31308 - German Linguistics and Language 3

Course contents

The course has two parts:  
1. - 30 hours of formal classes during the 1st semester 
2. - A language learning course through the whole year    
The aim of the main course is to continue and further develop the metalinguistic reflection on the German language which was begun in the first two years. The main subject of the course will be German lexis, focusing on the different types of words, their internal structure and their semantic relations. Special attention will be given to the development of lexical information and its textual function. 

Language learning course  
The part language course aims to develop the student's linguistic pragmatic, and sociolinguistic competence in German. All German language courses are based on the theoretical and methodological principles described by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR).  At the end of the third year, students should have reached C1-level:  Oral production (speaking): He/her can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on complex subjects, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.  Aural reception (listening): He/her can understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics beyond his/her own field, though he/she may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar. Can follow extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly.  Written production (writing): He/her can write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.  Visual reception (reading): He/her can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not they relate to his/her own area of speciality, provided he/she can reread difficult sections. 

Readings/Bibliography

Main course 
 Kösters Gensini, Sabine E. (2009): Le parole del Tedesco. Tipi, struttura, relazioni, uso. Roma (Carocci), 15-64.  Römer, Christine & Brigitte Matzke (2010): Der deutsche Wortschatz. Struktur, Regeln und Merkmale. Tübingen (Narr), 1-18; 37-56; 101-110, Reader in Alma DL.

Language learning course (esercitazioni di lingua) The chosen textbooks follow the CEFR's theoretical and methodological principles and are suitable for university students. Each learning group will adopt a book corresponding to its initial competence level.

Teaching methods

Main course 
formal lessons, group work, exercises 
Language learning course (esercitazioni di lingua) 
Lessons are interactive requiring the students' direct participation. We have 3 different learning groups each of which corresponds to a different initial level of learner competences. Special support will be given to very advanced students, with a course starting on B2+ -level.

Assessment methods

Main course 
  Written exam at the end of the course. Assessment criteria: capacity of expression (completeness and accuracy of contents), coherence of presentation.
Language learning course (esercitazioni di lingua) 
Final exams are written and oral. Students must pass the written part before taking the oral exam. The written exam (150 min) consists of the production of a written text in which students show their abilities in synthetic and argumentative writing. There will be one Italian and one German text on the same topic. Students will have to summarize both texts emphasizing common and different points of view, and finally explaining their own opinion.  The oral exam (20 min) consists in presenting a book which the student has chosen from a list of titles (all works on German language and culture), illustrating and discussing the main ideas of this book. Assessment criteria are phonetic, lexical and grammatical competence as well as fluency and the ability to use strategies in order to overcome communication problems. The assessment of correctness, range and control is relative to the level required for the third year.

Teaching tools

power point presentations, exercises

Links to further information

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

Office hours

See the website of Eva-Maria Christina Charlotte Thune