Studying at York
German Language & Cultures: Proficient - LAN00010H
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 proficient level through engagement with topics such as discourses on migration/postmigration, memory politics, and decolonisation.
Related modules
Pre-requisite module
German Language and Cultures: Advanced (or equivalent level of language proficiency).
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module aims at refining students’ knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in German, and to develop a plurilingual and pluricultural communicative competence at proficient level. The module covers a variety of sources in German and English about contemporary cultural and social issues in German-speaking countries, and related diasporic communities. Particular emphasis will be given to developing students' ability to research, analyse, present, and synthesise sources from critical perspectives using a range of sophisticated language structures accurately. Students will also receive training in professional presentation skills. The medium of instruction is German. Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities focussing on 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).
Module learning outcomes
Ability to understand a wide range of long and complex written, audiovisual and digital texts, and media, appreciating subtle distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning.
Ability to produce clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure, demonstrating a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. Ability to set out multiple perspectives on complex topics, clearly distinguishing their own ideas and opinions from those in the sources.
Ability to present complex information concisely to a live audience for a variety of purposes. Awareness of cultural differences and ability to make subtle adjustments in order to navigate diverse cultural contexts.
Module content
This module will cover a number of social, cultural and political aspects relevant for German speaking countries today, such as memory politics, postmigration and aspects of popular culture. Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities focussing on 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.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 50 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 50 |
Module feedback
Feedback on formative work will include a range of feedback approaches depending on the task, including but limited to written individual feedback, annotation of written work, oral individual and group feedback in class.
Feedback on summative written and oral assessments will be given in form of annotated scripts, written feedback sheets, and marks on the university marking scale within the turnaround time specified by the university.
Indicative reading
Course materials and readings will be provided by the course convenor at the start of the semester.