Dr Peter Skrandies PEL.6.01f

This course is available on the MA in Modern History. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.

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.

An A-level or its equivalent is required. An interview with the course co-ordinator prior to registration is compulsory.

Advanced 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.  

40 hours of classes in the MT. 40 hours of classes in the LT. 4 hours of classes in the ST.

Four 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. The course has reading weeks in weeks 6 of the Michaelmas and the Lent term. 

Weekly language exercises 

• Beattie, S. (ed.) (2007) Collins German Dictionary, 7th edition, Glasgow: Harper Collins
• Durrell, Martin et al. (2015) Essential German Grammar, 2nd edition, London: Routledge
• Wolski, Werner (2012), Pons Kompaktwörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Stuttgart: Klett Verlag

Exam (30%, duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes) in the summer exam period.
Oral examination (30%) 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.