78675 - German Linguistics 1 (LM)

Learning outcomes

The global aim of this course – which includes lectures and practical language classes - is to provide students with an expert knowledge of a number of aspects of German linguistics, enabling them not only to communicate effectively in German, but also to think critically about and describe the metalinguistic factors at play in language use. This aim will be achieved by providing students with theoretical knowledge related to one or more of the following areas of German linguistics: phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicology, semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, stylistics and corpus linguistics. The focus of the course will be on real language use, with authentic texts (written and/ or spoken, belonging to different registers) and electronic language corpora used as examples. Language classes aim to improve students’ linguistic competence; over the two year period students’ knowledge of German should reach level C 1.2 according to the European framework in all four abilities. These classes will work in connection with the lectures to improve students’ writing skills in particular.

Course contents

1. The course consists of 60 hours of formal classes (lezioni frontali), during the 1st semester. This course is mainly thought for first year students but also open for 2nd year students of LSC. First lesson: 29.9.2021
Please enrole in this list in:evamaria.thune.german_linguistics_1 https://www.dsa.unibo.it

Written and spoken language

The aim of the course is to provide students with the conceptual and methodological basis necessary for analysing texts of different types in German, in both the written and the spoken language. Students will be introduced to the basic textlinguistic concepts of texuality, such as text grammar, text semantics, text functions, and these will be used to develop a clearer understanding of what distinguishes one type of text from another.
Using corpora of German oral texts , the main phenomena of spoken language will be examined with the help of sociolinguistic and pragmatic concepts like variety, register, conversational routines and rituals.
Particular attention will be given to intermediate forms like chats and the representation of spoken language in written texts.

2.This course goes together with a language learning course (36 hours, esercitazioni, 1st semester) with Dott. Anna Nissen, please check the official timetable. First lesson: date will be announced. 

The language learning course includes an introduction to the techniques of academic writing in German, focusing on types of text such as thesis/term paper, lecture summaries, project descriptions, etc..

Further information and teaching materials will be made available on the following website:https://lettoratonissen.wordpress.com/

Readings/Bibliography

Duden (2009): Die Grammatik. 9., völlig neu erarbeitete und erweiterte Auflage. Hrsg. von der Dudenredaktion. Mannheim u.a., Dudenverlag [Kapitel "Der Text" und Kapitel "Die gesprochene Sprache"]. on-line

Linke, Angelika, Markus Nussbaumer & Paul R. Portmann (1991): Studienbuch Linguistik, Tübingen (Niemeyer), Kap. 6. on-line

Maibauer, Jörg (2008): Pragmatik, Tübingen (Stauffenberg) (pag. on-line)

Schwitalla, Johannes (2012): Gesprochenes Deutsch, Berlin (Schmidt Verlag), pag. on-line

ders., (2000), “Mit Händen und Füßen reden. Sprachliche und nicht-sprachliche Symbolsysteme in der mündlichen Kommunikation”, (on-line)

Risorse on-line
Textanalyseportal (University of Bielefeld):

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYjzHOPr8LYLbwNY9B-0pyg/playlists

Transkription GAT (University of Freiburg)
http://paul.igl.uni-freiburg.de/gat-to

Language learning course (esercitazioni di lingua)

The material follows the CEFR's theoretical and methodological principles and are suitable for university students. Further information will be given at the beginning of the language learning course.

Teaching methods

lectures and seminar classes

Assessment methods

1. Formal classes (with Prof. Thüne)
The exam consists in a presentation of two papers in class
Assessment criteria: capacity of expression (completeness and accuracy of contents), coherence of presentation.

Non-attending students have to take a written and an oral exam about textanalysis; further information on the official website (“Contenuti utili”).

2. Language learning course (Dott.ssa Nissen)

The language learning course involves a written assessment:
- for the participants: a 'short' written term paper ("Hausarbeit") of 4 pages (cover page, bibliography etc. excluded), on a subject to be agreed with the lecturer
- for those who do not attend: a full 6-page written term paper ("Hausarbeit") (cover page, bibliography etc. excluded), on a subject to be agreed with Dott.ssa Nissen.

The final mark for the course “German Linguistics” will be a combination of the exam results from the part held by Prof. Thüne and the part held by Dott. Nissen, with the former counting double.

Students have the right to refuse the final mark for the course and take the whole exam again. Before taking this step students and in particular those about to graduate should be aware that for the practical language part of the course there is only one exam day per session.

Teaching tools

texts and audio and video corpora, power point presentations, exercises and use of internet platforms

Links to further information

http://www.aperandosini.eu/aperandosini/home.html

Office hours

See the website of Eva-Maria Christina Charlotte Thune