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German Language and Cultures: Upper intermediate - LAN00056C

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Ms. Nadine Saupe
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module combines an in-depth study of German with analysis of cultural and social phenomena. Students will develop knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in German at an upper intermediate level through engagement with topics such as student life, youth culture, political engagement among young people and the demand for equal rights, awareness of diversity in gender, sexuality, ethnicity in the context of young people’s interests in Germany/ Austria.

Related modules

A-Level in German or equivalent level of proficiency.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims at revising and consolidating knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in German and to develop a plurilingual and pluricultural communicative competence at upper intermediate level. Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities emphasising three modes of communication: 1) reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension); 2) production activities (oral and written production); 3) interaction (oral, written and online interaction). The medium of instruction is German. The module also introduces students to socio-cultural issues related to their language repertoire, and to language learning reflection.

Module learning outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • understand with a degree of independence authentic texts on both familiar and unfamiliar topics

  • describe and present the topics studied with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail

  • interact with an appropriate degree of accuracy, fluency and spontaneity

  • sustain views convincingly by providing relevant explanations and arguments

  • interpret cultural cues appropriately in the culture concerned, and reflect on, and explain, particular ways of communicating across diverse cultural contexts.

Module content

Students will engage, individually and/or in groups, in communicative activities focussing on three modes of communication:

1) reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);

2) production activities (oral and written production);

3) interaction (oral, written and online interaction).

Students will be introduced to a number of social, cultural, political and/or linguistic topics, specific to German-speaking countries, such as:

student life, youth culture, political engagement among young people and the demand for equal rights, awareness of diversity in gender, sexuality, ethnicity in the context of young people’s interests in Germany/ Austria.

Selected grammar topics will also form part of every lesson in the form of revision, exercises and independent study.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
German language and cultures: Upper intermediate		 2 hours 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral exam		 0.17 hours 40

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Reassessment: German language and cultures: Upper intermediate		 2 hours 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral exam		 0.17 hours 40

Module feedback

Formative assessment and feedback

Formative tasks done individually and/or in groups throughout the module.

Students will be given:

  • written comments for written formative work

  • oral feedback during class discussions

Summative assessment and feedback

Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.

Indicative reading

Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenor(s) in class and/or via the VLE at the start of the semester.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.