LA1PG3-IWLP German 3

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: LA1PG2 or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LA1PG1 IWLP German 1 LA1PG2 IWLP German 2 GM1L1 Beginners German Language GM1L2 Intermediate German Language GM1L3 Advanced German Language I GM2L2 German Language II GM2L3 Advanced German Language I GM2L4 Advanced German Language II GM3L3 German Language 3 GM3L4 Advanced German Language II GM3L6 Advanced German Language III GM3L6C Advanced German Language III (3-yr prog) GM3LMB German Language for Management & Business II
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Sophie Payne
Email: s.l.payne@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module is intended for students with an entry level of CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) A2 or equivalent. On successful completion of the module students will have achieved CEF B1/B1+.

This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain confidence in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, in order to develop their ability to interact with native speakers of German. They will gain precision and accuracy in expressing themselves in and understanding oral and written German.

This module is taught at level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. The University of Reading allows students from any year to take this module. At this level of study, students identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well defined, but complex and non-routine. In language learning this may entail:  

• practising the language in the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, in order to communicate within defined situations; 


• acquiring knowledge of grammar and vocabulary;  


• developing strategies for learning and independent learning skills, thus exercising autonomy and judgement;  


• developing tools in order to be able to respond to unexpected occurrences; 


• gaining understanding of different perspectives and cultural differences in approaching a variety of situations.

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, IWLP language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups. Also, students should be aware that spelling, grammar and sentence structure are assessed. In this respect the IWLP assessment is exempt from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking. For queries, contact iwlp@reading.ac.uk.

Aims:

This module aims to enable students to:

• communicate and understand in a wide range of everyday situations in a German-speaking country while visiting, studying or working there;


• consolidate and expand their repertoire of German grammar and vocabulary in order to communicate and understand in a wide range of contexts;


• extend their cultural awareness and intercultural competence;


• develop their understanding of language learning strategies;


• develop strategies for coping with less common linguistic, social and cultural situations.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• communicate information and arguments in German by speaking and writing at a level appropriate to a range of common personal and other situations;


• read, understand and make use of information from a range of written texts and spoken discourse relevant to the topics studied;


• interact effectively with sympathetic native speakers;


• demonstrate compete nce in the use of the most important grammatical structures of the language for the level and a knowledge of the vocabulary which is required to read, write and talk about the topics and situations covered in the course.

Additional outcomes:

Students will be involved in regular group and speaking activities and will gain experience in explaining ideas orally and working collaboratively. They will gain confidence in using German such that they are increasingly able to interact with sympathetic native speakers. They will make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to a foreign culture. They will be able to understand the main points of any standard written or spoken text dealing with familiar topics. 

Outline content:

Students will learn:

• to discuss topics of both personal and wider interest; 


• to express their opinions orally and in writing; 


• to interact effectively with native speakers in a social and practical context; 


• to extract information from a standard spoken or written text. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module provides a systematic approach to acquiring essential vocabulary and grammar structures in a communicative context. Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group work and  discussions, and include the study of short texts, oral development work and listening comprehension exercises. Learning activities are supported by various media such as audio, video and, where appropriate, online resources. The module is taught as far as possible in th e target language. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Final Written exam (Reading and Writing) – 35% (2 hours)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Spring Term Week 5 – Project: oral group discussion 10% (10 minutes per pair)

Spring Term Week 5 – Project: written essay 15% (500 words)

Spring Term Week 11 - Listening portfolio: 15%

Summer Week 2 – Oral exam = 25% (10-12 minutes)

Formative assessment methods:

In order to consolidate and develop their language learning, students are encouraged to complete regular tasks – in class and outside – on which ongoing feedback is provided.

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall for UG students, 50% for PGT students.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit in August/September examinations period, on the basis of examination only (relative percentages: oral examination 40%, written paper 60%).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: Students will be required to purchase the course book (approx. £30).


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: 14 September 2021