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GER30080

Academic Year 2026/2027

German Language III a (GER30080)

Subject:
German
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Languages, Cultures & Linguis
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Ms Sherry Ishak
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is aimed at consolidating independent language use (Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR] level B2.2) and the transition to autonomous language ability (CEFR level C1). The module builds on the foundations acquired in level two language modules. Elective students interested in taking this module need to contact the module coordinator prior to registration.
The focus of the module is on the comprehension and synthesis of audio-visual and written sources. Students will be expected to research German material independently and to work with oral and written texts on a range of topics, with a particular focus on personalities from the German-speaking world, and related topics. Students who have achieved at least a B grade in this module are deemed to have consolidated level B2.2 and be moving towards level C1 of the CEFR.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

• Demonstrate comprehension of medium-length clips from audiovisual material in German.
• Digest, summarise and comment on written information, orally and in writing.
• Show a commitment to autonomous learning by researching independently from German-language media.
• Express different positions on current issues in written German using a variety of grammatical structures and appropriate vocabulary and idiom.
• Readily understand and willingly engage in conversation and give opinions, demonstrating good fluency and grammatical control.
• Take part in oral presentations and discussions, using the appropriate register, a wide range of vocabulary, and demonstrating good control.

Indicative Module Content:

This module explores audio-visual and written materials drawn from a variety of media including TV documentaries, online audio-visual and press sources that deal with personalities from different aspects of German-speaking society and culture. It focuses on advanced written and oral production and comprehension in German, supporting students as they independently refine their grammatical knowledge and expand their vocabulary to present portraits of selected persons and hypothesize about their views on social, cultural and political issues. In addition to the 2 weekly class hours (on Monday and Wednesday), class preparation for these and formative homework exercises, students must sign-up for 3 short, informal "Gesprächstermine". Ample slots will be given out in advance.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Competent

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Competent

Self-awareness

 The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Competent

Anticipatory

 The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Competent

Wellbeing

 Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Advanced Beginner

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Reduce inequality within and among countries 1

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 1

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 1

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development 1
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

20
Specified Learning Activities

42
Autonomous Student Learning

48
Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Successful language acquisition needs continual training - just like sports' training or musical practice. In order to benefit from the learning experience, students must attend each class, participate and contribute actively in the target language, take part in peer- and self-learning exercises, and submit individual regular homework done independently, that they should correct and re-submit. Language learning always involves making mistakes, learning from them, and speaking the language at every opportunity! It is expected that students will use any online dictionaries or AI tools critically and judiciously.
Students are expected to work consistently and independently outside of class time, and must attend all 3 of the small discussion groups, "Gesprächstermine".

In-class work will include:
• small group and partner work
• class discussion
• aural comprehension work

Independent work outside of class will include:
• selecting, reviewing and researching German-speaking personalities and current issues
• drafting texts and correcting written work
• preparing and practising oral presentations
• practising spoken skills (conversation and phonetic practice)
• reading/viewing/listening to source materials and taking notes or answering comprehension questions
• recording and learning vocabulary
• practising grammar skills based on online material and quizzes

Generative AI may be used for certain purposes only under the guidance of your module coordinator and within academic integrity guidelines. More information will be supplied on Brightspace.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

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:

An extended period spent abroad in a German-speaking country or frequent exposure to a German-speaking environment is highly recommended. The proficiency level recommended is a minimum of B2 (CEFR). Programme students of German are deemed to have met this if a minimum of a B grade has been achieved in GER 20070 (German Language IIb).

Non-programme students of German or students taking this module as an elective, but who have not completed or passed both Level 2 German language modules, must contact the module coordinator.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
GER20060 - German Language II a, GER20070 - German Language II b, GER20180 - Intensive German Ex-Beginners, GER20240 - German for Ex-Beginners A, GER20250 - German for Ex-Beginners B

Incompatibles:
LANG10110 - German Gen Purp 4, LANG10130 - German Gen Purp 2, LANG20070 - German Gen Purp 6, LANG20250 - German Gen Purp 3, LANG20450 - German Gen Purp 5

Additional Information:
Prerequisites: EITHER GER 20060 and GER 20070 OR GER 20240 and GER 20250 OR GER 20180


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): 2-hour written exam ('Porträt'), ca. 400-450 words in German, engaging with a short text and hypothetical scenario. No dictionaries or tools are permitted. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Oral exam on a chosen German-speaking personality Week 9 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: In-class aural and grammar test during the Wednesday class in week 3 Week 3 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on formative assessments (regular homework) will be provided individually and for the entire class. Students are strongly recommended to submit regular homework, completed without the aid of online dictionaries. Any formative online quizzes will be graded automatically. All students should take an online Einstufungstest (details will be provided) before the class test, for the purposes of revision and self-assessment.

No material needs to be purchased for this module.
All material and media will be made available in Brightspace.

Name Role
Dr Siobhan Donovan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Sherry Ishak Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Gillian Pye Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Heidi Zojer Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Ruth Lockhart Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
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