LN210     
German Language and Society 4 (proficiency)

This information is for the 2017/18 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Peter Skrandies

Availability

Available as an outside option to all undergraduate and General Course students. Students can take this course in any year of their studies following approval from the teacher responsible and subject to their own programme regulations. This course is capped at 16 students.

Pre-requisites

Completion of the German Language and Society 3 (advanced) (LN110) or equivalent knowledge and skills are required. An interview with the course co-ordinator prior to registration is compulsory.

Course content

Further advanced (up to proficiency) study of the German language within the framework of the social sciences and culture. In a dynamic and communicative way the course develops all four language skills (i.e. speaking, listening, reading and writing) through individual and group work, topical discussions, and the use of authentic multi-media materials. The focus is on accuracy and communication that advance students' language competence, transferable skills and cultural awareness.

Teaching

33 hours of classes in the MT. 33 hours of classes in the LT. 3 hours of classes in the ST.

Three hours per week, which will feature: (a) interactive topical work; (b) oral practice; (c) grammar and vocabulary work; (d) tutorials; and (e) guided study using IT and web-based materials. Structured activities will take place in week 11 of the Michaelmas Term and the Lent Term. 

Formative coursework

Weekly language exercises

Indicative reading

  • Durrell, Martin (2011) Hammer's German Grammar and Usage, 5th edition, London: Routledge
  • Durrell, Martin at al (2011) Practising German Grammar, 3rd edition, London: Routledge
  • Götz, Dieter et al (2008) Grosswörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache, München: Langenscheidt
  • Hradil, Stefan (ed.) Deutsche Verhältnisse. Eine Sozialkunde, Bonn: Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung. Available online at http://www.bpb.de/shop/buecher/schriftenreihe/142805/deutsche-verhaeltnisse-eine-sozialkunde
  • Ruge, Eugen (2011). In Zeiten abnehmenden Lichts. Hamburg: Rowohlt

Assessment

Exam (40%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Oral examination (20%) in the ST.
Continuous assessment (40%) in the MT and LT.

Language courses map to the Common European Framework for Language Learning.  This framework defines linguistic proficiency in the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) at different levels.  To pass this course, students are therefore required to achieve a pass mark in each element of the assessment (continuous assessment, oral and written exams), as these test all four skills.

Student performance results

(2014/15 - 2016/17 combined)

Classification % of students
First 36.4
2:1 63.6
2:2 0
Third 0
Fail 0

Key facts

Department: Language Studies

Total students 2016/17: 6

Average class size 2016/17: 6

Capped 2016/17: Yes (16)

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

PDAM skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication

Course survey results

(2015/16 - 2016/17 combined)

1 = "best" score, 5 = "worst" score

The scores below are average responses.

Response rate: 75%

Question

Average
response

Reading list (Q2.1)

1.7

Materials (Q2.3)

1.3

Course satisfied (Q2.4)

1.3

Lectures (Q2.5)

1.3

Integration (Q2.6)

1.3

Contact (Q2.7)

1.4

Feedback (Q2.8)

1.4

Recommend (Q2.9)

Yes

89%

Maybe

11%

No

0%