GERM100: Part I German Studies (Beginners to CEFR: A2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 10 US semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 4 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 20 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 8 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites: none; evidence of language-learning ability; entry at A1 level within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

If you have never learnt German, this module is for you. It provides an intensive introduction to the language and will equip you grammatically and linguistically for further study. The module covers reading, writing, the foundations of grammar, plus speaking and listening skills for four hours per week. In addition, weekly or fortnightly lectures and seminars will focus on the country's culture and its European context. Assessment of language is by written and oral examination in the Summer term in conjunction with coursework and regular assessments in class. Culture is also assessed by examination and coursework.

Educational Aims

This intensive module is devised to enable you to:

• Speak, understand read and write the relevant language at A2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
• Develop your understanding of the principles of grammar (in both English and the relevant language)
• Develop techniques and strategies in learning a language
• Develop your confidence in using the language in various settings
• Acquire initial awareness of current affairs in the country where the language is spoken

Outline Syllabus

This module combines work in German Language with a History, Culture and Identity module that looks at how key moments in German history have shaped contemporary German culture (film, plays, novels etc.).

The language component of GERM 100 is an intensive module of study which takes students from beginners' level to high A2/B1 level standard in 25 weeks of study. There are four language seminars per week, of which at least one is normally conducted by a German native speaker. Tutorials are based on a textbook, and emphasis is placed on the acquisition of vocabulary and a firm grasp of German grammatical structures. Listening and speaking skills are developed under the guidance of German native speakers using audio and video materials. In addition, one independent language hour is dedicated to computer-based exercises.

Assessment is divided between coursework and examination. Language coursework assessments during the year include a wide variety of speaking, listening and written exercises. Culture is assessed by coursework and examination. Marks received for these are combined with the June examination marks in spoken and written language to produce the overall result.

Students are encouraged to watch German films on DVD/television or at the cinema, to visit German-speaking countries during the vacation, and to take every opportunity of listening to and speaking the language.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

GERM101: Part I German Studies (Advanced/CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 10 US semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 4 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 20 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 8 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites: Good French/German/Spanish language; entry at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

If you already have a good knowledge of the language, this modules is designed to help you achieve higher levels of oral fluency and written accuracy while extending your knowledge of twentieth century literature, thought and history. You will attend three hours of language seminars per week. In addition, weekly or fortnightly lectures and seminars will focus on Germany’s culture and its European context. Assessment of language is by written and oral examination in the Summer term in conjunction with coursework and regular assessments in class. Culture is also assessed by examination and coursework.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

• Consolidate and develop language skills already acquired at CEFR level B1
• Enable you to speak and write accurately in German at an advanced level and to acquire advanced skills in reading and listening comprehension
• Reinforce and expand the knowledge of German grammar, and increase your awareness of the way English works so that you can make comparisons
• Enable and encourage you to learn about and appreciate the relevant contemporary culture and to form (and express in target language) your own views on certain topics and issues
• Assist you to improve your ability to learn a language and to absorb information systematically and to contribute to your personal, social and cognitive development

Outline Syllabus

Normally, GERM300 and GERM301 cannot be taken independently. Both the oral (GERM300) and the written language (GERM301) modules focus on particular topics of cultural and contemporary interest. Together they consist of 3 hours tuition per week. The general aim is to build on the enthusiasm and expertise garnered during the second year and the year abroad whilst channelling this enthusiasm and expertise quite consciously towards improving your German language skills even further.

By the end of the module, students should not only have developed an informed interest in the society and culture of the German-speaking world, but they should also have acquired near-native abilities both in written and spoken language (C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

GERM200: German Language: Oral Skills (CEFR: B2)

• Terms Taught: Full Year module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with GERM201
  • Extensive German language; entry is at high B1/B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200 (oral and aural skills) and 201 (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the GERM200/201 module, comprising three hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

GERM200 and GERM201 aim to:

• Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in German-speaking countries
• Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning
• Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking and writing the language
• Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational work
• Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
• Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
• Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
• Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
• Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
• Improve the knowledge of grammar
• Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
• Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in German-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The GERM200 element comprises of oral and aural skills and is taken with the GERM201 element, the writing and reading skills. The units cannot be taken separately. GERM200/201 consists of three hours per week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

GERM200/201 will consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired and equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where German is spoken. The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. It will also focus on reading a variety of sources and on writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in German are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions. It is expected that students studying on the GERM200/201 modules will attain a B2 level (Independent User/Vantage) in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

GERM200i: German Language: Oral Skills (post-Beginners/CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 US semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with GERM201i.
  • Good German language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200i (oral and aural skills) and 201i (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the GERM200i/201i module, comprising four hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

GERM200i and GERM201i aim to:

• Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in German-speaking countries.
• Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning.
• Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking the language
• Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational and written work
• Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
• Familiarise students with current topics
• Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
• Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
• Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
• Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
• Improve the knowledge of grammar
• Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
• Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in German-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The GERM200i (Intensive) element comprises the oral and aural skills and is taken with the GERM201i element; writing and reading skills. GERM200i/201i consists of 4 hours/week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

The general aim of GERM200i is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills acquired in the first year and to equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where their studied language is spoken. The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency; with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in the L2 language are used throughout the module. The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions and to prepare students for residence abroad.

It is expected that students studying on the GERM200i/201i modules wishing to attain a good (2.i/first) level will have elements of B1 (Independent User/Threshold level) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

GERM201: German Language: Written Skills (CEFR: B2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with GERM200
  • Extensive German language; entry is at high B1/B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200 (oral and aural skills) and 201 (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the 200/201 module, comprising three hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

GERM200 and GERM201 aim to:

• Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in German-speaking countries
• Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning
• Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking and writing the language
• Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational work
• Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
• Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
• Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
• Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
• Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
• Improve the knowledge of grammar
• Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
• Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in German-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The GERM200 element comprises of oral and aural skills and is taken with the GERM201 element, the writing and reading skills. The units cannot be taken separately. GERM200/201 consists of three hours per week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

GERM200/201 will consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired and equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where German is spoken. The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. It will also focus on reading a variety of sources and on writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in German are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions. It is expected that students studying on the GERM200/201 modules will attain a B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

GERM201i: German Language: Written Skills (Post-Beginners/CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 US semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with GERM200i
  • Good German language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200i (oral and aural skills) and 201i (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the 200i/201i module, comprising four hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

GERM200i and GERM201i aim to:

• Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in German-speaking countries.
• Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning.
• Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking the language
• Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational and written work
• Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
• Familiarise students with current topics
• Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
• Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
• Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
• Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
• Improve the knowledge of grammar
• Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
• Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in German-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The GERM201i element comprises of the writing and reading skills and is taken with the GERM200i element; oral and aural skills. These units cannot be taken separately. GERM200i/201i consists of 4 hours/week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

The general aim of GERM201i is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills acquired in the first year and to equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where their studied language is spoken.The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency; with particular emphasis on reading a variety of sources and writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers.A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in the L2 language are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions and to prepare students for residence abroad.

It is expected that students studying on the GERM200i/201i modules wishing to attain a good (2.i/first) level will have elements of B1 (Independent User/Threshold level) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

GERM233: Shaping Contemporary German-Speaking Europe: Moments and Movements

• Terms Taught: Full Year module
• US Credits: 4 semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites: None

Course Description

'Shaping Contemporary German-Speaking Europe: Moments and Movements' provides students with awareness of the ‘must-know’ historical moments as well as political and aesthetic movements that have shaped German-language culture, while systematically enhancing their skills of cultural analysis in diverse media. The course will hone their close-reading skills, yet also provide a broad awareness of German modernity through a non-chronological, thematic approach that casts back to key nineteenth-, twentieth-, and twenty-first-century texts, moments, and movements.

Through the four themes of Myth, Magic, Money and Minor Identities, the module will introduce students to key works by, for example, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Thomas Mann, Irmtraud Morgener, r and Sharon Dodua Otoo. This module thus takes students on a journey through moments and movements across two centuries of German-language cultural history, encountering along the way some of the most radical thinkers, writers, filmmakers and creative artists that make the German-language intellectual tradition so distinctive. Students will experience a stimulating range of cultural forms and be equipped with the skills to reflect critically on them as expressions of multi-faceted, nuanced societies.

The main aim of the module is twofold: to build students' reading knowledge of German while giving them a flavour of the rich cultural output that has defined the German-speaking realm over the past two hundred years.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

• Develop students' knowledge and understanding of the written and spoken German language
• Introduce students to key concepts and methods in the interpretation of different kinds of text in their socio-historical context
• Enable students to engage with a history of ideas and forms focused through a series of significant moments and movements
• Develop students’ abilities to independently research, write, and present creative work
• Develop students’ abilities to participate actively in class and small group discussion

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 30%
• Exam: 40%
• Project: 30%

GERM300: German Language Oral Skills (CEFR: C1/C2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with GERM301
  • Extensive German language; entry is at C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 300 (oral and aural skills) and 301 (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot normally be taken independently. [NB: native speakers should take the written component (GERM301) only.] This module consists of three hours tuition per week, taught in the target language, often by a native speaker. Both the oral and written components cover topics of cultural and contemporary interest, with a particular focus on translation from and into the target language. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

• Enable and encourage students to learn about current affairs in German-speaking countries and to form and express (in German) their own views on certain topics and issues

• Increase their awareness of society and culture of contemporary German-speaking countries

• Encourage students to explore, and become familiar with, different areas of the culture of German-speaking countries

• Extend students’ knowledge and competence in the German language

• Enable students to speak German at a level as close as possible to near-native standard and to acquire equivalent skills in oral and written language by increasing vocabulary, grammatical accuracy in spoken German and improve pronunciation and intonation

• Encourage the progressive integration of authentic, idiomatic structures into the spoken language

• Equip students with the strategies for presenting critical ideas and defending them effectively to different audiences.

Outline Syllabus

Normally, GERM300 and GERM301 cannot be taken independently. Both the oral (GERM300) and the written language (GERM301) modules focus on particular topics of cultural and contemporary interest. Together they consist of 3 hours tuition per week. The general aim of GERM300 is to maintain the momentum and progress achieved during the second year and the year abroad and to bring intellectual rigour and critical awareness to the content of the spoken language.

By the end of the module, students should not only have developed an informed interest in the society and culture of the German speaking world, but they should also have acquired near-native abilities both in written and spoken language (C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

GERM301: German Language Written Skills (CEFR C1/C2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with GERM300
  • Extensive German language; entry is at C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

The module has two main aims. Firstly to enhance students' linguistic proficiency with particular reference to: (a) the understanding of spoken and written German in a variety of registers and dealing with a range of contemporary issues; (b) the speaking of German (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings; (c) the writing of German (notes, reports, summaries, essays, projects etc.) including from and into German; and (d) the systematic study of German lexis, grammar and syntax. Secondly, it aims to increase students' awareness, knowledge and understanding of contemporary German-speaking countries.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

• Prioritise accuracy in written language
• Highlight the value of authenticity both when constructing students own style in writing in German as well as when rendering German into English
• Further improve writing skills by aiming at greater fluency, grammatical accuracy, use of idiomatic German and appropriate style
• Further improve reading skills by dealing with complex authentic texts, by identifying register, styles and idiomatic language
• Further improve translation skills from L2 to L1
• Further improve translation skills from L1 to L2
• Develop critical commentary writing skill
• Integrate ideas and issues relating to contemporary German society and thus reinforce language as a vehicle for greater cross-cultural awareness
• Enhance cultural background knowledge by mainly working with topical newspapers and magazine articles
• Develop an analytical and critical attitude when dealing with ideas and issues in the foreign language

Outline Syllabus

Normally, GERM 300 and GERM 301 cannot be taken independently. Both the oral (GERM300) and the written (GERM301) language modules focus on particular topics of cultural and contemporary interest. Together they consist of three hours tuition per week. GERM300/301 will focus on maintaining the momentum and progress already achieved and to bring intellectual rigour and critical awareness to the content of the spoken language, and improving students German language skills even further.

By the end of the module, students should not only have developed an informed interest in the society and culture of the German speaking world, but they should also have acquired near native abilities both in written and spoken language (C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%