University of Reading - Modules (2024)

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module is aimed at students who have spent a period of residence abroad and completed the ML2YL5 Year Abroad Language

Students who successfully complete this module will have achieved a level of competence in Germancomparable to level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of spoken and written Germanin a variety of different registers, as well as demonstrate a knowledge of a wide range of Germanlexis and idioms.
2. Express themselves clearly and fluently in spoken and written Germanin a wide range of contexts as well as demonstrate the ability to deliver oral presentations and sustain discussions in French/German/Italian/Spanish on topics of academic relevance.
3. Demonstrate a thorough understanding and appropriate use of relevant grammatical rules and apply this knowledge in their understanding and use of Germanlanguage.
4. show an awareness of the techniques involved in translating from one language to another and translate a range of written texts accurately and fluently at a sophisticated and advanced level both from English into Germanand from Germaninto English.

Module content

The course will focus on a variety of language exercises that will introduce students in the exploration and production of written and oral texts representing a range of genres and registers.

Classes will provide students with regular practice in free and guided writing in German, and in presenting and discussing in the foreign language. Classes will also offer the opportunity for students to explicitly analyse grammatical and syntactical features in German.

During the course, students will make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources, self-study tools, etc.) and will expand their awareness of current issues in Germanspeaking countries through the use of contemporary material.

Weekly two-hour classes will provide students with regular practice in free and guided writing, and in presenting, discussing, and debating in the foreign language.

An extra weekly on-hour class gives students the opportunity to focus on a variety of exercises in translating from and into Spanish.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

A variety of methods and approaches are employed to facilitate effective language learning. Gradual but fast progression and in-depth study are ensured through guided work, both in and outside of class, with the support of teacher-led activities and tasks, a wide range of authentic and teacher-produced learning material, and a set textbook. Student-led activities are actively promoted and consistent use of the resources available in the library is strongly encouraged. The module will use a variety of strategies for teaching and learning, involving a mixture of group-work, class discussion and analysis, and independent work between sessions.

Study hours

At least 60 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note that the hours listed above are for guidance purposes only.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Feedback will be given on assignments and there will be opportunity for class-based discussion.

Reassessment

Additional costs