LANG08036 2021 German Language, Culture and Contemporary Media 4.2

perform confidently at CEFR Level A2  (basic user) and continue  progress towards CEFR Level B1. Students who have spent a semester / year in a German-speaking environment will be encouraged towards CEFR Level B2.

summarise and interpret the  main ideas in more complex texts on topics pertaining both to everyday life and to professional activity, including limited technical discussion on topics relevant to the spheres of Business and Marketing.

communicate with a degree of fluency and spontaneity (higher in those who spent time in a German-speaking environment) which makes regular conversation with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party, and where the learner feels confident to ask for clarification or assistance.

produce clear, more detailed text on a relatively wide range of subjects of interest to the learner and explain viewpoints on topical issues giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options; begin to read independently to expand linguistic knowledge on topics of personal and professional interest.

examine and present current topics of social and cultural interest using a range of contemporary media;  compare and contrast with her/ his own society, and relay this information in the form of a class paper or oral presentation. 

• Active classroom participation
• Establishment of independent working groups (PBL)
• Use of computer laboratory to access contemporary online learning platforms and websites which impart linguistic and cultural information.
• Encouragement of collaboration with Erasmus students who are native speakers of the language whether through project collaboration, a buddy system, social outings or other means volunteered by the students. Tandem Learning Initiative with Hochschule Brandenburg, February 2021
• Independent Project / Essay and Research
• Reinforcement of key skills through consistent self-study and independent reading and research.

• Written Continuous Assessment
• Oral Continuous Assessment
• Independent Project Work

ONGOING = Every TWO To FOUR  weeks, assessment in these areas will occur through Oral/Aural/Written work and/or Role-play
These assessments measure student attainment at A2 level and progress to B1 level.  

• Written Assessment
• Oral Assessment

Listening:  can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar; can follow the general content of most TV news, documentaries and current affairs programmes; can understand to a significant degree spoken content relating to her/his field of study.

Reading: can begin to read independently unabridged articles and reports concerned with contemporary social and cultural issues in which writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints; can follow the main argument of articles related to his/her field of study; can understand and appreciate contemporary literary prose; can evaluate the arguments underpinning written narrative.

Spoken interaction: can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible.  Can take an active part in discussion within familiar personal and professional contexts, accounting for and sustaining personal views; can ask for clarification and assistance when communication becomes challenging.

Spoken production: can produce clear, detailed communication on a wide range of subjects related to personal and professional life; can advance and explain one's viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options; can readily incorporate new vocabulary and structures; can confidently interrogate others' points of view; can demonstrate awareness of different registers in spoken language.

Writing: can compose clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to personal interests and ambitions, culture and society, and one's field of specialisation;  can expand on personal views and reactions in written form; can compose correspondence communicating information and giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view; can demonstrate an understanding of using appropriate register in written format.

Culture and Society: can continue to engage with a range of contemporary media in order to expand particular areas of cultural and social interest and to incorporate the use of selected media in extended classroom discussion and presentations.