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, which will be held in the second semester, will consist of the following two learning activities:

1. lectures (60 hours), given by Dr. Rita Luppi;

2. 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.

 

1. Lectures. The aim of the course is to deepen the students' knowledge of the lexical-semantical, textual and discursive structures of the German language. With this respect, we will analyse, among others, texts belonging to different text typologies in order to reflect on their pragmatic, communicative, structural and lexical characteristics; moreover, we will discuss the discursive strategies used. During the course, mixed-methods analysis tools, such as MAXQDA, will be presented and used, in order to discuss the educational potential of such resources as well.

2. Language exercises. The exercises will be dedicated to the development of linguistic structures, comprehension and oral expression as well as to the analysis of texts.

Readings/Bibliography

Lectures:

1. Schwarz-Friesel, M./Consten, M. (2014): Einführung in die Textlinguistik. WBG.

2. Materials made available on Virtuale.

Further information will be given at the beginning of and during the course.

 

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

Lectures, seminars, exercises; the course will involve the active participation and regular attendance of students, even though work in groups.

Assessment methods

Lecures

The examination consists of:

1. An oral presentation (Referat) to be held in pairs (in German) at the end of the course (approx. 20. min.). Students will be supported in choosing the topic and in preparing the presentation.

2. A final written exam (60 min.; only paper monolingual dictionary allowed) composed of a) theoretical questions on the contents of the lectures part; b) a part of textual analysis on the basis of the analysis methods discussed and acquired during the course.

Assessment criteria: capacity of expression, completeness and accuracy of contents.

In addition to the written exam, non-attending students will have to hold the oral presentation (Referat) individually (approx. 10-15. min.) during an oral appointment. The topic of the Referat must be agreed with the lecturer well in advance, in any case no later than three weeks before the oral examination.

The final mark of the lectures' part is the average between the two examination parts.

 

Language exercises

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.

 

PLEASE NOTE that

- 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.

- 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.

 

Students with SLDs or temporary or permanent disabilities: we suggest that you contact the relevant university office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and your professor immediately to work together to find the most effective strategies for attending classes and/or preparing for exams. Any requests for accommodations must be made at least 15 days before the date of the exam, by sending an email to the lecturer and copying (Cc) the email address disabilita@unibo.it (in case of disability) or dsa@unibo.it (for students with Specific Learning Difficulties).

Teaching tools

Power Point presentations, texts, exersises, mixed-method analysis software.

Office hours

See the website of Rita Luppi