LN112      One Unit
German Language and Society 2 (Intermediate)

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 and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. 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. 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 A2 level of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages are required.

Additional requisites:

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

Course content

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.

Teaching

50 hours of classes in the Winter Term.
50 hours of classes in the Autumn Term.
5 hours of classes in the Spring Term.

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

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. 

Formative assessment

Weekly language exercises

 

Indicative reading

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. (2015) Essential German Grammar, 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: B1

Total students 2024/25: Unavailable

Average class size 2024/25: Unavailable

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