With an emphasis on academic German, this course continues with the development of listening and reading comprehension skills and with the development of oral and written communication. Students will learn and practise how to write a university essay in German and how to give a class presentation with an academic content.

The course introduces students to post-war German literature and engages students in the study of topical issues in contemporary German-speaking societies. Furthermore, it provides students with learning opportunities in the area of intercultural communication.

On successful completion, the student can express him/herself clearly and without much sign of having to restrict what he/she wants to say. The student will also be able to use the language for academic purposes, e.g. essay writing with appropriate referencing in German.

Furthermore, the student will be able to read and analyse literary texts and relate them to German-speaking culture. He/she will also have an understanding of current affairs in the German-speaking societies and will be able to analyse and critique them.

Graduate students may attend joint classes with undergraduates but can expect more rigorous asessment and additional assignment work, tailored to their interests.

This course has continuous assessment to provide students with regular feedback on their learning progress. Proposed are: one in-class mid-semester tests (15%), three written assignments (45%), one oral examination (15%), and one final examination (25%).