Introductory description

N/A

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.

Conversation and Comprehension Class
This class focuses on developing not only oral skills, but also practical skills, such as presentation. The
Conversation and Comprehension class will also include an element of written comprehension work as
well as introducing German writing skills in preparation for the Writing and Translation Exam. In the second term work will be linked in part to a project, usually done in pairs or
groups of three.
Media project: research-based written project plus in-class group presentation
Oral Exam: This comprises a brief presentation on the media project topic lasting about five minutes. The
next 5 minutes requires a presentation of additional research made on the topic. The examiner will also
ask questions on the material and findings presented. The last 5 minutes of the exam is a conversation
about a German topic, previously discussed in class. A list of about three topics will be published at the
end of the first week in term 3 and although the topics will have been discussed in class previously, a
reasonable amount of independent research on all the topics is expected.
Translation class
Term I:
Weeks 2-4 Introduction: Resources online, Hammer online grammar, use of dictionaries; introduction to
translation techniques from and into German
Weeks 5, 7-10: Translation into German
Term 2:
Weeks 1-5 -Translation into English
Weeks 7-10 - Translation into German
Term 3:
Weeks 1/2 - Translation exam practice (either e-g or g-e)
Grammar class
The small groups for this class are streamed according to the results of the Diagnostic test (term 1/ week

1. and the week by week outline of grammatical topics takes into account the needs of each group. All
   fundamental grammatical topic of German grammar are covered by all groups.

Learning outcomes

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

• Have a thorough command of the fundamental tenets of German grammar, and use reference resources appropriately to check grammar and syntax.
• Have a sound understanding of the challenges inherent in translation into English (syntax, register, idiom) and to have developed a range of translation strategies
• Proof-read and scrutinise their work with due attention to accuracy in grammar, syntax and lexis
• Accurate reading skills that include anticipating common problems of syntax, lexis and grammar
• An ability to express oneself orally and in writing on a number of key topics in German

Indicative reading list

Martin Durrell (ed.) Hammer's German and Usage, London, (6th ed.) 2017, and Martin Durrell et
al. Practising German Grammar, London, (4th ed.) 2017

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 German culture through analysis of this primary material and through seminar discussion aimed at deeper critical thinking. In particular, students’ awareness of the modern German language will be enhanced through lectures and seminars which engage in scholarship in the field.

Transferable skills

All SMLC culture modules demand critical and analytical engagement with artefacts from target-language cultures. In the course of independent study, class work and assessment students will develop the following skills: written and oral communication, creative and critical thinking, problem solving and analysis, time management and organisation, independent research in both English and their target language(s), intercultural understanding and the ability to mediate between languages and cultures, ICT literacy in both English and the target language(s), personal responsibility and the exercise of initiative.