Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Level C (HE) German / Level B2 German of the European Framework or equivalent at entry level.

Native German speaking Exchange students should not take this module.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

In consonance with the overall aims of the degrees offered in SML, this module will:

- build on language skills gained at previous stages;
- provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the target language and with the ability to develop a high level of written, spoken and aural proficiency in professional and academic environments;
- prepare students for postgraduate study in areas that make extensive use of the target language;
- develop students' written, spoken and aural skills into the target language.

Outline Of Syllabus

Specific topics and materials based on current issues and themes will be provided.

Speaking in the target language, summarising, reading, listening to authentic materials and writing will be practised throughout the year, preparing students for written and spoken communication in the target language in professional contexts.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have gained knowledge in:

- the use of appropriate sentence and text structures, lexicon and register in a range of advanced discourse types;
- all areas of grammar, vocabulary and background knowledge related to the skills listed below.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Subject-Specific skills:
By the end of the module, students will have gained experience in:
- using complex lexical and grammatical structures in a range of advanced discourse types with a particular focus on use in professional contexts;
- synthesising information from a variety of authentic sources (both oral and written), comprising extended written input from a variety of demanding discourse types;
- intensive reading of complex authentic material from a variety of demanding discourse types;
- extended writing and speaking in the target language, focusing particularly on argumentative and synthetic compositions in a formal academic and professional register;
- applying aural and comprehension skills from a range of authentic audio/video materials;
- discussing and synthesising complex ideas from a range of extensive authentic texts; individually and in groups (both orally and in writing) and producing a forceful and convincing argument in persuasive writing and speaking;
- perfecting their oral presentation skills.

Cognitive/intellectual skills:
Students will further their ability to:
- locate, critically evaluate and make use of materials for this course other than those provided by the lecturer(s);
- apply and evaluate a range of learning strategies appropriate to the demands of the course;
- work independently and confidently, individually or as part of a group, in and outside the classroom;
- conduct research using the Internet and other sources in order to contribute their own materials to the course.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Language classes will introduce, model and offer guidance in each of the skills that students are required to practise during the course (including summary, opinion and commentary writing, intensive reading, aural skills, taking part in critical discussions and oral presentations in the foreign language).

Group work will offer students an opportunity to work in small groups (in the target language) under close supervision of the lecturer. These classes will focus on the skills listed in the outline syllabus.

Teaching will be in the target language.

Work requirements:
- researching materials for oral presentation and discussion;
- writing critical discussions, reports and summaries in the target language;
- practising and revising advanced vocabulary and grammar.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Both exams will be on campus to ensure that the students' output is produced in identical conditions and is their own work.

General Notes

N/A