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University Language Centre

ULGE11001/ULGE11002 - Introductory German 2-hour mode (non-credit only)

  • Credits: Non-credited only
  • Pre-requisite: None
  • Taught during: Both semesters.
  • Timetable: Timetable for the course.

Description

This course is for absolute beginners who would like to get started with the language and to have the time to learn it and practise it at a 'modest pace', as compared to our general credited courses where the pace is actually quicker and more intense. 

It aims to give students a basic knowledge of reading, listening, spoken and written skills in a dynamic and communicative way, through individual, pair and group work and studio-based and authentic texts. The focus is on accuracy as well as communication. Students will be expected to use the range of resources available to them in the Language Centre and to communicate with native speakers wherever possible, in order to develop cultural competence. 

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

  • Understand short, simple messages and announcements;
  • Read short simple texts and find specific information;
  • Communicate in simple, routine situations;
  • Write simple notes, messages and short personal letters.

By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.

Transferable skills

Pair and team work, focused listening, informal presentations, language awareness, cultural appreciation.

Teaching and learning methods

Seminars, two hours per week.

Assessment

Assessment is optional, but encouraged. Assessment consists of a project that you should spend between three and six hours on, as well as a five to ten-minute presentation in class in the final week of the course.

A choice of three tasks will be given for the project: either specified or a free choice, details of which will be outlined by your tutor and which will be found on Blackboard, the online learning platform.

The assessment gives you an opportunity to engage with a linguistic or cultural aspect of the target language, and offers the opportunity to practise reflective skills and to develop independent learning strategies. 

Nature and timing of feedback

Feedback will include a combination of:

  • Informal ongoing oral and written feedback resulting from homework and class-based learning activities;
  • Formal written feedback can be given following assessment.

Convenor

See timetables

Taught by

TBA

Maximum entry

22

Set text

  • Menschen A1.1, Kursbuch mit DVD-ROM, Hueber Publisher, ISBN: 978-3-19-301901-1
  • Menschen A1.1, Arbeitsbuch mit Audio-CD, Hueber Publisher, ISBN: 978-3-19-311901-8

Recommended texts

  • Kurzgrammatik zum Nachschlagen und Üben. A Compact Grammar for Reference and Practice (A1-B1), by Monika Reimann. (Hueber 2010), ISBN 978-3-19-109569-7
  • Fit in Grammatik A1/A2, Taschentrainer"> , by Anneli Billina. (Hueber 2010), ISBN 978-3-19-357493-0

Pathway

ULGE10010 Beginners’ German or ULGE20110 Pre-intermediate German (with further independent work after the completion of this cousre)

Employability

Successful completion of this course unit will enhance your curriculum vitae and your employability by showing that you have a capacity to learn other languages and the desire to engage with other cultures.