30619 - German Language (LM)

Learning outcomes

The students are expected to develop an extensive knowledge of linguistic and discursive structures of the German language, in both synchronic and diachronic terms, and to be able to apply them profitably to textual analysis and translation.

Through practical exercises, their communicative skills (both active and passive) will progress towards the C2 level of the Common European Framework.

Course contents

The course consists of the following two learning activities:
I. lectures (60 hours), given by Sandra Vlasta;
II. language exercises (36 hours), given by Dr. Christiane von Stumpfeldt, collaborator and native speaker language expert of German.
Regular and active participation in both activities is highly recommended.
The 60-hour module will be held in the second semester. The language exercises will start in the same week as the lectures, see the published timetable.

Contents:
I. The aim of the course is to deepen your knowledge of the semantic-lexical, textual and discursive structures of the German language. We will read, analyse and discuss together different texts in German that explore topics related to the reality of the German-speaking countries, also referring to the specific historical and cultural context.
II. The exercises will be dedicated to the development of linguistic structures, comprehension and oral expression.

Readings/Bibliography

Lectures:
The texts used will be provided to the students in class.

Language exercises:
The textbook in use will be "Akademie Deutsch B2+" and "Akademie Deutsch B2+ Zusatzmaterial", Hueber Verlag. Students are requested to obtain these volumes for the beginning of the lessons.

Teaching methods

The course will take place in seminar format and will involve the active participation and regular attendance of students.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of two parts:

I. Lectures (lezioni frontali):

There will be a final written examination in which the skills of comprehension and textual analysis acquired during the course will be tested.

II. Linguistic exercises (esercitazioni linguistiche):

Examination of the lexical and grammatical structures characteristic of the textual types dealt with. Further information on the final test will be provided at the beginning of the course.

In order to be able to validate the examination, both tests (language exercises and lectures) must be taken and passed. Students can choose in which order to take them.

Only the overall mark can be rejected; if the mark is rejected, both tests must be retaken.

Finalising the overall grade:

For the "verbalizzazione" of the final grade students are requested to register in the designated list on AlmaEsame (List “30619 Lingua tedesca (LM) Lista per la VERBALIZZAZIONE - LEGGERE NOTA”).

In calculating the overall grade for the course, the ratio is 2/3 for the part of the lectures and 1/3 for the part of the exercises.

Teaching tools

Written texts as well as audios and videos will be used.

Office hours

See the website of Sandra Christine Vlasta