Studying at York
German Language & Cultures: Advanced - LAN00006I
Module summary
This module combines an in-depth study of German with analysis of cultural and social phenomena. Students will develop knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in German at an advanced level through engagement with topics such as political engagement, social mobility, and social justice.
Related modules
Pre-requisite modules
German Language and Cultures: Upper intermediate OR equivalent level of German.
Available as an elective.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module aims at building up knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in German and to develop a plurilingual and pluricultural communicative competence at advanced level. Students will discuss, research and analyse more complex issues of contemporary societies and cultures related to German-speaking communities. Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities emphasising three modes of communication:
1) reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);
2) production activities (oral and written production);
3) interaction (oral, written and online interaction).
The medium of instruction is German.
Module learning outcomes
Ability to understand a wide variety of written, audiovisual and digital texts, including literary writings, newspapers, political discourses or scholarly articles.
Ability to give detailed descriptions and presentations on complex topics, developing particular points and to produce well-structured expositions of complex topics, underlining the relevant salient issues.
Ability to express themselves effectively, with clarity and precision and to achieve a good command of a broad lexical repertoire.
Ability to explain the background to and interpret and discuss aspects of cultural values and practices drawing on intercultural encounters, reading, film, etc.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key facts relating to the German-speaking world.
Module content
Module subtitle: Democracy and Social Justice for all?
This module will introduce students to a number of social, cultural and political aspects relevant for German speaking countries today, with an overarching focus on the democracy and social justice debate.
Seminar discussions will develop students’ understanding of culturally relevant themes, for instance
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the political engagement of various social groups in Germany today with focus on gender, poverty, east west and north south divide etc. and the debate around social mobility, social justice in the education system and social justice for all.
Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities focussing on various modes of communication.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Module feedback
Group feedback in seminar discussions on oral presentations
Group feedback in seminar discussions on written formative work
Individual written feedback and video recordings of oral presentations
Individual written feedback and annotations on written formative work
Individual progress and feedback meetings twice per year
Indicative reading
The tutor will provide students with a textbook containing reading and further material for the module.