SFT11507 German Language I (Autumn 2015)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Mandatory course in German One-Year Programme.

Part of the 60 ECTS German module that can be taken as part of the Bachelor's Programme in Society, Language, and Culture.

Lecture Semester

One-Year Programme in German: 1^st semester (autumn)
Bachelor's 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 basic knowledge of German morphology and syntax from a practical perspective. They also have basic knowledge of German phonetics (standard pronunciation) and regional phonetic variations in the German language area. They are familiar with the terminology needed when reading course books and other non-fictional literature.

Skills

The students are able to apply their knowledge to practical situations, communicating functionally and correct in writing. They are able to understand authentic German texts.

General competence

The students know grammatical and phonetic terminology and are able to teach the knowledge they have acquired.

Content

The course consists of

a)     Grammar I

b)    Written proficiency

c)     Phonetics

Grammar I:

The students learn basic aspects of the German language system with special emphasis on morphology.

Written proficiency:

The language topics are presented by contrasting German and Norwegian on a practical level.

Practising basic, standard-language grammar, in particular morphology and practical syntax, is emphasised with the aim of achieving functional and correct usage.

Phonetics:

This comprises an articulatory description of the individual German standard phonetic sounds and phenomena that are problematic for Norwegian users of German. Examples of regional variations of German are given.

Forms of teaching and learning

Instruction is given on our website (deutsch.hiof.no) and our learning platform (fronter.com/oa). The syllabus is presented here and students are expected to participate actively in discussions and other web activities related to the syllabus. They are also expected to participate actively in group-based projects based on cooperation via e.g. wiki technology.

Workload

Approx. 280 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

None.

Examination

Portfolio assessment and written test

Portfolio assessment:

Two individual assignments are submitted by given deadlines.

Written test (5 hours):

The candidates are tested in Grammar I, Phonetics and Written Proficiency. Grammar I comprises several questions where the candidates are to show that they master and can account for the central grammar syllabus. Phonetics comprises 6 to 8 questions from the theoretical syllabus. Written Proficiency makes use of a brief translation of an unknown text from Norwegian into German asking the candidates to comment on specific contrastive phenomena. No aids permitted.

As a rule the written exam is taken on campus. Students who wish to sit the exam at another previously accepted location have to apply for this on a special form.

One final mark is given based on the written exam and the portfolio. The written test is the primary basis for assessment while the portfolio is used to adjust the mark (maximally one step up or down) on the A-F grading scale.

At re-examination new assignments (portfolio) will have to be submitted in addition to the written test.

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

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated by the students twice per semester and the result of the evaluation is processed by the faculty committee for study quality.

Literature

Adjustments to the reading list will be made known no later than the beginning of the semester.

Grammar I, Written Proficiency:

REITEN, Håvard (1995). Tysk grammatikk. Oslo: Aschehoug. Pp. 7-23, 25-143, 187-243  and 267-271.

Phonetics:

LUNDEMO, Frode: Deutsche Phonetik. Local print, Halden. Latest ed.