Module Details

Module Code: LANG6021
Title: German 2.2
Long Title: German and the Business Environment
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2013/14 ( September 2013 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2220 - Languages
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module teaches the student the ‘do’s and don’t’s’ of how to behave in a German-speaking business environment. The student will also learn about branches of industry in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and will learn how to conduct basic business transactions through German (such as ordering office equipment and stationery; booking flights and train tickets; and giving directions to a company), as well as further deepening his/her repertoire of everyday vocabulary.
Completion of this module results in attaining a level comparable that of the mid-point of level A2.1 as described in the Common European Framework of Reference for language proficiency.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 analyse basic features of business culture and industry in Germany, Switzerland and Austria;
LO2 demonstrate through appropriate reactions a comprehension of elementary spoken German;
LO3 speak in the present tense and the past (Present Perfect) tense, in everyday and basic business situations;
LO4 write short paragraphs in German in the present, the future, and the past (Imperfect) tenses;
LO5 analyse and discuss authentic texts in German at Elementary Level 2.
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).
9496 LANG6019 German 2.1
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.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Cultural Studies
Introduction to business etiquette in the German-speaking regions; Industry in Austria, Switzerland and Germany: a comparison with Ireland; the basic structure of German companies. Project research will focus on business etiquette, branches of industry and particular companies operating within those branches of industry. Research will culminate in the creation of a profile of a German, Austrian or Swiss company.
Listening Skills
Group and paired dramatic role-playing; audio materials; film materials.
Speaking Skills
Group and paired dramatic role-playing, including role plays based on business etiquette in a German environment, booking or reserving items, and giving directions; interactive CALL programmes; more complex sentences in the Spoken Past tense.
Reading Skills
Reading moderately complex authentic texts (such as short newspaper or magazine articles) in German.
Writing skills
Writing moderately complex sentences and paragraphs in German.
Grammar
Areas of grammar covered for listening, speaking, writing and reading skills include: the Genitive Case and its uses; the Future tense; the Imperfect (Written Past) tense; modal verbs in the Future and the Imperfect.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework60.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 15
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,4,5
Assessment Description
in-class assessment
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Project: Cultural Studies
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,4,5
Assessment Description
Listening Comprehension
Assessment Type Oral Examination/Interview % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
short oral exam
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 speaking, listening, reading, writing Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact language lab work and supervised project research Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact independent revision of language structures and vocabulary; independent project research and writing Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Becker, N., Braunert, F. and Schlenker, W.. (2008), Unternnehmen Deutsch: Grundkurs Lehrbuch, [Chapters 3-5], Klett International, [ISBN: 9783126757409].
  • Oxford University Press. (2006), Oxford Beginners German Dictionary, [ISBN: 0-19-929857-2].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Delfin, Lehrwerk für Deutsch als Fremdsprache. (2007), Aufderstraße, Hartmut, Jutta Müller and Thomas Storz, Hueber, Ismaning, [ISBN: 3-19-001601-1].
  • Oxford University Press. (2000), Oxford German Cartoon-Strip vocabulary builder, [ISBN: 13-978-0-19-860305-4].
  • Tomalin, Barry. (2003), Germany: A quick guide to customs and etiquette, Kuperard, [ISBN: 1-55868-704-1].
  • Lord, Richard. (1998), Succeed in Business: Germany. The essential guide for business and investment, Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company, Portland, Oregon, [ISBN: 1-55868-354-2].
  • Roraff, Susan & Julie Krejci. (2001), Culture Shock! Austria: a guide to customs and etiquette, Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company, Portland, Oregon, [ISBN: 1-55868-591-X].
  • Hampshire, David. (2005), Living and Working in Switzerland: A Survival Handbook, Survival Books Ltd., London, [ISBN: 1-901130-24X].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CCNMG_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Construction Management 7 Elective
CR_CQTSU_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying 7 Elective