Studying at York
German Language and Cultures: Lower Intermediate - LAN00102I
- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: I
- 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. This course is aimed at students who already have a good basic level of competence in German, i.e. students who have completed the LFA Elementary course or their higher GCSE in German (or equivalent). The module will take students to level A2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), in the understanding and use of written and spoken German.
Related modules
German Language and Cultures: Elementary or equivalent; higher GCSE in German.
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 lower intermediate 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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Reflect upon language use and justify linguistic choices.
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Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and resources.
Module content
Topics may include:
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Talking about plans, future ideas, and travel
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Expressing preferences
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Talking about various foods & food-choices
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Discussing various jobs, CVs & future plans
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Discussing sport, fitness & well-being
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Talking about apprenticeships & careers
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Learning about cultural festivities in general & in German-speaking countries
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Written exam will include one or two questions aimed at assessing students’ ability to reflect on language use and justify their responses and choices when using the language (in English) and a task related to students’ ability to monitor their own learning.
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
Further course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester.