GM1L3: Advanced German Language I

Module code: GM1L3

Module provider: Languages and Cultures; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Alice Christensen, email: a.r.christensen@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): Before taking this module, you must have A-Level German or equivalent. (Open)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE GM1L1 OR TAKE GM1L2 (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to develop the language skills of students who have already achieved A Level in German or equivalent. Students with an excellent AS Level qualification in German or equivalent may also be considered for this module.

Building on the work done at A level, this module aims to improve the students' knowledge of German language, at developing their comprehension skills and increasing their fluency in both written and spoken German. This course will also be an effective study and career tool for students who are not intending to continue with German after Part 1.

The course will provide the necessary basis for the study of German to Honours degree level.  Students who successfully complete this module will have achieved a level of competence in German comparable to level B1.2 / B2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a good understanding of spoken and written German in a variety of different registers, as well as show familiarity with an appropriate range of German vocabulary and an ability to use it.
2. Express themselves clearly and fluently in spoken and written German in both every day and more formal situations, especially those relating to their own experience.
3. Demonstrate a good understanding and appropriate use of relevant grammatical rules and apply this knowledge in their understanding and use of German language.
4. Actively reflect on their learning processes and preferences to independently develop appropriate strategies and relevant skills to ensure linguistic progression.

Module content

The course will focus on a variety of language exercises that will introduce students in the exploration and production of written and oral texts representing a range of genres and registers. 

Classes will provide students with regular practice in free and guided writing in German, and in presenting and discussing in the foreign language. Classes will also offer the opportunity for students to explicitly analyse grammatical and syntactical features in German.

During the course, students will make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources, self-study tools, etc.) and will develop an awareness of current issues in German speaking countries through the use of contemporary material.

The course will include a Language Skills component, which will allow students to focus on activities that promote and advance their awareness of language structures in general, and on the active exploration of ways of applying such awareness to the learning of German language. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

A variety of methods and approaches are employed to facilitate effective language learning. Gradual but fast progression and in-depth study are ensured through guided work, both in and outside of class, with the support of teacher-led activities and tasks, a wide range of authentic and teacher-produced learning material, and a set textbook. Student-led activities are actively promoted and consistent use of the resources available in the library is strongly encouraged. The module will use a variety of strategies for teaching and learning, involving a mixture of group-work, class discussion and analysis, and independent work between sessions.

Study hours

At least 60 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Feedback will be given on assignments and there will be opportunity for class-based discussion.

Reassessment

Additional costs