Explore UCD

UCD Home >

German  (GRJ1)

BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
Award
Bachelor of Arts
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Dr Joseph Twist
Overall Programme Credits:
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Stage 4
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 2: 25
Stage 3: 25
Stage 4: 25

Curricular information is subject to change.

German is the most widely spoken first language in Europe, and, in economic terms, Germany's strength is undisputed. Studying German therefore offers an array of cultural and business opportunities. Our teaching involves not only the language, but also the arts and culture of the German-speaking countries, equipping graduates with valuable intercultural understanding and key transferable skills.

The German programme is aimed at students who seek to communicate in the German language at the highest levels of fluency across a broad range of social and professional contexts, and who want to develop a sophisticated degree of intercultural competence. Critically aware and open to alternative ways of thinking, successful graduates are equipped to live and work effectively in multi-cultural and multi-lingual environments.



Detailed attention to language in its broadest sense is the basis of intellectual growth and active citizenship: our students therefore train their analytical and critical skills and build their understanding of the literary, artistic, historical and cultural frameworks in which the German language and German-speaking societies are embedded. We also seek to foster understanding of, and respect for, cultural diversity.



Engaging with another language and culture is a lifelong process, and a central aim of the programme is therefore the fostering of autonomous learning strategies, independent thought and intellectual curiosity. A small group teaching and learning environment, where the emphasis is on collaboration and discussion, nurtures critical thinking, interpersonal skills and fluency of expression in both English and German. The programme goals are supported by assessment strategies that emphasize continuous engagement, reflective learning and focused research.


1 - Understand, express and communicate ideas in clear, fluent and accurate spoken and written German, in a register appropriate to the context.
2 - Demonstrate an awareness of general linguistic and rhetorical strategies and grammatical structures.
3 - Demonstrate an ability to manage time and to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.
4 - Demonstrate an ability to use appropriate methods of academic enquiry in order to formulate pertinent questions about, and to build knowledge of, German-speaking cultures.
5 - Structure information lucidly and present logical arguments in clear, unambiguous English, paying attention to the relevant conventions of formatting and referencing.
6 - Demonstrate an ability to understand, apply and evaluate secondary literature and theoretical writings.
7 - Think independently and critically, showing an awareness of the value of questioning and challenging conventions and assumptions.
8 - Understand the ethical implications of ideas, communications, and actions, especially within the historical and contemporary context of German-speaking cultures.
9 - Appreciate the influence of the past on communities, societal structures and beliefs in German-speaking cultures.
10 - Apply appropriate historical and cultural knowledge to understand and critically interpret complex texts of a literary, historical or academic nature.
11 - Understand, discuss critically, and express informed opinions on current contemporary, social and political issues as they are represented in the German-language media.
12 - Show heightened self-awareness and intercultural competence as a result of engaging with the German-speaking cultures and societies.

CONTENT

The additional Erasmus year abroad for the BA Joint Honours can be spent at one of our partner institutions: Berlin (FU), Erfurt, Erlangen, Graz, Konstanz, Leipzig, Münster, Munich, Potsdam, Vienna, Würzburg.

German is a passport to global careers. Our graduates have found lucrative employment in many different areas, including: Advertising, Business, Finance, Civil/ Diplomatic Service, International Relations, Journalism, Politics, Teaching, Translation, Academia and Research, Careers in the EU.

A degree in German is an ideal pathway to graduate study. Our graduate programmes include the MA in Modern Languages, MA in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics, Graduate Diploma in Localisation, and MLitt in German. We also offer supervision for doctoral research in a range of specialised areas.

UCD School of Language, Cultures and Linguistics
p. +353 1 716 8302
e. slcl@ucd.ie


Stage 2

Students who have completed GER10020 at Stage 1 must take GER20060 and GER20070. Students who have completed GER10100 and GER10110 (beginners) must take GER20240 and GER20070.

Stage 3

In order to receive a BA Degree with German, students must have passed GER30080 German Language IIIa and GER30090 German Language IIIb.

Stage 4

In order to receive a BA degree with German, students must have passed GER30080 German Language IIIa and GER30090 German Language IIIb.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Options - A)2 of:
Students who have completed GER10020 at Stage 1 must select GER20060 and GER20070. Students who have completed GER10110 and GER10100 (Beginners) must select GER20240 and GER20070. Students must pass both level 2 language modules before registering for level 3 core language modules.
GER20060 German Language II a Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)2 of:
Students who have completed GER10020 at Stage 1 must select GER20060 and GER20070. Students who have completed GER10110 and GER10100 (Beginners) must select GER20240 and GER20070. Students must pass both level 2 language modules before registering for level 3 core language modules.
GER20240 German for Ex-Beginners A Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)2 of:
Students who have completed GER10020 at Stage 1 must select GER20060 and GER20070. Students who have completed GER10110 and GER10100 (Beginners) must select GER20240 and GER20070. Students must pass both level 2 language modules before registering for level 3 core language modules.
GER20070 German Language II b Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
This module is the equivalent of an elective. You can take it instead of one of your Stage 2 electives. Please make sure that you have selected the correct number of programme options.
HUM20010 Career Readiness for Arts Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 3 of:
Students should select at least 3 level 2 option modules.
GER20230 Transcultural Encounters 1 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 3 of:
Students should select at least 3 level 2 option modules.
GER20260 Radical Thinkers Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 3 of:
Students should select at least 3 level 2 option modules.
GER20270 Introduction to translation German/English-English/German Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 3 of:
Students should select at least 3 level 2 option modules.
GER20280 Große Reden Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
GER30080 German Language III a Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
GER30090 German Language III b Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
GER30210 Transcultural Encounters 2 Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
GER30250 Born in the GDR Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
GER30130 Translating Contemporary Texts German-English (Advanced) Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
GER30190 Youth & Cruelty in Modernism Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
GER30080 German Language III a Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
GER30090 German Language III b Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
GER30210 Transcultural Encounters 2 Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
GER30250 Born in the GDR Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
GER30130 Translating Contemporary Texts German-English (Advanced) Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
GER30190 Youth & Cruelty in Modernism Spring  5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHACS001 Stage 3 - 50.00%
Stage 2 - 50.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47

BHACS023 Stage 3 - 70.00%
Stage 2 - 30.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47

BHACS027 Stage 4 - 50.00%
Stage 3 - 30.00%
Stage 2 - 20.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47

BHACS031 Stage 3 - 70.00%
Stage 2 - 30.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47