SFT20211 German in Contrast (Autumn 2016)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Elective course in the German as a Foreign Language Extension Course. May be taken as part of the bachelor programme in Society, Language end Culture.  

Lecture Semester

German as a Foreign Language Extension Course: 1^st semester (autumn).

Bachelor in Society, Language and Culture: 3^rd or 5^th semester (autumn).

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

The students have sound knowledge of selected parts of the grammatical system such as the order of sentence parts and the structure of sentences and sentence parts. They have enhanced knowledge of modern German usage and the contrasts between modern German and Norwegian structures and usage. They know essential aspects of German language history and are able to see the grammatical topics they deal with from a diachronic perspective. 

Skills

The students have improved their practical skills through knowledge of the grammatical system and its diachronic aspects, and are able to use language more functionally, producing texts of higher quality. Likewise, they have improved their skills in understanding authentic German texts and have more practice using translation strategies.

General competence

The students have enhanced their understanding of language structures and functions thus having achieved a higher competence in using texts for various purposes and in using translation strategies. They understand that languages are subject to continual change.

Content

With a basis in the reading list, chosen grammatical topics are primarily dealt with through text production under supervision. The students are given an introduction to the basic features of German language history.
In written proficiency students are trained to translate in a functional way from Norwegian to German and from German to Norwegian.

Forms of teaching and learning

Instruction is given on our website (deutsch.hiof.no) and our learning platform (fronter.com/oa). The reading matter is presented here and students are expected to participate actively in discussions and other webbased activity.
The instruction is organised as seminars consisting largely of practical work with language and texts, and as exercises related to the course material.

Workload

Approx. 420 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

None.

Examination

Portfolio plus written test

Portfolio assessment

The students submit four individual assignments (grammar) by given deadlines.

Written exam (5 hours)

The students are examined in written proficiency and language history.

The exam consists of one translation from Norwegian into German and one from German into Norwegian, and additionally, 2-4 questions dealing with language history. No aids permitted.

As a rule, the written exam is arranged on campus. If students wish to sit the exam at another previously approved location they have to submit a written application on a designated form.

One mark is given based on both the written exam and the portfolio. The written exam is the main basis for assessment with the portfolio as a possible adjustment up or down one grade on the A-F grading scale.

In the case of a resit for the written exam a new portfolio must also be submitted.

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

Course evaluation

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

Literature

Grammar:

The following topics are included in the course:

a)     the conjunctive

b)    valency and sentence structure

c)     nominalisation and participle constructions

d)    order of sentence parts

The required reading for these topics and for the history of language will be posted on the website http://deutsch.hiof.no

Written proficiency:

Exercises, texts and background material are posted on http://deutsch.hiof.no