31499 - German Language - LM

Course contents

The course is intended to consolidate crucial parts of German grammar and expand students' reading skills. Particular focus is given to the acquisition of specific vocabulary. As for content students will be introduced to the political and social history of the Federal Republic of Germany after World War II. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the ways social and political change is reflected in the images and messages of advertising.

Teaching methods

Lectures, discussions

Assessment methods

Attending students:
Students who attend classes sit a written exam (approx. 2 hours) at the end of the course consisting in four parts: specific vocabulary, basic grammar, reading comprehension, translation from German into Italian (bilingual dictionary allowed for parts 3 and 4: "reading comprehension" and "translation"). Essential requirement for admission to sit the written test: 80% attendance of both the professor's and the collaborator's lessons.
Non-attending students:
Written and oral exam
Written exam:
approx. 2 hours (specific vocabulary, basic grammar, reading comprehension, translation from German into Italian). Bilingual dictionary allowed for parts 3 and 4: "reading comprehension" and "translation".
Important: a 18/30 mark (or higher) in the written test is required to sit the oral exam
Oral exam:
1) reading comprehension of a short newspaper article which will be given to students after having passed the written test. The students will summarize its content answering questions ("who, whar, when, where, why and how") and showing his/her ability to understand specific vocabulary and syntax.
2) presentation in German and comment of parts of the course material (chosen by the student).
3) discussion in German on other relevant parts of the course material.

Teaching tools

Reader, different sorts of study material given during the lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Eva Elisabeth Lindenmayer