Module Details

Module Code: LANG6041
Title: German Language and Society
Long Title: German Language and Society
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2220 - Languages
Module Delivered in: 8 programme(s)
Module Description: Everyday and basic business situations, as well as Cultural Studies, are the focus of this module. Basic business interactions include making purchases, booking tickets, and making reservations. The Cultural Studies component includes areas such as historical events and historical figures, as well as the study of German music and lyrics, customs and etiquette. This module assumes a prior knowledge of German at CEFR A1.2 level (also referred to as Level A1+). It is taught at CEFR level A2.1 (also commonly referred to as lower A2 level).
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 describe aspects of German, Austrian and Swiss German history, society and customs
LO2 react appropriately to spoken German at CEFR A2 level
LO3 speak extended sentences in the present and spoken past tenses
LO4 write extended sentences and longer paragraphs in German
LO5 accurately translate texts in German at A2 level
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

Prior knowledge of the German language at CEFR level A1.
 
Indicative Content
Landeskunde
Sample topics: Customs and norms in Germany, Austria, Switzerland: a comparison with Ireland. German music and German bands (including lyric translation and interpretation). Basic business negotiation / etiquette in the workplace.
Language content
Living in Germany/Austria/Switzerland: leisure activities; cost of living; education systems; basic company structures; company culture and environment. Description of personal and professional characteristics and skills.
Grammar
subordinating conjunctions; adjectives; the Preterite/Imperfect; Relative Clauses in the Nominative.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Landeskunde (project in English). Examples of project themes: German Societal norms; Festivals in Germany/Austria/Switzerland; profile of a famous German-speaking historical figure.
Assessment Type Open-book Examination % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
Prepared one-hour in-class essay test in German. Dictionary usage allowed.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Listening test
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Oral exam
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Written exam: text comprehension; written production; grammar exercises. Based on the core text book.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact text comprehension, listening comprehension, Cultural Studies via media such as the internet, short stories, and short films; grammar theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact listening exercises, supervised project research, grammar exercises, use of CALL programmes Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact independent project research and writing; revision of materials covered during class Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact text comprehension, listening comprehension, Cultural Studies via media such as the internet, short stories, and short films; grammar theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact listening exercises, supervised project research, grammar exercises, use of CALL programmes Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact independent project research and writing; revision of materials covered during class Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Becker, Norbert & Jörg Braun. (2017), Alltag, Beruf & Co A2/1, Chapters 1-5 only, Hueber, Ismaning, Germany, [ISBN: 9783193015907].
  • Szilvia Szita (Author), Anne Buscha (Author). A Grammatik, Schubert Verlag, [ISBN: 978-394132309].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Langenscheidt. (2011), Langenscheidt Standard Dictionary German, Langenscheidt, p.1536, [ISBN: 9783468980466].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BBUSS_7 Bachelor of Business 3 Group Elective 2
CR_BBUSS_7 Bachelor of Business 3 Group Elective 1
CR_BMRKT_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Marketing 3 Elective
CR_FTRSM_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Tourism Management 3 Elective
CR_FTOUR_7 Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management 3 Elective
CR_BBUSS_6 Higher Certificate in Business 3 Elective
CR_OHCMA_6 Higher Certificate in Business in Hospitality Management 3 Elective
CR_FTOUR_6 Higher Certificate in Business in Tourism Management 3 Elective