LA221-4-AU-CO:
Intensive Initial German 1
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
10 October 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
LA222
(none)
(none)
LA222
This is an intense, fast-paced and challenging German language module, practical and interactive, designed for complete beginners who are highly motivated. Students need to have some previous experience in L2 language learning and must be able to commit to substantial regular independent study.
The module leads to CEFR A1 (roughly comparable to a GCSE in German) by the end of the autumn term. We cover reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and study the language in its cultural context.
Course book, essential to purchase before start of term:
Spektrum Deutsch A1, Publisher: Schubert, Leipzig 2017.
Please note, further course books are to be purchased later in the year:
Before start of spring term, i.e. for LA222, Spektrum Deutsch A2.
Before start of summer term, i.e. for the summer study if continuing to Advanced German in your next year, Spektrum Deutsch B1.
Please note that for the follow-on module in the spring term LA222, the course book Spektrum Deutsch A2 will have to be purchased towards the end of the autumn term, and in order to progress to LA240 in their 2nd year students have to purchase the course book Spektrum Deutsch B1 at the end of spring term and work through during the summer.
Aim of this module is the practical acquisition of basic language competence, comparable to A1 of the Common European Framework.
The module forms the first component of the intensive route which aims to enable students to attain a level of German equivalent to an A level if students continue to the follow-on module LA222 Intensive Initial German 2 in the spring term; and together with a 4 week summer course, students can reach an intermediate exit level B1 (equivalent to LA230 or UK A-Level German).
Without attending the summer course your exit level will be A2 (equivalent to LA220) at the end of the year.
The intensive route is the compulsory path for those students with no knowledge of German who intend to take the study of the language to a Proficiency or Mastery level in their final year. This module can also be taken as an outside option.
• Students will be introduced to the structures of German, learn how to construct and analyse basic sentences, understand simple written and spoken German, communicate in everyday situations.
• Students will have the opportunity to practise and expand transferable skills vital for employability, such as intercultural awareness and language mediation skills, communication and presentation skills, summarising key information, independent learning, creative and analytical thinking, reflective skills, problem-solving, team-working, disciplined time-management, research skills and use of electronic media.
Summer Study
Students who take this intensive language module as part of their degree programme in their first year and need to carry on with the language of their intensive module in order to reach level 5 or above in the final year of their degree programme must take an approved language course in the summer vacation (four weeks) in order to be able to access level 4 modules (LA240 Advanced Level German) in the following year: for such students the tuition fee for the course abroad will be paid by the University with the remainder of the expenses paid by the students themselves. For any other students wishing to take part in the summer language course all expenses will be incurred by the student. Students who do not need to reach level 5 or 6 in their final year in the language of their intensive modules and who do not take the approved course abroad can continue with LA230 Higher Intermediate German on successful completion of the intensive module.
For students who intend to take LA240 Advanced German in their subsequent year, it is recommended that they purchase and complete the course book Spektrum Deutsch B1 during the summer 2022 in self-study, in addition to the summer language course during the summer 2022.
Please note that specialist language knowledge and study skills, including translation exercises German/English, English/German, in-depth cultural discussions, and an overview of the historical developments in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, will be covered in the "Language Expert" modules.
This module has three components (all compulsory):
1. Online material to be studied independently as preparation before class
2. Five timetabled contact hours per week (2x 2hour session and 1x 1hr session, attendance obligatory for all), with practical application of acquired skills including listening, speaking and pronunciation practice, online tasks, writing and group work.
3. Alongside these preparation and contact hours, regular independent study is essential, revising and completing material covered in classes, additional online material, memorising vocabulary and grammar.
Students should plan for a weekly workload of around 10-12 hours in total for this module (contact hours plus independent study time) and be prepared to study during non-teaching weeks between the terms as well.
Students need to purchase the course books before the start of term, see below. Additional module material will be available on-line (via Moodle) with weekly topics, self-study material and dates of assessments. During contact hours we will work on selected aspects, assuming students prepare and revise regularly using the course books and online material.
We use interactive, creative and reflective teaching methods, centred around the course book but with a strong emphasis on community-building communication, placing the language into its cultural context.
Background reading and other media suggestions (available on Moodle) will complement and deepen language competence and give more insights into culture and history of the German-speaking countries.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1 |
|
30% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 |
|
30% |
| Practical |
Oral Assessment |
|
40% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Ms Claudia Alsdorf, email: c.alsdorf@essex.ac.uk.
Ms Claudia Alsdorf
Ms Claudia Alsdorf, Office: 4.313, Telephone 01206 872212, email c.alsdorf@essex.ac.uk
Yes
Yes
No
Mrs Laura Hedwig Anneliese Lewis
Durham University
Assistant Professor
Available via Moodle
Of 50 hours, 50 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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