German fachwerkhaus buildings

A Post A-Level or equivalent module in German language and culture

Module details

  • Offered to all undergraduates
  • Monday, Tuesday or Thursday 16.00-18.00 (depending on year of study)
  • Planned delivery: On campus (South Kensington)
  • Two-term module, worth 7.5 ECTS
  • Available to eligible students as part of I-Explore
  • Extra Credit, or Degree Credit where your department allows
Degree credit module options by departmentHow to enrol

A communicative module for students with an A-level in German or comparable standard of competency, on the language and culture of the German-speaking countries.

This module aims to

  • Improve your comprehension skills using written (scientific, journalistic and literary), oral, video and documentary material
  • Enable you to practice, both orally and in writing, a range of complex grammatical structures
  • Acquaint you with a knowledge of current affairs in the German-speaking countries
  • Provide you with background knowledge and vocabulary on social, political, cultural, scientific and technological developments in the German-speaking countries

By the end of the module, students should have reached approximately the B2+ standard of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

To be eligible for this module you need to have done one of the following:

  • Successfully completed German Level 3
  • Gained a German A-level Qualification
  • Already achieved B1+ or equivalent on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

This module is not intended for native or near-native speakers.

Please note: The information on this module description is indicative. The module may undergo minor modifications before the start of next academic year. 

Information blocks

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:Reichstag Building Berlin

  • process and engage with native speech with relative ease identifying key details of complex arguments in a variety of contexts;
  • interact with a degree of fluency, spontaneity, and accuracy in a variety of contexts including academic and scientific environments;
  • extract the main ideas and essential detail of complex texts from a variety of genres and topics including scientific material and write detailed, well-structured texts and explain viewpoints on a wide range of subjects;
  • apply your knowledge and skills of complex structures and vocabulary at B2-level (in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages);
  • demonstrate an understanding of the target cultures by examining and comparing a range of socio-political practices and perspectives and relating them to your own backgrounds and contexts of practice;
  • demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of digital language learning tools to develop your research and presentation skills in the target language and support independent learning.

 

Indicative core content

 

In this module, you will cover the following:Black Forrest

  • revision of grammatical structures as appropriate;
  • analysis of a range of linguistic registers in speech and writing;
  • further aspects of word order, adjectives and verb forms, including use of the subjunctive;
  • further work on prepositions and conjunctions;
  • nouns;
  • the subjunctive (including reported speech) and the passive voice;
  • the language of science.

Topics include:

  • immigration/emigration;
  • the German language;
  • poverty, community projects;
  • the consumer society;
  • the future;
  • the world of work in the German speaking countries;
  • art, history, communication;
  • current topics (where applicable).

 

Learning and teaching approach

In line with modern foreign languages communicative and active learning methodologies, the in-class activities you will complete will cover all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). These will include pair work and groupwork (dialogue practice, information gap exercises, discussion); individual tasks, discovery and formulation of grammatical rules, work with texts, etc. Homework and coursework tasks will give you the opportunity to revise and consolidate your knowledge and skills and to develop your awareness of how to use language learning tools independently. Our approach not only ensures you engage with a wide range of tasks and activities, but also seeks to support different learning styles.

Your coursework will be marked and returned within two weeks. Rubrics and revision guidance (how-to guides) will be included as needed with each coursework. You will receive detailed feedback alongside suggestions for improvement and an overall percentage showing your provisional grade for that assessment.

Assessment

  • Coursework (15%): Set mid-autumn term, on the virtual learning environment, consisting of reading comprehension (one or more texts, totalling between 600- 700 words), vocabulary, grammar and writing task (225-250 words) Timed: 2.5 hours.
  • Examination (15%): In-class test, on the virtual learning environment, (bring your own device). This 1-hour test will take place at the end of autumn term. It will include writing based on a choice of topics covered during the semester (approx 270-300 words).
  • Coursework (20%): Set mid-spring term, on the virtual learning environment, consisting of listening comprehension (2 videos of 3 - 4 minutes each) and a topic-related writing task (225–250 words) Timed: 1.5 hours.
  • Examination (20%): In-class test, on the virtual learning environment (bring your own device). This 1-hour test will take place at the end of spring term. It will include reading comprehension (text length: 400-450 words), vocabulary and grammar tasks.
  • Practical (30%): 16-18 minute oral exam in the summer term, consisting of a brief opening statement based on a selection of prepared topics, follow-on discussion and questions on one of the other prepared topics.

Assessment information for students on a course with a year abroad

Key information

  • 7.5 ECTS points awarded on successful completion of the module.
  • Available to take for credit towards your degree where your department allows. Also available for extra-credit.
  • You must be prepared to attend all classes and and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.

Coursebook: Aspekte neu B2, Ute Koithan, Helen Schmitz et. al., Lehrbuch (2015) 978-3-12-605025-8

Additional materials: articles from contemporary German press and supplementary audio and video materials.

Further information for Year Abroad/Year in Europe Students
Further information for BSc Hons and MSc Language for Science Degrees