Studying at York
German Language and Cultures: Elementary - LAN00095C
- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: C
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
Learning a language can be a transformative and enriching experience. Both the process and the outcomes are beneficial at various levels, from increased neuroplasticity to improving your overall academic performance, fostering empathy and intercultural awareness, and enhancing your career opportunities. The key aim of the course is to enable students to develop their language skills so that they are able to communicate effectively and confidently in the target language in everyday, predictable situations. Students will then have the basis for continuing their studies at a higher level, should they choose to progress to the module German: Language and cultures: Lower Intermediate.
Related modules
The course is aimed at learners with a rusty or basic knowledge of the target language, foundation GCSE or those who have successfully completed the module German Language and Cultures: Beginner or equivalent.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
| B | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to communicate and interact in German over the course of a semester. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at elementary level, to about A2-level standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities and tasks emphasising three modes of communication:
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reception activities (oral, audio-video, and reading comprehension),
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production activities (oral and written production),
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interaction activities (oral, written, and online interaction).
The mediums of instruction are English and German.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
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Understand short texts dealing with everyday topics (e.g., lifestyle, hobbies, sports, weather) and read short, simple stories involving familiar, concrete situations described in everyday language.
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Produce simple texts on familiar topics and give their impressions and opinions (e.g., lifestyles and culture, stories), using basic everyday vocabulary and expressions.
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Give a short presentation and manage simple, routine exchanges of ideas and information on familiar topics.
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Recognise basic cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g., different greetings, celebrations, festivals, social/regional traditions, etc) and apply them appropriately.
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Module content
The course will include topics such as:
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Talking about plans, future ideas, and forecasts.
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Expressing preferences.
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Visiting a GP and talking about health issues.
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Shopping, grocery shopping, and expressing quantities.
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Talking about memories in the past, describing habits in the past.
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Writing a formal letter, a CV, talking about jobs, replying to a job offer
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Giving advice, asking for a favour or help, formulating a request.
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
Students’ performance will be monitored through formative work throughout the semester and assessed via end-of-semester exams. 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 convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester.