Studying at York
German Language and Cultures: Upper intermediate - LAN00056C
- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: C
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- See module specification for other years: 2023-24
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 upper intermediate level through engagement with topics such as student life, youth culture, political engagement among young people and the demand for equal rights, awareness of diversity in gender, sexuality, ethnicity in the context of young people’s interests in Germany/ Austria.
Related modules
A-Level in German or equivalent level of proficiency.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module aims at revising and consolidating knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in German and to develop a plurilingual and pluricultural communicative competence at upper intermediate level. 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. The module also introduces students to socio-cultural issues related to their language repertoire, and to language learning reflection.
Module learning outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of the course, students will be able to:
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understand with a degree of independence authentic texts on both familiar and unfamiliar topics
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describe and present the topics studied with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail
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interact with an appropriate degree of accuracy, fluency and spontaneity
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sustain views convincingly by providing relevant explanations and arguments
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interpret cultural cues appropriately in the culture concerned, and reflect on, and explain, particular ways of communicating across diverse cultural contexts.
Module content
Students will engage, individually and/or 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).
Students will be introduced to a number of social, cultural, political and/or linguistic topics, specific to German-speaking countries, such as:
student life, youth culture, political engagement among young people and the demand for equal rights, awareness of diversity in gender, sexuality, ethnicity in the context of young people’s interests in Germany/ Austria.
Selected grammar topics will also form part of every lesson in the form of revision, exercises and independent study.
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
Formative assessment and feedback
Formative tasks done individually and/or in groups throughout the module.
Students will be given:
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written comments for written formative work
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oral feedback during class discussions
Summative assessment and feedback
Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.
Indicative reading
Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenor(s) in class and/or via the VLE at the start of the semester.