97601 German Language and Culture 1
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
UTS: International Studies: Language StudiesCredit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Handbook description
This subject aims to enable students to meet their basic communication needs in everyday social interactions in German, not only by developing skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing German, but also by developing an understanding of the cultures of German-speaking countries. By the end of this subject, students learn to understand a range of everyday written language such as counting, telling the time, instructions and simple personal correspondence. Students also learn to write simple descriptions, complete basic forms and communicate appropriately in situations such as introducing themselves, exchanging personal information, asking and giving directions and discussing daily routines and past events. They develop an understanding of aspects of German-speaking culture and their relationship to appropriate language use as well as develop strategies for long-term effective language learning.
Subject objectives/outcomes
By the end of German Language and Culture 1 students should be able to:
- Communicate confidently within the range of social situations as set out in the unit outline
- Use written German within the range of discourse forms as set out in the unit outline
- Understand aspects of the culture of German speaking people and their relationship to appropriate language use.
- Comprehend a limited range of authentic texts, particularly these relevant in an university environment
Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes
Students who complete IS Language and Culture subjects should have the following capabilities drawn from the IS Graduate Capabilities:
- Capacity to communicate in a range of contexts in the relevant language;
- Sensitivity to intercultural difference, a respect for other cultures and a commitment to international citizenship;
- Preparedness for lifelong learning of international languages, societies and cultures.
Teaching and learning strategies
The pedagogical key concept we adopt in our curriculum development is Blended Learning, which incorporates independent learning and classroom instruction into a coherent program to provide students with a steady progression in language proficiency to enable them to gain full literacy skills in the target language and to equip them with the skills of self-directed learning.
The main approach to classroom teaching instruction is communicative. This approach stresses the development of communication skills in a meaningful context (such as activities in which one might endeavour in the host country or with individuals from the target culture), using authentic materials (newspapers, news clips, films etc.) and situations (role-plays, interviews etc.). In classroom activities students are engaged in real-life communication exchanges in the target language. Language is studied in context and topical items are often used. In any lesson students may be required to work individually, in pairs or in groups on a variety of language learning tasks. Student participation in these activities is an essential element of language development and learning at IS.
The communicative approach to language teaching and learning is a generic approach. It is intended as an umbrella term covering a variety of methods, which individual teachers will use. Both fluency and accuracy are key elements of this approach. The communicative approach focuses on functional aspect of language – presenting oneself, reserving a room, asking questions etc. – as well as structural (lexical, grammatical) features. The focus is not only on the language, but also the context of language, the (social) purpose of language, cross-cultural learning and the development of independent language learning strategies.
As an 8 credit point subject the approximate time commitment expected from students is 12 hours per week. 4 hours of this will be class time, meaning students are expected to do around 8 hours of independent study outside class each week. Independent study includes homework, going to the library, preparing assignments, studying for tests, reading subject materials and preparing for class. In order to make the most of this subject, students need to set aside enough time each week to complete all of these tasks.
Assessment
Assessment Item 1: Grammar and Vocab test
| Intent: | Use grammar skills learnt in class appropriately. |
| Weighting: | 10 |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment Item 2: Mid-Semester Test: Listening, Reading, Writing
| Intent: | - listen both for accuracy and for gist and to extract relevant information from spoken text. -comprehend written texts and extract relevant information from them. -communicate effectively through a written text This test will help students to identify any areas of weaknesses in their comprehension of German spoken and written texts, in communicating orally and in the production of their own written work. |
| Weighting: | 30 |
Assessment Item 3: Writing Task
| Intent: | The task will demonstrate students' development of written skills. Students will develop specific strategies for written expression in German |
| Weighting: | 10 |
Assessment Item 4: Speaking Skills Assessment
| Intent: | Students will demonstrate their ability to communicate basic information with fluency This test will help students to identify any areas of weaknesses in communicating orally |
| Weighting: | 20 |
Assessment Item 5: Final Assessment
| Weighting: | 30 |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass this subject, you must earn an overall total of 50 marks or more for the subject
Attendance
There are 13 weeks of Language and Culture classes, which include in-class tests. Tutorials are an important part of the learning experience in this subject. Students are expected to attend and participate in learning activities in all tutorials.
While this subject has a significant self-study component, it is very difficult to pass without attending all classes.
Students who miss more than 5 classes without providing documented evidence of illness or misadventure will not be given Special Consideration in this subject.
Required texts
- Tschirner, E., B. Nikolai, T. Terrell, (2009). Kontakte: A Communicative Approach. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill
Prescribed Texts are available for loan from the UTS library or for purchase from the University Co-op Bookshop, 3 Broadway, Ultimo or the Language Book Centre, York St, Sydney (opposite QVB)
References
The UTS Library contains a collection of books and other resources to assist you in your language learning. The call numbers for these resources are 433 – 438 (including the prescribed textbook, grammar reference books and dictionaries). The library’s reference section also contains numerous dictionaries to consult. Following is a list of suggested resources for you to consult:
- Dodd, B. et al (2003) Modern German grammar: a practical guide
- Routledge
- Duden Duden Deutsches Universal Wörterbuch Duden
- Gschossmann-Hendershot, E
- and Feuerle, L. ( 2001) German Grammar McGraw-Hill
- Gütz et al Grosswörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache Langenscheidt
- Russ, J.M (2003) German Grammar Hodder and Stoughton
- Strutz, H 501 German Verbs Barron’s Educational Series
- Collins German Concise Dictionary Harper Collins
- Zorach, C. (2000) English Grammar for Students of German Olivia and Hill Press
- Wahrig Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache dtv Wahrig
A German-English online dictionary can be found at http://dict.leo.org/
The Library also has a number of CD-ROMs and videos to assist in your language learning. For example:
- Countertop Software (2000) Instant Immersion. German (electronic resource)
- Fairfiled Language Technologies (2001)
- The Rosetta Stone. German Explorer (electronic resource)
- Goethe Institut Intern Nationes (2002)
- Redaktion D (Videorecording)
- Jenkins, E.M, et al (1993) Schau mal an (Videorecording)
You should also consult this subject’s UTSOnline site for extensive lists of online resources relevant to particular units of work.
Other resources
Experiencing German Language and Culture in Sydney
Students are encouraged to experience aspects of German language and culture through various sources in Sydney. Here are just a few examples:
SBS Radio and Television
SBS television broadcasts movies and documentaries from all over the world. Check their website for information on programs in German or about German –speaking countries: www.sbs.com.au German Language Programs in German are broadcast on SBS radio on Sydney AM: 1107 and FM: 97.7. Again check SBS’s websites for up-to-date program details.
German Language News: Deutsche Welle TV
SBS regularly presents “Das Journal”, the German news, weekdays at 8:00 am.
Deutsche Welle Radio
ABC NewsRadio (AM 630) occasionally broadcasts programs from Deutsche Welle Radio (in English). Check the ABC website for program schedules (www.abc.net.au).
The Goethe Institut
The Goethe Institute is the German Culture Centre in Sydney and is located at 90 Ocean St, Woollahra. The Goethe Institute organises concerts, conferences, language classes and exhibitions as well as sponsors numerous culture events in Sydney. They also have an InfoSpace & Gallery where you can find a comprehensive collection of German newspapers and magazines, free internet access, all day German TV and changing exhibitions. www.goethe.de/ins/au/syd/ (click on either the German or Australian flag icons for German or English language versions of the website).
UTS Library
The UTS library holds a variety of German Language and Culture related resources available for loan or in Closed Reserve. Students can access these from the catalogue using, for instance, “German language” as the keywords.
