This course focuses on the development of listening and reading comprehension skills and on the development of oral and written communication. This includes expanding students’ knowledge of German grammar and vocabulary as well as practising and reflecting on language learning strategies. The language level of this course relates to level B2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

The course introduces students to contemporary literature, film and culture in the German language with a focus on 20th century history of the German-speaking countries. Students will reflect on concepts such as 'Vergangenheitsbewältigung' (coming to terms with the past) and how they are dealt with in literature, film, museums, etc. The course engages students in activities to relate those contents to their own cultural background in order to foster their intercultural awareness.

1. On successful completion, students will linguistically have a sufficient range of language to be able to give clear descriptions, express viewpoints and develop arguments without much searching for words, using some complex sentence forms to do so.
2. Students will be able to express themselves confidently, clearly and politely in a formal or informal register, appropriate to the situation and person(s) concerned.
3. Students will be able to read literary texts and understand German films in the context of German-speaking cultures and will be able to analyse and critique them.
4. Students will have an understanding of 20^th century history of the German-speaking countries including concepts such as ‘Vergangenheitsbewältigung’. They will be able to relate those concepts to their own cultural background.
5. Students will be able to conduct a small research project on a topic related to the German language and culture and to write a report on their project.

• 3 written assignments (each 10%)
  All written assignments will be marked on language and content.
  Learning outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
• One mid-semester test (15%):
  listening and reading comprehension,
  grammar and vocabulary
  Learning outcomes assessed: 1, 3
• One research project related to the German language and culture (15%)
  Learning outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• One oral presentation (15%)
  Learning outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• Final examination (25%):
  listening and reading comprehension,
  grammar and vocabulary, and written communication
  Learning outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Graduate students may attend joint lectures with undergraduates but can expect more rigorous assessment and additional assignment work tailored to their interests such as a research project on German language and culture.

3.5 contact hours per week plus approximately 6.5 hours of regular work per week outside class.

New students are required to sit a placement test to determine the language proficiency.

Students should have an assumed language proficiency equivalent to the successful completion of GERM6505.

Language prerequisite: German Studies Intermediate I GERM6505 or equivalent, as demonstrated by a placement test.

TBA