SFT11507 German Language I (Autumn 2008)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Obligatory course in the one-year German programme / German in the education programme (1^st semester).

Optional course in the bachelor programme Society, Language and Culture (1^st, 3^rd or 5^th semester) and in the four-year education programme (5^th or 7^th semester).

Prerequisites

No particular prerequisites, but basic knowledge of German is recommended.

Lecture Semester

Autumn 2008

Content

Introduction to general linguistics:

Various aspects of the concept of 'language' such as language sound, the formation of words and sentences, the connection between meaning and words, language families, and the development of language.

 

Grammar I:

Basic aspects of the German language system.

 

Written proficiency:

The different linguistic topics are presented through a contrastive use of Norwegian and German on a practical level. Basic standard grammar is emphasised, in particular morphology and practical syntax, and functional usage is practiced.

 

Phonetics and regional variations:

Articulatory description of the standard German sounds and a number of phonetic phenomena that are difficult to Norwegians. Examples of regional variation are given by use of language examples.

Forms of teaching and learning

Seminars with a high degree of student participation.

Practical training/internship

None.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

• Two projects in groups, based on cooperation through e.g. use of wiki technology
• The introduction course in linguistics is an integrated coursework requirement and is completed by at web-based test

Coursework requirements must be approved before signing up for the final examination.

Examination

Final assessment is based on a 5-hour written examination and two individual papers.

 

Written exam (5 hours):

Grammar I, phonetics and written proficiency. In the grammar part candidates have to prove that they can account for the central aspects of the morphology and syntax topics dealt with in the course. In the phonetics part 6-8 questions are given from the theoretical syllabus. Written proficiency includes a short translation of an unknown text from Norwegian into German, and candidates may be asked to comment on particular contrastive phenomena.

No aids permitted.

 

In addition to the written test two individual papers have been submitted within specific deadlines.

 

One final mark is given for all the elements, both the written test and the submitted papers. The written test is the decisive element for the final mark. The submitted papers may adjust the mark one step up or down on the A-F grading scale.

Literature

• Reiten, Håvard (href="http://www.hiof.no/neted/admin/995). Tysk grammatikk. Oslo: Aschehoug. Pp 7-23, 25-143, 187-232 and 259-266.

Phonetics:

• Lundemo, Frode, Deutsche Phonetik. Local print, latest ed.