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Curricular information is subject to change
On successful completion of the module students should be able to:
- write advanced German, using a variety of grammatical structures and appropriate vocabulary and idiom;
- demonstrate an ability to distinguish between and make use of factual, analytical and polemical styles when creating a convincing argument;
- keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency and coping with abstract expressions;
- deliver short weekly formative mini-presentations;
- demonstrate comprehension of podcasts and video commentaries on current affairs;
- comprehend and respond to demanding written journalistic texts;
- research independently a broadcast-style presentation on a current issue and present it during the oral exam.
This module explores the discussion of current affairs in the German-speaking media by means of audio-visual and press sources, all relating to social, cultural and political issues. It focuses on the analysis, summary and discussion of different positions on these issues, thus advancing written and oral comprehension and production in German, recognising and using a wide range of grammatical and rhetorical devices.
In addition to the class hours, class preparation and formative homework exercises, students are expected to sign-up for 3 short "Gesprächstermine" in groups of 2 during the trimester (2 in weeks 1-7, 1 in weeks 8-12). Ample slots will be given out in advance.
Student Effort Type | Hours |
---|---|
Small Group | 22 |
Specified Learning Activities | 44 |
Autonomous Student Learning | 44 |
Total | 110 |
Programme students of German must have successfully completed GER 20060 (German Language 2a) and GER 20070 (German Language 2b) OR GER 20180 (Intensive German Ex-Beginners) OR GER 20240 (German Ex-Beginners A) and GER 20250 (German Ex-Beginners B) prior to taking GER 30080.
Learning Recommendations:Programme students of German should have successfully completed GER30080 (German language IIIa) prior to attempting GER30090.
An extended period spent abroad in a German-speaking country or frequent exposure to a German-speaking environment is also highly recommended before embarking on this module.
Non-programme students of German or students taking this module as an elective, but who have not completed or passed GER 30080, must contact the module coordinator.
Description | Timing | Component Scale | % of Final Grade | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exam (In-person): Written 'Kommentar' exam - 400-word critical commentary in German on an unseen article, including giving one's own opinion | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) |
Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 50 |
No |
Practical Skills Assessment: Oral exam (15-minutes) including a very short presentation on a chosen topic with Q/A, followed by a general discussion | Week 12 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 30 |
No |
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Class test in the Monday class of week 4: 200-word 'Leserbrief' in German, taking issue with a particular topic. | Week 4 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 20 |
No |
Resit In | Terminal Exam |
---|---|
Autumn | No |
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
Regular written or oral feedback will be provided on written homework. Students are urged to submit homework regularly and to act on the corrections, producing a revised piece of work. Individual feedback and group/class feedback will also be provided after the first summative assessment.
Name | Role |
---|---|
Ms Zeineb Bahri | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
Dr Siobhan Donovan | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
Assoc Professor Gillian Pye | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |