Leben und Arbeiten in Deutschland: Introduction to Contemporary Germany
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC2163 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 2 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- MLAC2163
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The module is aimed at post-beginners students of German. The module will use a range of authentic and adapted German sources to combine language learning and an introduction to some aspects of contemporary German society, focusing on elements which are particularly relevant for the year abroad. The module will include training for specific genres of text which are needed for activities during the residence in Germany (e.g. Bewerbung, Lebenslauf, Vorstellungsgespräch) as well as research about aspects of contemporary German society.
Target Students
Available for Year 2 post-beginners students of German and SH German students. Must have done either MLAC1103 German 1 or MLAC1110 German 1 Beginners.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
- One 1-hour workshop each week for 11 weeks
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
The module will consist of a seminar (1hr per week) and a weekly workshop (1hr per week). The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Moodle and in module handbooks.
Assessment
- 20% Coursework 1: Lebenslauf/Bewerbung in German
- 60% Coursework 2: 700-word essay in German on contemporary German society.
- 20% Presentation 1: Presentation in German - 10 minutes
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To prepare post-Beginners students for the year abroad in GermanyTo develop language skills in authentic situations (listening, reading, speaking, writing)To develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary German societyLearning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
- A:1 Students will attain knowledge of spoken and written German, specifically in registers relevant for practical usage.
- A2: The techniques required for successful working at the interface of the chosen languages and English.
- A3: Students will attain knowledge core features of contemporary German society and culture. Student will become aware of specific cultural similarities and differences between the UK and Germany.
- A4: Students will attain knowledge of specific textual genres in German relevant for daily life and activities in Germany.
Intellectual skills:
- B1: Undertake close textual analysis of a variety of types of literary and other texts.
- B2: Make critical use of primary and secondary source material, both written and audio-visual.
- B3: Develop an understanding of complex ideas in their socio-historical context.
- B4: Engage in independent study and research.
- B5: Engage in critical and analytic reflection on the basis of ideas acquired through B1-4.
- B6: Express ideas clearly and effectively in the context of a well-constructed argument.
- B7: Engage in exchanges of ideas with others, giving due weight to their opinions.
- B8: Make a practical and effective use of both English and the target languages, informed by the acquisitions of B1-7.
Professional/Practical Skills
- C1: Communicate effectively in the target language orally for a variety of purposes.
- C2: Develop listening comprehension skills in the target languages.
- C3: Read the target languages in specific registers (and recognise the differences)
- C4: Write effectively in the target languages using appropriate vocabulary for a variety of practical purposes.
- C6: Understand, process and express complex ideas in both English and the target languages
- C7: Work independently with written and spoken source materials in both English and the target languages and evaluate and process the results of research.
- C8: Present work in conformity with academic conventions.
Transferable/Key Skills
- D1: Effective communication of information and ideas in appropriate registers of both oral and written English.
- D2: Gathering, processing and critically evaluating material from a variety of sources, written, oral or audio-visual.
- D3: Definition of problems and construction of strategies for their solution.
- D4: Working productively independently.
- D5: Working and solving problems productively as part of a team.
- D6: Working productively under pressure.
- D7: Organising time and work programmes effectively and meeting deadlines.
- D8: Effective use of IT as a means of communication, presentation and learning.
- D9: Ability to reflect on his/her own performance and recognise strengths and weaknesses.
- D10: General personal skills: self-reliance, flexibility, initiative, self-confidence.