Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

This unit, if taken with GRMN3409 German Studies 9, forms Pair 2 of options in the MJD-GRMNI and MJD-GRMNA German Studies majors. The unit develops students' proficiency in advanced German and English. Its focus is on particular aspects of language study such as translation of newspaper articles, intensive grammar studies, the development of advanced reading skills and techniques of essay writing. The unit teaches students to study German texts in great detail and to develop their written expression in both German and English. In preparation for each class students translate a provided text from German into English or vice versa using a variety of aids—bilingual dictionary; monolingual dictionary (English and German); collocations dictionary (English and German); matching texts; word-fields; and internet resources. Students then bring their translation together with matching articles to class. Part of the class is spent in discussion in small groups of two or three students, comparing translations and considering the differences. The remaining part of the class is an open forum and discussion of the meaning of the original text and the accuracy and appropriateness of the suggested translations. This open forum leads to a better understanding of the specific language/translation problems posed by the text and of the techniques required to solve them, while sharpening students' writing, speaking and presentation skills, as well as their critical information literacy and interpersonal skills. Each text is chosen to illustrate a specific area of language use in particular such as reported speech, syntax, tenses or collocations; or a specific area of translation practice such as accuracy, audience, explicitness and appropriateness; or a specific area of contrastive language study such as sentence structure, verbal/noun structures and register.

Students gain an increased level of competency in all four macro skills—listening to, speaking, reading and writing German corresponding to proficiency Levels B2/C1 and upwards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (Gemeinsamer Europaischer Referenzrahmen).

Students develop an increased awareness of intercultural understanding and of language learning, as well as research skills and communication strategies and increased awareness of how languages work in general.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the GRMNI German Studies; GRMNA German Studies major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) gain an increased level of competency in all four macro skills—listening to, speaking, reading and writing German corresponding to proficiency Levels B2/C1 and upwards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (Gemeinsamer Europaischer Referenzrahmen) and (2) develop an increased awareness of intercultural understanding and a greater sensitivity to modern German perspectives on world events.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class tests; (2) written assignments; and (3) oral tasks. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Alexandra Ludewig
Unit rules
Prerequisites
GRMN3409 German Studies 9
or GRMN2209 German Advanced Language I
or GRMN3309 German Advanced Language I, GRMN2407 German Studies 7
or GRMN2408 German Studies 8
Contact hours
seminars: 2 hours per week (over 12 weeks)
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.