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After completing the course, students are able to:
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understand not too difficult, uncomplicated speech in varied domains (TV, radio, lectures, telephone messages, etc.) and to take notes
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initiate, sustain and close a general conversation with a number of topics appropriate to a range of circumstances and subjects
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participate in conversations (on topics beyond the most immediate daily needs).
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orally perform a simple but connected discourse, simple narration or descriptions.
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consistently read and understand connected texts dealing with various topics
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write letters and short papers on topics familiar to you
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identify, name and describe different events, and analyze and compare texts in English on those items
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analyze and criticize social, political, historical texts in English translation relating them to relevant current developments and events
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combine reading in English with reading selected texts in German on topics studied during the course and/or found on the internet
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trace, find, study, criticize and use English and German secondary material, both in word and in image, in libraries, museums, and on the internet
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question and discuss their material, in English and to some extent, in German
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express their findings both orally and on paper, in English as well as in German
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explain the background of some selected current items on culture, history and language presented to them in German
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The language part of the course aims to improve and develop skills and strategies that enable you to successfully handle most uncomplicated oral and written tasks and social situations you may be confronted within daily life in the German language area. The cultural part of the course provides you with information that enables you to understand some cultural aspects of the German, Austrian, Swiss etc. society. Materials used could be short stories, (extracts from) novels, films, newspaper and magazine articles, advertising material, and items from the mass media (videos from Youtube, blog posts, e.d.).
A one-day excursion to Aachen is organized to enrich the cultur classes.
Format
In the language classes the classroom language is German, though some explanations could be given in English when necessary. The main activity is the use of German in a variety of oral and written communication tasks performed in small groups, in pairs or with the whole class. The instructor supplies you with input, instruction and explanations concerning these tasks and helps you to prepare executing the tasks. Upon completion of these tasks, you analyze the strategy, grammar and vocabulary, with the help of the instructor. You are expected to come to class with your own questions and analyze your own learning problems and learning needs.
In the “culture” lectures issues are introduced and debated. Information about German culture, society, history and art is studied in German and in English translations. On occasion, students are to discuss specific aspects of particular themes, and review them from various angles. In doing so, argumentations and considerations behind the German approach to various matters in German culture can be explored. Creativity and originality (e.g. in terms of an intercultural approach) are highly esteemed in this section of the course.
Grades
The tests for the language component of the course together (60%) must average at least a C-. If this average is under a C-, then the student cannot move on to the next level. If a student nonetheless wants to continue to Language & Culture I, course admission needs to be approved by the instructor, who may ask for extra work to be completed.
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