GER30090

Learning Outcomes:

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.

Indicative Module Content:

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 Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

In order to derive maximum benefit from the learning experience, students need to participate actively in this module and attend the two in-person classes delivered each week. Students are also expected to work consistently and independently outside of class time, prepare for all classes, and must attend the 3 small-group informal discussions (Gesprächstermine, which will also help prepare for the oral exam in early May).
Remember that language learning involves making mistakes, and learning from them - and speaking German at every opportunity!

In-class work will include:
• small group and partner work
• task-based activities
• class discussion and debate
• writing and grammar exercises.

Independent work outside of class will include:
• selecting, reviewing and researching opinion pieces in the German media
• 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
• grammar exercises

Generative AI may be used for certain purposes only under the guidance of the module coordinator and within academic integrity guidelines. This corresponds to amber on the traffic light system that has been adopted by UCD Arts & Humanities: https://www.ucd.ie/artshumanities/study/aifutures/trafficlightsystem/

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:

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.

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Pre-requisite:
GER20060 - German Language II a, GER20070 - German Language II b, GER20070 - German Language II b, GER20240 - German for Ex-Beginners A, 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 5, LANG20250 - German Gen Purp 3, LANG20450 - German for General Purposes 4

Additional Information:
Prerequisites: GER20060 and GER20070 OR GER20240 and GER20250 OR GER20240 and GER20070


 

Assessment Strategy

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

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.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.