2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GERM2020 German Language Skills (B1/B2 of the CEFR)
20 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: Elliot Sturdy
Email: E.J.Sturdy@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
GERM1021 (or equivalent qualification to A2 in German CEFR)This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
The German language is the subject of your study in this module. In this module you will build on your existing language skills to consolidate and improve your skills in all areas of language learning (reading, listening, writing, speaking, grammar and vocabulary). You will develop the knowledge and skills required for successful oral and written communication in German to work towards a full intermediate level. You will also reflect on the use of language and learn how to use language in different contexts including academic and professional contexts. In preparation for your Year Abroad, you will not only acquire the relevant linguistic skills but also gain an insight into contemporary topics relevant for German-speaking countries. This module is designed for students who study German as part of their degree and students who wish to develop their German skills intensively in the first two years of their degree (for example in preparation for a year abroad in a German-speaking country). Students wishing to take a more communicative and less intensive approach to learning the German language are advised to consider modules offered by Languages for All (FLTU modules).Objectives
This module aims to- consolidate and further develop students’ skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing in German
- establish a good grasp of basic and advanced German grammar focusing on grammar in context and the usage of grammar in authentic communicative situations
- develop students’ skills to analyse the usage of language in different contexts and registers, creating language awareness
- encourage students to reflect on their own use of language as well as their language learning strategies
- broaden students’ general and topic-specific vocabulary
- engage students with authentic German-language materials and topics relevant to modern German-speaking countries
- prepare students linguistically and culturally for their Year Abroad
Overall, the B1 CEFR level should be consolidated and B2 within reach of completion.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
1. demonstrate an advanced level of German in their written and oral communication
2. write texts in German demonstrating relatively accurate grammar
3. communicate ideas and arguments in written and spoken German
4. demonstrate a good awareness of the appropriate use of the German language in different contexts and communicative situations
5. demonstrate an understanding of German-speaking cultures
6. critically reflect on their own language learning
7. engage in authentic German communicative situations which they may encounter on their Year Abroad
Syllabus
This is a largely language skills-orientated module. Materials and exercises are chosen with a view to preparing students for the linguistic and cultural requirements of interaction with native speakers of German and the use of German in academic and/or professional contexts.
A key focus in the module is on the consolidation of basic and advanced grammar and language awareness. The language work in the seminars is based on a structured coursebook to scaffold the transition to a more independent academic learning style. Hence, authentic materials from contemporary German life and culture will be studied and cover all areas of language and culture-related learning. Topics include social and cultural issues relevant to understanding German-speaking societies. The overall aim is to empower students to be capable of interacting with and participating in the linguistic and cultural environment of the target language when starting their year abroad.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Seminar | 40 | 2.00 | 80.00 |
| Private study hours | 120.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 80.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
• Preparation for and revision of seminars (60 hours)• Work on assessment preparation (40 hours)
• Additional guided and independent language learning using own research skills (20 hours)
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
• Written tasks such as practice essays• Monitoring assessment (group work) for portfolios
• In-class feedback
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 20.00 |
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 20.00 |
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 60.00 | |
Resits are usually done in the same format.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 2 hr | 40.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 40.00 | |
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 websiteLast updated: 08/11/2024
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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