LN210     
German Language and Society 4 (proficiency)

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Peter Skrandies PEL.6.01f

Availability

Available as an outside option to all undergraduate and General Course students. Students can take this course in any year of their studies following approval from the teacher responsible and subject to their own programme regulations. This course is capped at 16 students.

Pre-requisites

Completion of the German Language and Society 3 (advanced) (LN110) or equivalent knowledge and skills are required. An interview with the course co-ordinator prior to registration is compulsory.

Course content

Further advanced (up to proficiency) study of the German language within the framework of the social sciences and culture. In a dynamic and communicative way the course develops all four language skills (i.e. speaking, listening, reading and writing) through individual and group work, topical discussions, and the use of authentic multi-media materials. The focus is on accuracy and communication that advance students' language competence, transferable skills and cultural awareness.

Teaching

30 hours of classes in the MT. 30 hours of classes in the LT. 3 hours of classes in the ST.

Three hours per week, which will feature: (a) interactive topical work; (b) oral practice; (c) grammar and vocabulary work; (d) tutorials; and (e) guided study using IT and web-based materials. The course has reading weeks in weeks 6 of the Michaelmas and the Lent term.

Formative coursework

Weekly language exercises

Indicative reading

  • Durrell, Martin (2011) Hammer's German Grammar and Usage, 5th edition, London: Routledge
  • Durrell, Martin at al (2011) Practising German Grammar, 3rd edition, London: Routledge
  • Götz, Dieter et al (2008) Grosswörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache, München: Langenscheidt
  • Hradil, Stefan (2012-2020) Deutsche Verhältnisse. Eine Sozialkunde, Bonn: Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung. Available online at http://www.bpb.de/politik/grundfragen/deutsche-verhaeltnisse-eine-sozialkunde/ 

Assessment

Exam (40%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Oral examination (20%) in the ST.
Continuous assessment (40%) in the MT and LT.

Language courses map to the Common European Framework for Language Learning.  This framework defines linguistic proficiency in the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) at different levels.  To pass this course, students are therefore required to achieve a pass mark in each element of the assessment (continuous assessment, oral and written exams), as these test all four skills.

Student performance results

(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)

Classification % of students
First 26.7
2:1 73.3
2:2 0
Third 0
Fail 0

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Language Centre

Total students 2019/20: 3

Average class size 2019/20: 3

Capped 2019/20: Yes (16)

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication