SFT20108 German: Language and Culture through Space and Time (Autumn 2009)

The course is connected to the following study programs

The course is part of the German extension module (altogether 90 ECTS credits) that is an optional module in the bachelor programme Society, Language and Culture (3^rd or 5^th semester).

Obligatory in the extension module in German (3^rd semester).

Prerequisites

The one-year German programme, or equivalent knowledge of German.

Lecture Semester

Autumn 2009

Content

The subject "language through space and time" introduces the basic features of dialectology and German language history. Students learn the criteria for division into German dialect areas. Contemporary Austrian German is in focus, studied both as a result of a historical development and in contrast to other language norms, in particular that of Germany 

The subject "culture through space and time" mainly focuses on contrasting mediaeval and modern times. Through studies of selected topics of mediaeval knowledge students learn about the Middle Ages as a cultural-historical epoch and about its importance for modern times.

 

The "oral proficiency" part uses digital tools to focus on language and culture in Austria

Forms of teaching and learning

Seminars.

Practical training/internship

None.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

One digital sound file and one assignment in the subject "culture through space and time"; to be submitted at given deadlines. The coursework must be submitted and approved before submitting the portfolio for assessment.

Examination

Portfolio assessment.

The portfolio must contain

• Two written contributions from "language through space and time";
• One written contribution from "culture through space and time";
• Two oral contributions (sound files) from "oral proficiency".

The final assessment is one joint mark for all contributions, given on the A-F grading scale.

Literature

• Stedje, Astrid: Deutsche Sprache gerstern und heute. Einführung in Sprachgeschichte und Sprachkunde (UTB, 1499). Munich
• Nybøle, R Steinar (2008). spracheundkultur.at. Compendium, local print.
• Kranich-Hofbauer, Karin & R Steinar Nybøle (2008). Lebendiges Mittelalter. Compendium, local print.