BA Politics and German

This module provides an introduction to the pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary of Modern Standard German. Focussing on a variety of topics (including culture, society and current affairs) and using a range of teaching methods and audio-visual as well as printed media, it aims to equip students with the language skills needed for competent spoken and written communication.

Classes are complemented by an independent language learning programme, involving reading, writing, speaking and listening activities, as well as vocabulary work . Teaching and learning on this module are supported by an extensive Canvas site, providing additional resources for students. Canvas should therefore be accessed on a regular basis. 

An A-level pass in a foreign language other than German, or in English Language. 

This is not a LEAP module and is available only as part of a degree programme where German is taken as a named Honours subject. 

All Joint Honours programmes with German. All other programmes compatible with a Minor in German. 

Focusing on a variety of topics (including culture, society and current affairs) through printed and audio-visual  media, it aims to equip students with the language skills needed for competent spoken and written basic communication. 

By successfully completing this course unit, students will be able to master German language skills appropriate for a basic level A2 of the Common European Framework. 

Understand short texts about everyday life and current affairs 

Read articles concerned with contemporary problems

Speak about personal matters with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes interaction with native speakers quite possible and take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts 

Write clear text on a basic language level

On successful completion of this course unit, students will be able to: 

• apply appropriate linguistic concepts 

• analyse and interpret acquired information and synthesise it as knowledge 

On successful completion of this course unit, students will be able to: 

• read and understand a range of text types relating to socio-cultural aspects of Germany and the German speaking world 

• demonstrate active understanding of most of the essential linguistic structures covered in the set textbook, and a passive understanding of the rest 

• communicate appropriately in written and spoken German 

On successful completion of this course unit, students will be able to: 

• take responsibility for their own learning, manage time and work to deadlines 

• work independently to produce a dossier, showing an understanding of how to learn within the cycle of planning, action and reflection 

• work effectively and constructively as part of a group 

• show an awareness and responsiveness to the nature and extent of cultural diversity 

• use information and communications technology effectively and appropriately 

Nature and timing of feedback: 

Details of the extensive range of feedback opportunities available to students can be found on the Canvas website. 

Set texts:  

Krenn, W. & Puchta, H. (2016). Motive A1-B1 : Kompaktkurs DaF, Kursbuch, Lektion 1-30. München: Hueber.

Krenn, W. & Puchta, H. (2016). Motive A1-B1 : Kompaktkurs DaF, Arbeitsbuch, Lektion 1-30. München: Hueber.   

Further Reading: 

Durrell, Martin, Katrin Kohl, Claudia Kaiser and Gudrun Loftus (2015). Essential German Grammar.  2nd edn. Abingdon: Routledge. 
 

Collins German Dictionary, 9th edn. 2019. Glasgow: HarperCollins. 

Langenscheidt Großwörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Neubearbeitung. 2015. Berlin: 

Langenscheidt. 

Fernandez-Toro, Maria & Francis R. Jones. 2001. DIY techniques for language learners. 

London: Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research (CILT). 

This module must be passed with a minimum overall mark of 40% in order to progress. 

Following successful completion of the first part of this course, it is strongly recommended that students continue working on their independent learning dossier over the Christmas vacation and the January examination period.