Overview

This module enables post A-level students to develop written and oral communicative skills in German by extending linguistic competence acquired at A-level. It comprises text-based classes in which students have the opportunity to develop translation and writing skills, as well as oral/aural classes, in which a range of audio and visual aids are employed to stimulate group discussions and debates. Throughout the module, students also have the opportunity to revise and consolidate key areas of grammar. The texts and materials used in this module are chosen from a range of sources including media and literary works in order to familiarise students with variations in tone and register. Through these materials, students will also gain insight into particular German themes and issues that relate to contemporary life and society in the German-speaking world. Learning outside of the classroom is supported through a co-curricular Self-Study Portfolio.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -40-49%: Limited knowledge of German grammar and vocabulary resulting in a limited ability to communicate in writing or translate from German-English and English-German. Basic understanding of aural and written material in German. Basic grasp of German pronunciation and limited ability to converse freely in German and respond to spoken material. Limited ability to present and defend opinions in written and oral German. -good -50-69%: Good knowledge of German grammar and vocabulary resulting in a good ability to communicate in writing or translate from German-English and English-German. Good understanding of aural and written material in German. Good grasp of German pronunciation and some ability to converse freely in German and respond to spoken material. Ability to present and defend opinions in written and oral German. -excellent -70+%: Excellent knowledge of German grammar and vocabulary resulting in an excellent ability to communicate in writing or translate from German-English and English-German. Excellent understanding of aural and written material in German. Excellent grasp of German pronunciation and clear ability to converse freely in German and respond to spoken material. Clear ability to present and defend opinions in written and oral German.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply new areas of vocabulary to written and oral work.

• Demonstrate an ability to extract and use information presented in German-language sources to answer questions in the target language.

• Employ key grammatical structures in written and oral work.

• Engage with German language in spoken form, understanding, reacting and responding to it in an interactive context.

• Explore and evaluate some of the key themes and debates dominating contemporary German culture.

• Produce accurate and idiomatically correct written German.

• Understand and translate written texts varying in style and register.