile; Melin, Charlotte; Oberlin, Adam. (2014) English grammar for students of German: the study guide for those learning German, Ann Arbor, Michigan: The Olivia and Hill Press. vol. The O & H study guides
- (2016) Motive B1: Arbeitsbuch, Munchen: Hueber Verlag.
- (2015) Motive A2: Kursbuch, Ismaning: Hueber Verlag.
- Fehringer, Carol. (2014) German grammar in context: analysis and practice, Abingdon: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
- (2015) Motive A1: Kursbuch, Munchen: Hueber Verlag.
- Smith, Brian. (2015) German easy reader: Super 500, [Place of publication not identified]: [publisher not identified].
- Sally A. Johnson; Natalie Braber. (2008) Exploring the German language, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- (2015) Motive A1: Arbeitsbuch, Ismaning: Hueber Verlag.
- Martin Durrell; A. E. Hammer. (2017) Hammer's German grammar and usage, Abingdon: Routledge.
- (2016) Motive B1: Kursbuch, Munchen: Hueber Verlag.
- Rocco, Goranka; Krauß, Susanne; Vogelwiesche, Nathalie. (2016) Wortschatztrainer Deutsch als Fremdsprache: üben, erweitern, wiederholen, Berlin: Duden.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Class Test 1 |
|
|
| Coursework |
Class Test 2 |
|
|
| Coursework |
Class Test 3 |
|
|
| Practical |
Oral Interview |
|
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Ms Claudia Alsdorf, email: c.alsdorf@essex.ac.uk.
Ms Claudia Alsdorf & Mrs. Emma Hopper
Ms Claudia Alsdorf, Office: 4.313, Telephone 01206 872212, email c.alsdorf@essex.ac.uk
Emma Hopper, 4.303, ext. 2191, e-mail eehopp (add @essex.ac.uk)
Yes
Yes
No
Prof Paul Bishop
University of Glasgow
Available via Moodle
Of 184 hours, 140 (76.1%) hours available to students:
44 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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