BA Politics and German / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
German Language 1

Course unit fact file
Unit code GERM51011
Credit rating 20
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

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 and CALL exercises. Teaching and learning on this module are supported by an extensive Blackboard site, providing additional resources for students. Blackboard should therefore be accessed on a regular basis. 

Pre/co-requisites

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. 

Aims

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

Learning outcomes

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. 

Knowledge and understanding

  • Understand extended speech, including some TV news and current affairs programmes 

  • Read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems, as well as short literary texts 

  • Speak 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 

  • Produce oral discourse 

  • Write clear text

Intellectual skills

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 

Practical skills

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 

Transferable skills and personal qualities

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 

Employability skills

Other
Written and oral communication skills; team-work; leadership; negotiation skills; research skills, problem-solving; adaptability; decision-making; time management; initiative; self-discipline; organisation; life-long learning skills; self-reflection; action planning; self-confidence; IT skills; increased intercultural awareness

Assessment methods

Coursework 

25% 

Oral exam 

 

Students will be given a choice of three short texts with pictures. They will need to choose one text / topic and will be allowed time to prepare. Dictionaries are allowed during the preparation time. During the oral exam students will describe the picture and talk about the topic of the text with the examiners.

25% 

Written exam 

50% 

Feedback methods

Nature and timing of feedback: 

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

Recommended reading

Set texts:  

 

Dollenmayer, David B. & Thomas S. Hansen (2014). Neue Horizonte: Introductory German. 8th edn. Heinle, Cengage Learning.  (‘International edition’). 

 

Dollenmayer, David B., Ellen W. Crocker & Thomas S. Hansen (2014). Neue Horizonte: Student Activity Manual, 8th edn. Heinle, Cengage Learning. 

 

Printed Access Code (PAC) for access to Cengage Premium Website. 

 

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). 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Tutorials 55
Independent study hours
Independent study 160

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Anne-Teresa Markovic Unit coordinator
Dorit Fellner-Whitgreave Unit coordinator

Additional notes

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. 

Please check your ‘My Manchester’ timetables for days/times.  Any queries can be directed to the Languages Student Information Office. 

Return to course details