Dr Peter Skrandies PEL.6.01f

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.

A good pass at GSCE/AS Level or its equivalent is required. An interview with the course co-ordinator prior to registration is compulsory.

The course is designed to be a bridge from intermediate to advanced study of the German language within the framework of social sciences and culture. It will introduce students to the study of the society, economy and culture of German-speaking countries through the medium of German. In a dynamic and communicative way the course develops speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through individual and group work, topical discussions, and by using authentic and multi-media material. The focus is on accuracy as well as communication that advance students’ language competence, transferable skills and cultural awareness.

50 hours of classes in the MT. 50 hours of classes in the LT. 5 hours of classes in the ST.

Five 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. This course has reading weeks in weeks 6 of the Michaelmas and the Lent term.

Weekly language exercises

Beattie, S. (ed.) (2007) Collins German Dictionary, 7th edition, Glasgow: Harper Collins

Braun, Birgit, Margit Doubek et. al. (2016) DaF kompakt neu B1, Kursbuch und Arbeitsbuch. Stuttgart: Ernst Klett. ISBN: 978-3-12-676315-8. (Set course book, purchase is required)

Durrell, Martin et al. (2002) Essential German Grammar, London: Routledge

Wolski, Werner (2012), Pons Kompaktwörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Stuttgart: Klett Verlag

Exam (30%, duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes) in the summer exam period.
Oral examination (30%) 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.

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.