LA222-5-SP-CO:
Intensive Initial German 2
2019/20
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Monday 13 January 2020
Friday 20 March 2020
15
29 March 2019
Requisites for this module
(none)
LA221
(none)
(none)
LA221, LA240
This is an intense, fast-paced and challenging German language module, very practical and interactive, designed for students 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.
This module is a reinforcement and continuation of LA221, German Intensive Initial 1.
The aim of the module is to enable students to attain a level of German equivalent to an A level. By completing it, 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).
The intensive route is the compulsory path for those students with no knowledge of German who intend to take the study of the language to a Proficiency or Mastery level in their final year. This module can also be taken as an outside option.
Students will
• learn how to master more complex situations in German and deal with extended texts like descriptive texts, narrative, opinion, newspaper articles;
• 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.
Summer language course abroad (August 2020)
Students who take this intensive language module as part of their degree programme in their first year and need to carry on with the language of their intensive module in order to reach level 5 or above in the final year of their degree programme must take an approved language course abroad in the summer vacation (four weeks) in order to be able to access level 4 modules (LA240 Advanced Level German) in the following year: for such students the tuition fee for the course abroad will be paid by the University with the remainder of the expenses paid by the students themselves. For any other students wishing to take part in the summer language course all expenses will be incurred by the student. Students who do not need to reach level 5 or 6 in their final year in the language of their intensive modules and who do not take the approved course abroad can continue with LA230 Higher Intermediate German on successful completion of the intensive module.
For students who intend to take LA240 Advanced German in their subsequent year, it is recommended that they purchase and complete the course books Motive B1 during the summer 2020 in self-study, in addition to the summer language course abroad. For German, this will be a 4 week course at the University of Konstanz during August 2020.
Please note that specialist language knowledge and study skills, including translation exercises German/English, English/German, in-depth cultural discussions, and an overview of the historical developments in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, will be covered in the "Language Expert" modules.
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 |
|
30% |
| Coursework |
Class Test 2 |
|
30% |
| Practical |
Oral Presentations with Questions |
|
40% |
| Exam |
Main exam: 60 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
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.
Claudia Alsdorf & Emma Hopper
Claudia Alsdorf, Tel: 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 289 hours, 100 (34.6%) hours available to students:
189 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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