Introductory description

The module will put an emphasis on improving the following skills:
-translating a variety of texts from German into English;
-gaining practice in writing short essays;
-reading and understanding articles in German and a varied range of fictional and non-fictional passages;
-communicating more effectively in German, in situations ranging from informal conversation to a formal presentation.
-raising awareness and exploration of intercultural competencies

Prior knowledge of German
B2 of CEFR (Common European Framework for Reference) or equivalent
or Language Centre German 5
or equivalent

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

German-English Translations on a variety of topics appropiate to the level
Listening Comprehensions on a variety of topics appropiate to the level
Oral Practice on a variety of presentation topics appropiate to the level
Written German on a variety of topics appropiate to the level

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to understand and process German of increasing complexity and sophistication
• Demonstrate the ability to produce written and spoken German of increasing complexity and sophistication
• Demonstrate the ability to analyse information from a variety of sources and re-present it in a variety of formats
• Demonstrate the ability to produce English language versions of German originals such that they are useable in a professional context

Indicative reading list

Most materials will be drawn from newspapers and online materials, so that the topics can be
updated regularly.

International

All modules delivered in SMLC are necessarily international. Students engage with themes and ideas from a culture other than that of the UK and employ their linguistic skills in the analysis of primary materials from a non-Anglophone context. Students will also be encouraged to draw on the experiences of visiting exchange students in the classroom and will frequently engage with theoretical and critical frameworks from across the world.

Subject specific skills

This module will develop students’ linguistic skills through engaging with primary materials in the target language. It will build students’ capacity to engage with aspects of modern language culture through analysis of this primary material and through seminar discussion aimed at deeper critical thinking. In particular, students’ awareness of German will be enhanced through seminars which engage in scholarship in the field.
Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
Intercultural competence
Strategies to communicate effectively both in writing and orally in German

Transferable skills

Written and spoken communication, translation skills
Communication skills: writing and oral presentation, defending one’s point of view.
Intellectual skills: critical thinking, analysis
Organisational skills: independent work, time management.
Interpersonal skills: flexibility, adaptability and the ability to work with others.
Digital skills