GM1L1-Beginners German Language

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: GM1L3 Advanced German Language I or GM1L2 Intermediate German Language
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Ms Regine Klimpfinger
Email: r.klimpfinger@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to introduce students with no previous knowledge of German to the study of German language and culture.



The course will provide the necessary basis for the study of German. Students who successfully complete this module will have achieved a level of competence in German comparable to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Aims:

This module aims to introduce students with no previous knowledge of German to the study of German language and to equip them with the necessary linguistic competence and proficiency to undertake a degree in or involving German Studies. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• Understand spoken and written German on everyday matters and topics of personal interest at an appropriate level;


• Express themselves in speech and writing on everyday matters, especially those relating to their own experience;


• Show a knowledge of basic relevant grammatical rules, and benefit from this knowledge in their understanding of German language.
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Additional outcomes:

The modules also aims to encourage students to:

• Actively reflect on their learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and relevant skills to ensure linguistic progression;


• Develop the necessary strategies to deal with a variety of texts in German (written and oral) of gradually increasing levels of difficulty and to infer meaning from context and co-text; 


• Identify, assess and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools);


• Develop and apply their problem-solving abilities;


• Plan, manage and deliver work in a team.

Outline content:

This is an intensive course, in which students steadily progress from a basic functional use of the language to a more complex oral and written production. They will learn to elicit meaning related to their level of knowledge and ability from a variety of oral and written texts, and to produce simple connected texts that are relevant to their personal experience. 



The course will include a Language Skills component, which will allow students to focus on activitie s that promote and advance their awareness of language structures in general, and on the active exploration of ways of applying such awareness to the learning of German language.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A variety of methods and approaches are employed to facilitate effective language learning. Gradual but fast progression and in-depth study are ensured through guided work, both in and outside of class, with the support of teacher-led activities and tasks, a wide range of authentic and teacher-produced learning material, and a set textbook. Student-led activities are actively promoted and consistent use of the resources available in the Self-Access Centre for Language Learning is strongly enc ouraged.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	58	58	4
Practicals classes and workshops	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	7	5
Preparation for seminars	12	12	4
Completion of formative assessment tasks	2	2
Revision and preparation	2	2
Group study tasks	10	12
Total hours by term	101	91	8
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Oral assessment and presentation	20
Practical skills assessment	70
Class test administered by School	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will take an oral exam worth 20% of the final mark for this module.

Progression of language practical skills and competence will be assessed over three terms through class tests and/or coursework projects. Students’ continuous assessment work is worth 70% of the module mark.

The Language Skills component will be assessed by a class test, worth 10% of the final mark for the module.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback will be given on assignments and there will be opportunity for class-based discussion. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment, which will be via a 2-hour written test, in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in Part 1, or (for compulsory modules only) of failure to qualify in Part 1. Continuous assessment and/or coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: Information available in the module reading list.  


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 8 April 2021