LN110      One Unit
German Language and Society 3 (advanced)

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

Course Convenor

Dr Peter Skrandies

Availability

This course is available on the BA in Geography, BA in Social Anthropology, BSc in Economic History, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics, BSc in International Relations, BSc in International Relations and History, BSc in Language, Culture and Society, BSc in Social Anthropology, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study, Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley and MA in Modern History. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.

This course has a limited number of places (it is capped) and priority will be given to Language Centre BSc students and students from other Departments following a Language Specialism. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and on the MA in Modern History. This course is available with permission to General Course students. All students should seek approval from the teacher responsible before completing course selection. Please see here for information on seeking approval for undergraduate modern language degree courses (https://www.lse.ac.uk/language-centre/undergraduate-degree-courses/degree-courses-as-part-of-an-undergraduate-degree).

Requisites

Assumed prior knowledge:

Language skills and knowledge of German at B1/B2 level of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages are required.

Additional requisites:

An A-level or its equivalent is required. An interview with the course co-ordinator prior to registration is compulsory.

Course content

Advanced 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

40 hours of classes in the Winter Term.
40 hours of classes in the Autumn Term.
4 hours of classes in the Spring Term.

This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.

Four 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.  

Formative assessment

Weekly language exercises 

 

Indicative reading

  • Beattie, S. (ed.) (2007) Collins German Dictionary, 7th edition, Glasgow: Harper Collins
  • Durrell, Martin et al. (2015) Essential German Grammar, 2nd edition, London: Routledge
  • Wolski, Werner (2012), Pons Kompaktwörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Stuttgart: Klett Verlag

Assessment

Exam (30%), duration: 90 Minutes in the Spring exam period

Oral examination (30%)

Continuous assessment (40%)

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.


Key facts

Department: Language Centre

Course Study Period: Autumn, Winter and Spring Term

Unit value: One unit

FHEQ Level: Level 4

CEFR Level: B2

Total students 2024/25: 11

Average class size 2024/25: 11

Capped 2024/25: No
Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

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

Personal development skills

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