BSc Molecular Biology with a Modern Language / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
German Language 3

Course unit fact file
Unit code GERM51030
Credit rating 20
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Full year
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

This core language course unit fosters essential language skills and is delivered in three sessions per week: Grammar and Translation, Sprachpraktische Übung and Landeskunde (see below for details). All of these sessions are taught in German, as far as possible. Classes are complemented by an independent language learning programme, involving reading, writing, speaking and listening activities, as well as vocabulary and grammar work. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own learning and to improve their language learning skills with the help and support provided by their tutors. On successful completion of the unit, students will have reached level B1.2/B2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

Pre/co-requisites

Pre-requisites: EITHER A level in German (or equivalent) OR GERM51022 German Language 2 

Aims

On successful completion of this course unit, students will have reached level B1.2/B2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and will have developed or honed their ability to: 

  • demonstrate mastery of the grammar topics covered (valency and cases, noun genders and plurals, adjective declensions, determiners and pronouns, verb forms, prepositions, modal auxiliaries, Subjunctive II) 

  • demonstrate competence in translating from German into English, with some understanding of stylistic considerations 

  • show basic insight into the particular difficulties of translating from English into German 

  • understand extended speech, TV news and current affairs programmes as well as the majority of films 

  • read and analyse articles and reports concerned with contemporary issues in general society as well as business-speak with a good degree of fluency and spontaneity, and take an active part in discussion covering a range of contexts (e.g. environmental issues, leisure and travel, relationships and family life, diet and health, and Germany since reunification) 

  • orally present clear descriptions on a range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue putting forward the advantages and disadvantages of various options 

  • write clear text (including short essays and summaries) on a range of subjects, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view 

  • give a broad description of aspects of two German-speaking countries / regions, with reference to physical and human geography, political systems, history, arts, and education 

Employability skills

Other
On successful completion of this course unit, students will have developed or honed their: language skills (including the ability to produce word-processed text in German) intercultural awareness efficient independent working skills through assessing learning needs, devising a learning strategy, implementing the strategy and evaluating the outcome

Assessment methods

 

Assessment task

Formative or Summative

Weighting within unit (if Summative)

Written examination in semester 2, consisting of

Translation from German into English

Summary in German of a German text

 

Summative

50%

1. 25%

2. 25%

 

 

Oral examination in week 12 of Semester 2

Summative

25%

One invigilated coursework assignment, consisting of an essay in German of 300-330 words on a topic covered in the Landeskunde lectures 

Formative and Summative

25%

 

 

 

Resit Assessment

Assessment task

Oral examination

Written examination

Feedback methods

Feedback Method Formative or Summative 
In-class comments made during discussion regarding the relevance and linguistic quality of student responses and participation.  Formative 
Written feedback on practice translations, summaries and essays    Formative 
Face-to-face discussion of any written feedback provided (on request)  Formative 
Face-to-face feedback on in-class presentations and supporting materials (on request)  Formative 
Detailed written feedback on invigilated coursework essays (formative exercise in Semester 1 and summative work in Semester 2), followed by drop-in sessions to discuss the work as well as particular issues raised in the written feedback  Formative and summative
Written feedback on the exam translation and summary (on request)  Formative and summative 
Written feedback on the oral exam (on request), on the basis of the feedback form completed by the markers during the examination  Formative and summative 
Written feedback on the independent language learning portfolio, with suggestions for more effective independent language work (on submission of the portfolio by the deadline, once per semester)  Formative 
On request and during tutors’ office hours (or by appointment), face-to-face feedback on a range of aspects of an individual’s language competence, with practical advice on more effective learning, translation, writing, speaking and proof-reading techniques  Formative 

 

Recommended reading

Set texts:  

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

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

Further reading: 

Donald, Sidney G. & Pauline E. Kneale. 2001. Study skills for language students: a practical guide. London: Arnold. 

Durrell, Martin. 2017. Hammer's German Grammar and Usage. 6th edn. London and New York: Routledge. 

Durrell, Martin, Katrin Kohl and Claudia Kaiser. 2017. Practising German Grammar. 4th edn. London and New York: Routledge. 

Fernández-Toro, María & Francis R. Jones. 2001. DIY techniques for language learners. London: Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research. 

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

Wahrig-Burfeind, Renate (ed.). 2012. WAHRIG Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache. 3rd edn. Munich: Deutscher Taschenbuch Verlag.  

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 2
Seminars 66
Independent study hours
Independent study 132

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Wiebke Brockhaus-Grand Unit coordinator
Dorit Fellner-Whitgreave Unit coordinator

Additional notes

This course unit must be passed with a minimum overall mark of 40% in order for a student to progress to the next year of study. 

 

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

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