This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Level 4 of the degree and provides a solid preparation for independent study during the compulsory period of study abroad in the third year.

This module is designed to enable students to develop the transferable skills of translating from and into the German language efficiently; interpreting formal and informal texts between German and English; presenting, in writing, an extended, logical argument, summarising other points of view, assessing and evaluating evidence and reaching personal conclusions and syntheses; demonstrating competence in other writing skills; and operating and presenting arguments effectively in the German language through the use of monologue, dialogue and group discussion. This module also aims to prepare students thoroughly both linguistically and culturally for their period of study abroad. Students will be able to manipulate information from spoken and written texts in the German language.

This module will also involve mediating skills between the languages through the use of all or any of the following: translation from and into English of passages drawn from a range of journalistic, literary and other sources which will help to practise the corresponding grammar points studied in the class; summaries of English texts in German or similar activities. These exercises will focus on key translation issues (e.g., register, tone, style) and identify techniques for overcoming linguistic problems encountered in translation.

While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation. Students will be required to prepare materials in advance of classes and will be expected to actively take part in discussions and in-class tasks like small group projects and presentations. Students will also be required to put together a portfolio of work.

For Erasmus students, this course corresponds to a B2/C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

1. Understand the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise their learning with guidance from the tutor
2. Read, write, understand and speak the German language to at least the level of B2 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
3. Engage confidently and with appropriate grammatical correctness and spontaneity in everyday conversation in the German language
4. Write coherent texts in a range of registers on a range of topics with appropriate grammatical and lexical accuracy
5. Extract data and ideas from a range of authentic written and audio/audio-visual texts
6. Work productively with others as part of a team, within a set structure
7. Engage with appropriate language learning technologies
8. Identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. grammar references, mono- and bi-lingual dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools
9. Be prepared for the Year Abroad experience
10. Have reinforced and improved the practice of vocabulary learning
11. Have improved the pronunciation and intonation of the language
12. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of understanding of the German language society and culture (including music, cinema, and literature), a well-developed cultural awareness prior to the Year Abroad
13. Display an awareness of key translation issues (register, tone, and style), an expanded vocabulary in the target language and an enhanced capacity for dealing with linguistic problems encountered in translation
14. Display analytical and reasoning skills, critical evaluation of text/video/audio material, translation skills

The module will be taught through a blend of live online classes and guided, interactive online tasks and activities, designed to fulfil the learning outcomes. These will be delivered remotely, and on-campus if the University deems it safe and practicable.

We strongly recommend and encourage independent learning.

Independent Learning: Students will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying outside the online classes. Materials will be provided on Learning Central which will help students develop their expertise as independent language learners. Students will be asked to consolidate their online class work by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in the target language. Students will also be expected to prepare exercises and activities for the live online classes, to write assignments and generally begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies.

1. Development of further analytical skills
2. Development and encouragement of accurate written expression in theGerman language
3. Development of cultural and linguistic awareness in preparation for the year abroad
4. Encouragement of use, and development, of advanced IT skills
5. Encouragement of both independent and group working skills
6. Improvement of the German language listening and comprehension
7. Development and encouragement of accurate spoken expression in the German language
8. Development of the awareness of registers (both written and conversational), accents and pronunciation
9. Development and understanding of the German language society and culture
10. Development of the skill of translating short passages from and into English
11. Development of an awareness of key translation problems and techniques for overcoming these

The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.

Reassessment

You may be required to resit one or more of the assessments in this module if you fail the module. The Examination Board will advise you which assessments you need to resit during the August resit period. Resit assessments that are not supported by extenuating circumstances will be capped at the pass mark applicable to your programme.

The course focuses on understanding and reporting (in writing and orally) written and aural material relevant to the year abroad, both in class and during independent learning. Topics include partner universities (destinations; enrolment, timetables) getting by (accommodation, transport; restaurant, medical emergencies); studying, working and leisure pursuits; maximising use of the target language; online and social media; current affairs; discursive conventions. Grammar points reinforced include the complex sentence, passive voice, indirect speech.

• Textbook Sicher! Aktuell B2, Ismaning: Hueber, available from Blackwells Bookshop (Students Union) (integrated text and workbook (2 volumes) for Units 1-6 and Units 7-12)
• Core materials uploaded to Learning Central

• A comprehensive dictionary e.g. Collins German Dictionary: German-English, English-German, 8th ed., Harper Collins 2013 or the Oxford German Dictionary: German-English. English-German, 3rd ed., OUP 2008
• A monolingual dictionary. Recommendation: Langenscheidt Großwörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache. Langenscheidt 2010, which can be purchased from the department
• Fügert, N. and Richter, U. (2016). Wissenschaftlich arbeiten und schreiben: Wissenschaftliche Standards und Arbeitstechniken - Wissenschaftlich formulieren – Textsorten. Stuttgart: Klett.
• Fügert, N. and Richter, U. (2015). Wissenschaftssprache verstehen. Wortschatz - Grammatik - Stil – Lesestrategien. Stuttgart: Klett.
• Schäfer, S. and Heinrich D. 2010. Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten an deutschen Universitäten: Eine Arbeitshilfe für ausländische Studierende im geistes- und gesellschaftswissenschaftlichen Bereich – mit Übungsaufgaben. München: Iudicium.
• Schade, G. 2009. Einführung in die deutsche Sprache der Wissenschaften: Ein Lehrbuch für Deutsch als Fremdsprache. Mit Lösungsschlüssel. 13. neu bearbeitete und erweiterte Auflage. Berlin: Erich Schmidt Verlag.
• Kars, J. and Häussermann, U. (1997). Grundgrammatik Deutsch. Frankfurt am Main: Diesterweg
• Zorach, C. and Melin C. (2014). English Grammar for Students of German. US: Olivia & Hill Press.
• Hering, Axel et al. (2009) Übungsgrammatik für die Mittelstufe. Ismaning: Hueber
• Durrell, M. et al. (2015). Essential German Grammar.  London: Arnold.
• Fagan, S. M. B. (2004). Using German Vocabulary. Cambridge: CUP.
• Fehringer, C. (2002). German Grammar in Context: Analysis and Practice. London: Arnold.
• Künzl-Snodgrass, A. and Mentchen, S. (2003). Upgrade your German. London: Arnold.
• Oxford German Dictionary, 3^rd ed. Oxford: OUP, 2008
• Spencer, M. and McCrorie, M. (2000). Help yourself to advanced German grammar. Harlow: Longman