German
Course Descriptions
First Year B.A. Students
(Advanced)
2015/16
Appendix 1: Contacts
Appendix 2: Marking Scheme
Appendix 3: Important Dates
First Year Coordinator: Gabi Behrens (contact details see Appendix 1)
Entry requirements for B.A. students: Leaving Certificate German or equivalent.
Students must register for both modules offered, GR1100 German Language and
Culture (Advanced) and GR1102 Skills for Studying German. These modules
consists of the following components.
Modules
GR 1100 German Language and Culture (Advanced)
Credits: 15 ECTS
Semester
Module Components
Advanced German Language I (67%)
1 and 2
Introduction to German Literature (33%)
1 and 2
GR 1102 Skills for Studying German
Credits: 5 ECTS
Semester
Module Components
Studying German effectively (50%)
1
Modern German History (50%)
2
Students must attend all classes that are offered.
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Course Descriptions
Module: GR 1100 German Language and Culture (Advanced)
GR1100 Component: German Language (Advanced)
(Sem. 1 and 2; 4 hrs. per week, plus one hour per week in the multi-media laboratory
in Semester 1; counts 67% of the total mark of this module)
Lecturers: Gabi Behrens, Natalie Nevin.
Course description: This course aims to expand your knowledge of German. Lectures
will focus on strengthening your confidence in the use of German in everyday
situations. A communicative approach of language teaching and learning is used and a
variety of stimulating oral and written exercises is employed, in conjunction with
listening comprehension exercises. You will read and discuss a broad variety of
interesting texts. Vocabulary will be expanded and grammatical ability will be
strengthened. In Semester 1, language work in the multi-media laboratory will help
students to improve their pronunciation and to gain confidence in their communicative
skills.
Course content and grammatical progression comply with the requirements of level
A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Prerequisites: A pass in German in the Leaving Certificate Higher Level examination
or an equivalent attainment.
Learning and teaching methods: A variety of stimulating oral and written exercises is
employed, supplemented by conversation classes. Course content and grammatical
progression comply with the requirements of level A2 of the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages. The course programme includes a systematic
revision of German grammar at beginners’ level
.
All students have access to the Virtual Learning Environment Blackboard where they
can find announcements, assignments, lecture notes, websites, videos and audio
material.
Core texts: Semester 1: Menschen. Kursbuch und Arbeitsbuch. Niveau A2. (Hueber
Verlag, 2013). Semester 2: Menschen. Kursbuch und Arbeitsbuch. Niveau B1.
(Hueber Verlag, 2013).
Languages of instruction: German and English
Method of assessment and examination: Overall assessment is based on coursework
evaluation, in-class tests and end-of-term exams.
End-of-term exams: 50% (Written: 30%, Oral: 20%, including pronunciation test).
Continuous assessment: 50% (assignments in grammar, writing, listening and reading
comprehension).
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Note: It is obligatory to attend all written, aural and oral examinations.
Attendance in all classes throughout the term is compulsory. Assignments
handed in after the given deadline will not be accepted.
If the student is absent for more than two consecutive classes a medical
certificate is necessary.
GR1100 Component: Introduction to German Literature
(Sem. 1 and 2, 1 hr. per week, counts 33% of the total mark of this module)
Lecturers: Tina Pusse, Hans-Walter Schmidt-Hannisa, Michael Shields, Colm Whelan
Course description: The aim of the course is to encourage students to read and study
literature. It introduces relevant literary terms and presents short literary texts from
different epochs and various genres such as poem, drama, anecdote and short story.
The main focus of the course is on reading strategies and literary interpretation. The
final course segment introduces students to film analysis and aims to convey
awareness regarding approach and terminology while discussing outstanding
examples from German film history.
Language of instruction: English.
Method of assessment and examination: Continuous assessment and an in-class-test
at the end of each semester.
Core texts: Chris Baldick, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms;
handouts.
GR 1102 Skills for Studying German
GR 1102 Component: Studying German effectively
(Sem. 1; 1 hr. per week, counts 50% of the total mark of this module)
Lecturers: Franziska Kroh, Hans-Walter Schmidt-Hannisa, Tina Pusse, Christa
Brennan
Course description: The course outlines the basis for effective ways of studying
German. Topics covered include fundamentals of linguistics and language
philosophy; language and the brain; finding out what language learning type you are;
learning techniques and self-motivational skills; basics of German grammar
terminology and phonetics; how to find information in the library when researching a
project effectively.
Mode of assessment: Learning Journal (40%), In-class-test (60%)
Core text: Handouts.
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GR 1102 Component: A Brief Overview of Modern German History
(Sem. 2; 1 hr. per week, counts 50% of the total mark of this module)
Lecturer: Franziska Kroh
Course Description: The course will focus on 200 years of German history, starting
with a French Emperor (Napoleon) invading and occupying German Lands in
1805/1806 and finishing with a reunited Republic of Germany, which is part of the
European Union and has established a special partnership with its neighbour France.
National ideas in all forms, both positive and negative, have always played a crucial
role in the historical process leading from a political "Flickenteppich" (patchwork rug)
to a democratic federal state and an economic superpower. Germany has regained its
national self-confidence but at the same time continues being self-critical due to two
World Wars caused by Germany in the first half of the 20th century. A focus of the
course will be cultural developments in their political, social and economic contexts.
Teaching and learning methods: A lecture supported by various visual and aural
historical sources. In preparation for each session the students have to read a chapter
from the core text (provided on Blackboard) and briefly answer questions.
Assessment and examination: Homework and class-participation: 50%. In-class-test at
the end of term: 50%
Attendance is obligatory and counts towards assessment.
Core Text: Mark Allinson: Germany and Austria 1814-2000.
Language of instruction: English
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Appendix 1: CONTACTS
DEPARTMENT OF GERMAN
Arts Millennium Building
National University of Ireland, Galway
Head of Discipline:
Professor Hans-Walter Schmidt-Hannisa
Room AM 307
Tel: 091 492239
E-mail: h.schmidthannisa@nuigalway.ie
Fax. 091 494572
First year co-ordinator:
Gabi Behrens
Room AM 302
E-mail: gabriele.behrens@nuigalway.ie
Administrative Assistant:
Ms. Geraldine Smyth
Room AM 306
Tel: 091 492226
E-mail: geraldine.smyth@nuigalway.ie
Administrative Queries:
Ms. Geraldine Smyth
Monday – Thursday 9.15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Consultation hours for all members of staff will be displayed on their office doors at the
beginning of the Semester.
Students are encouraged to come and discuss their studies with a staff member on an
individual basis.
Appendix 2: Marking Scheme
Grade
Percentage
Honours standard
A
70-100
First Class Honours
B+
60-69
Second Class Honours Grade 1
B-
50-59
Second Class Honours Grade II
C
45-49
Third Class Honours
D
40-44
Pass
E
0-39
Fail
Appendix 3: Important Dates
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First Semester
Start of teaching
Monday, 7th September, 2015
End of teaching
Saturday, 28th November, 2015
Study Week
Monday, 30th November – Saturday, 5th December, 2015
Examinations
Monday, 7th – Friday, 18th December, 2015
Christmas Vacation
Saturday, 19th December, 2015 – Sunday, 10th January, 2016
Second Semester
Start of Teaching period 1
Monday, 11th January, 2016
End of Teaching period 1
Saturday, 19th March, 2016
Easter Holidays
Thursday, 24th – Tuesday, 29th March, 2016.
Start of Teaching period 2
Monday, 4th April, 2016
End of Teaching period 2
Saturday, 16th April, 2016
Study Week
Monday, 18th – Saturday, 23th April, 2016
Examinations
Monday, 25th April - Wednesday, 11th May, 2016
Autumn Examinations
Tuesday,2nd – Friday, 12th August, 2016
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