German Level 3

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• respond to and produce simple spoken language in familiar contexts;
• respond to and produce simple written texts;
• apply your knowledge and skills of grammar and vocabulary at B1-level (in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages);
• demonstrate the relevant level of intercultural awareness in your handling of everyday social interactions in German and your use of language;
• engage with a range of digital language learning tools to support your production.

In this module, you will cover the following linguistic structures:

• passive voice (present tense and past tenses), past tense;
• pluperfect;
• present participle used as adjectives;
• pronouns: reciprocal pronouns;
• sentence structure: connectors, sub-ordinate clauses, subjunctive;
• revision and consolidation of your knowledge and skills.

Topics include:

• intercultural communication;
• regions and cities in Germany;
• research and science;
• social issues: volunteering and online realities;
• higher education in Germany and student experience;
• transport and environmental issues;
• visions of the future;
• use of digital media;
• urban planning.

In line with modern foreign languages communicative and active learning methodologies, the in-class activities you will complete will cover all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). These will include pair work and groupwork (dialogue practice, information gap exercises, discussion), individual tasks, discovery and formulation of grammatical rules, work with texts, etc. Homework and coursework tasks will give you the opportunity to revise and consolidate your knowledge and skills and to develop your awareness of how to use language learning tools independently. Our approach not only ensures you engage with a wide range of tasks and activities, but also seeks to support different learning styles.

Your coursework will be marked and returned within two weeks. Rubrics and revision guidance (how-to guides) will be included as needed with each coursework. You will receive detailed feedback alongside suggestions for improvement and an overall percentage showing your provisional grade for that assessment.

• Coursework (15%): Mid-autumn term. Integrated skills pack, including reading comprehension, grammatical/lexical awareness tasks & guided writing (c. 100-150 words). 
• Examination (15%): In-class test on the virtual learning environment (bring your own device). This 1-hour test will take place at the end of autumn term. It will include listening comprehension, grammar/lexicon questions and a writing task (c. 120-140 words).
• Coursework (20%): Set at the end of autumn term (submission in spring term). Video production (c. 2-3 minutes).
• Examination (20%): In-class test on the virtual learning environment (bring your own device). This 1-hour test will take place at the end of spring term. It will include reading comprehension and a writing task (c.180-200 words).
• Practical (30%): Summer term: 1/2-hour oral exam in small groups consisting of a peer-to-peer Q&A and debate on topics from a pre-prepared dossier. 

Assessment information for students on a course with a year abroad

• 7.5 ECTS points awarded on successful completion of the module.
• Available to take for credit towards your degree where your department allows. Also available for extra-credit.
• You must be prepared to attend all classes and and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.

Coursebook: DaF Kompakt neu B1: Kurs- und Arbeitsbuch mit MP3-CD, Birgit Braun; Margit Doubek; Nadja Fügert et al.; Klett (Ernst) Verlag,Stuttgart; ISBN 978312-6763158.

Additional materials: Articles from contemporary German press; DVDs and online videos.

Further information for Year Abroad/Year in Europe Students
Further information for BSc Hons and MSc Language for Science Degrees