SFT11507 German Language I (Autumn 2011)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Mandatory course in the one-year German programme.
May be taken as part of the 60 ECTS optional module in the bachelor programme in Society, Language and Culture.

Lecture Semester

One-year German programme: 1^st semester (autumn)
Bachelor programme in Society, Language and Culture: 1^st, 3^rd or 5^th semester (autumn)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

The students have acquired basic knowledge of German morphology and German syntax from a practical perspective. They have learnt basic German phonetics (standard pronunciation) in comparison with Norwegian, and they have been introduced to regional phonetic variations in German-speaking countries. They will also be familiar with the terminology needed to read factual prose.

 Skills

The students are able to use their knowledge in practice and communicate relatively correctly and functionally in writing. They can understand authentic German texts.

 General competence

The students have basic understanding of terminology in the fields of grammar and phonetics, and understand how this knowledge can be used and taught.

Content

The course has three parts:

a)    Grammar I

b)    Written proficiency

c)    Phonetics and regional variety

Grammar 1:

Basic aspects of the German language system with special focus on morphology.

Written proficiency:

Norwegian and German are contrasted on a practical level with great emphasis on basic standard-language grammar, in particular morphology and practical syntax. The aim is to achieve functional usage.

Phonetics and regional variety:

This part comprises an articulatory description of the individual German standard sounds as well as those phonetic phenomena that are most problematic to Norwegian learners of German. Practical examples of regional varieties are presented.

Forms of teaching and learning

The course is taught as seminars based on active contributions from the students in the form of participation in project and group assignments using e.g. wiki technology.
Practices in phonetics take place in the language lab.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

None.

Examination

Portfolio and written exam

Portfolio:

Two individual contributions handed in by given deadlines.

A 5-hour written exam:

The candidate's knowledge of grammar, phonetics and written proficiency is tested. A number of questions are given to have the students show that they are familiar with and can account for the grammar syllabus. There are also 6-8 questions from the theoretical reading. Written proficiency is tested through a short translation of unknown text from Norwegian into German, asking the student to comment on particular contrastive phenomena. No aids permitted.

One mark is given for both parts, where the written examination is the primary basis for the mark and the portfolio is used to adjust the result (no more than one step up or down) on a grading scale from A to F.

In the case of re-examination both the written exam and the portfolio must be retaken.

In the case of complaint both the written exam and the portfolio will be reassessed.

Course evaluation

Feedback from students is decisive for the University College to be able to offer the best possible courses and study programmes. This course is evaluated in the following ways:

• Mid-term evaluation
• End-of-term evaluation

The results are dealt with by a group of lecturers, the head of studies, and the local study quality committee.

Literature

Grammar I, written proficiency

Reiten, Håvard: Tysk grammatikk. Oslo: Aschehoug 1995. Pp 7-23, 25-143, 187-232, 259-266 and 267-271

 Phonetics

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

Additionally, a practical phonetics course.