LA230-4-AU-CO:
Intermediate German I
2024/25
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
02 September 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
LA240
This is a practical, interactive and fast-paced German language module for students with lower intermediate German language skills who are highly motivated and able to commit to regular independent study. The module leads to CEFR B1 (roughly comparable to A level in German). We cover reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and study the language in its cultural context.
Course book, essential to purchase before start of term:
Spektrum Deutsch B1, Publisher: Schubert, Leipzig 2018.
Practical expansion and application language competence, enabling the student to proceed to advanced level modules, with an exit level comparable to Threshold Level (B1) of the Common European Framework. The level of the final exam will be comparable to “Zertifikat Deutsch” or an A-level in German.
Students will learn how to master fairly complex written and spoken material in German, to analyse language structures, to comment and express opinions, and to produce coherent texts.
• Students will have the opportunity to practise and expand transferable skills vital for employability, such as intercultural awareness and language mediation skills, communication and presentation skills, summarising key information, independent learning, creative and analytical thinking, reflective skills, problem-solving, team-working, disciplined time-management, research skills and use of electronic media.
Written Exam: 2hr exam in summer examination period
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. Online material to be studied independently as preparation before class
2. Three timetabled contact hours per week (1x 2hour session and 1x 1hr session, attendance obligatory for all), with practical application of acquired skills including listening, speaking and pronunciation practice, online tasks, writing and group work.
3. Alongside the above, regular independent study is essential, revising and completing material covered in classes, additional online material, memorising vocabulary and grammar.
Students should plan for a weekly workload of around 8 hours in total for this module (contact hours plus independent study time) and be prepared to study during non-teaching weeks between the terms as well.
Students need to purchase the course book 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.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Coursework 1 (Written) |
|
|
| Coursework |
Coursework 2 (Oral) |
|
|
| Coursework |
Coursework 3 (Moodle) |
|
|
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
Claudia Alsdorf, email: c.alsdorf@essex.ac.uk, office: 4.315, number: x2212
Yes
Yes
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.
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