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
facilitating students’ self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses in order to improve their learning skill.
Prior knowledge of German
B2 + of CEFR (Common European Framework for Reference)
● or equivalent in International Baccalaureate
● 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
This syllabus is for indicative purposes only and will be updated regularly to remain relevant.

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
• Demonstrate self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses in order to improve their learning skills
• Develop competence in a broad range of complex and non-routine language tasks across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts.
• Consolidate and expand grammatical and syntactical competence.
• Become more confident in using a wide range of register and style both in speaking and writing.
• Further awareness and appreciation of German culture.
• Develop an understanding of literary and non-literary texts.

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’ language proficiency through engaging with primary materials in the target language.
Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
Intercultural competence
Strategies to communicate effectively both in writing and orally in German

Transferable skills

Problem solving
Self-awareness
Communication
Teamwork
Digital literacy
Sustainability
Ethical values
Intercultural awareness
Professionalism
Critical thinking