Module manager: Mandy Poetzsch
Email: m.poetzsch@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2013/14
A-level German (at least Grade B) or equivalent
This module is approved as an Elective
This is the core compulsory module for all Level One students on BA German and BA Joint Honours programmes involving German, but it may also be taken as an Elective by students with a Grade B or above in German at A or an A in German at AS level. The aim of this course is to improve the language skills in all areas with the help of materials relevant for the target culture. Students will develop the knowledge and skills required for successful oral and written communication in German-speaking countries.
a) To develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening to German;
b) To establish or confirm a grasp of basic German grammar and usage;
c) To foster an informed interest in German culture and current affairs.
a) General improvement of their language skills via class room interaction, the use of different media, and other forms of engagement with German and German speaking cultures;
b) Awareness of modern German speaking cultures;
c) Ability to critically reflect on their own work and that of others.
Reading: The ability to understand the main ideas of articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints.
Speaking: The ability to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that allows interaction at an appropriate level with native speakers in unprepared conversations. The ability to narrate a story or a situation and to describe and substantiate personal viewpoints on the matter.
Writing: The ability to produce clear, structured texts on a range of familiar subjects with a relatively high degree of grammatical control. The ability to write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view.
Listening: the ability to understand the main ideas of news broadcasts, presentations, talks and discussions as well as conversations by native speakers of standard German.
This is a largely language skills-orientated module. Materials and exercises are chosen with a view to preparing students for the linguistic and cultural requirements of interaction with native speakers of German.
While the lecture deals with advanced grammar, the language work in the seminars is based on materials of contemporary German life and culture.
Topics include social, cultural and historical issues relevant to understanding German society.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 21 | 1 | 21 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Tutorial | 21 | 2 | 42 |
| Private study hours | 135 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 65 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
- Students are required to prepare for each class, complete regular homework tasks and revise the material covered in the lecture (3-4h*21 weeks = 75h).
- Additionally they have to prepare for their presentations and the individual portfolio parts (circa 60h).
- Regular written assignments and in-class tests.
- Students receive written or oral feedback and problems can be identified and addressed at an early stage.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Developed over the course of the year | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 15/01/2014
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