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:30.9.2025

1. - formal lessions (60) Prof. Thüne, 1° semestre,  1st lesson: 1.10.2024

2. - Language lessons (36), Dott. Enrico Mina, 1° semester,

Main subject of the course:

 Individual and social multilingualism in the German-speaking world. Case studies.

The course aims to develop an understanding of the multilingualism that is increasingly present in the German-speaking world both as an individual and as a social phenomenon. After a theoretical introduction to the various forms of multilingualism, two situations in particular will be addressed: 1) individual multilingualism/plurilingualism, i.e. how to identify the different varieties and languages that go to make up the individual linguistic repertoire; and 2) the public representation of multilingualism, particularly through what is called the ‘linguistic landscape’.

The conceptual and methodological tools necessary for reliably identifying different varieties of German will be developed; the initial aim will be to analyze forms of spoken German in which features of multilingualism, such as code-mixing and code-switching, are manifested. Achieving this goal requires the use of multimedia tools for recognizing and distinguishing different varieties.

The representation of multilingualism in public spaces often reflects its association with migration processes. Examples will be presented of how this social change leaves traces in the linguistic landscape, especially in metropolitan areas. In addition, an attempt will be made to trace a historical dimension in the analysis of the development of linguistic landscapes through films and photos of different periods.


The exam consists of 1) a presentation of a paper during the course and 2) an oral exam at the end of the course.

2.This course goes together with a language learning course (36 hours, esercitazioni, 1st semester) with Enrico Mina 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.

Readings/Bibliography

General Readings

Busch, Brigitta (2017): Mehrsprachigkeit, Wien (facultas), selected pages 

Ehrhardt, C. & H. Marten, ed. (2018), Linguistic landscapes-Sprachlandschaften, Zeitschrift Der Deutschunterricht Heft 4, selected pages 

Földes, C. & T. Roelcke, ed. (2022): Handbuch Mehrsprachigkeit, Berlin (De Gruyter), selected pages 

Schwitalla, Johannes (2012): Gesprochenes Deutsch, Berlin (Schmidt Verlag), selected pages

on-line tools

oral language Corpora: Datenbank für Gesprochenes Deutsch

https://dgd.ids-mannheim.de/dgd/pragdb.dgd_extern.welcome

More specific texts and on-line resources  will be indicated at the beginning of the course. Most material will be available on the platform Virtuale.

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

The course is part of the project of innovative didactics of the University of Bologna and will be combine place-based formal classes with online educational materials and opportunities for interaction.

Assessment methods

1. Formal classes (with Prof. Thüne)

Individual class presentation (December) and oral interview (January) 

2. Language learning course

The language learning course involves a written assessment:
 a 'short' written term paper ("Hausarbeit") of 4 pages (cover page, bibliography etc. excluded), on a subject to be agreed with Dott. Mina.

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 [mailto:disabilita@unibo.it] ](mailto:disabilita@unibo.it ) (in case of disability) or [dsa@unibo.it [mailto:dsa@unibo.it] ](mailto:dsa@unibo.it ) (for students with Specific Learning Difficulties).

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 language course held by Dott. Mina, 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