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2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MEDV5005M Medieval German Language

30 creditsClass Size: 10

Module manager: Dr Alan Murray
Email: a.v.murray@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module will provide you with the linguistic and analytical skills necessary to read medieval German texts in the original. No previous knowledge of Medieval German is required, but familiarity with modern German or another medieval Germanic language will be helpful.

Objectives

To enable students to read and interpret a variety of texts written in the two main forms of the German language found in sources in the period 1100-1600: Middle High German (MHG) and Early New High German (ENHG).

Learning outcomes
A reading ability in Medieval German, based on:
* understanding of the sound systems of MHG and ENHG and ability to read/recite medieval texts aloud.
* thorough knowledge of core grammar and vocabulary and the terminology used to describe them.
* knowledge of how to use reference resources to understand non-core grammar and vocabulary.


Syllabus

The module will be taught by 11 x one-hour language seminars and 11 x one-hour reading classes.

Language seminars will begin by introducing students to the sound system and pronunciation of MHG (using normalised orthography), to be followed by a going onto study the forms and functions of nouns and verbs and syntax. Teaching will make use of parsing of sentences, cloze tests, and reading aloud. Later classes will move onto unnormalised examples of ENHG, clarifying the major sound changes involved in the development of later medieval dialects.

Reading classes will give regular practice in reading and translating suitable texts. Texts used will be drawn from a variety of genres, including verse chronicles, lyric poetry, epic, romance, functional prose and schwank/satire. Approximately half of the texts used will have published translations available, allowing the opportunity to reflect on different approaches to translation.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Practical112.0022.00
Seminar112.0022.00
Private study hours256.00
Total Contact hours44.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Private study

* Students will complete exercises in MHG/ENHG grammar as preparation for the language seminar.
* Students will read and translate suitable passages of MHG/ENHG texts preparation for each reading class.
* Students will memorise at least two passages of MHG poetry and recite them in class.
* A substantial amount of private study will be devoted to work towards the assessment.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students' presentation of translations in reading classes.
Unassessed in-class tests and/or homework assignments, as appropriate.
Feedback on the first assessment.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
AssignmentSubmission of 2 eligible translations20.00
AssignmentTranslation and comprehension exercise30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 30 mins50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/05/2018

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