GERM 1002 - Beginners German A

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

This course introduces students to the language and culture of contemporary Germany. It provides intensive language training in the four basic skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - and introduces students to relevant aspects of German culture and society.

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Course Details

Course Code	GERM 1002
Course	Beginners German A
Coordinating Unit	German Studies
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 4 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Incompatible	Not available to students who obtained B or higher in SACE Stage 2 German
Assessment	Regular assessments, tests, end-of-Semester test, oral exam

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Simon Walsh

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will:
1) have a language proficiency corresponding to Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
2) have a basic knowledge and understanding of the structures and conventions governing the use of German and an ability to use them to communicate in German in a range of familiar everyday situations
3) have some knowledge of relevant aspects of German culture and society
4) be able to locate and make effective use of reference resources related to German and German Studies, including dictionaries, grammars, authentic texts and electronic resources
5) be able to apply what they have learned to answer questions and resolve problems in German within identified timeframes
6) have developed a basic awareness of what is different about the German language and the German culture and the impact such differences can have on communication and intercultural relations
7) be able to work independently and cooperatively to explore and respond to questions and issues relating to the language and the context/s in which it is used

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1, 2, 3
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	7
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	2, 7
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	4, 5
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	6
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	7

Learning Resources

Required Resources

1. Our course textbook is Vorsprung 4th edition + MindTap, which we will continue to use for Beginners German B. For most of you, the best way to purchase electronic access to Vorsprung + MindTap is via the "course microsite" integrated with our MyUni course website. The MyUni course website will contain instructions for purchasing Vorsprung/MindTap package: please read those instructions carefully!

2. During the semester we will read the very popular German children's book Oh, wie schön ist Panama by Janosch (Paperback edition; ISBN: 9783407760067). You can purchase the book online, e.g. via Book Depository, which offers free delivery to Australia.

Online Learning

You should choose a good online dictionary, bookmark it, and use it throughout the course and beyond!

PONS, dict.cc, and Linguee are the best online dictionaries. LEO and BEOLINGUS are also good.

Learning & Teaching Modes

The modes of teaching and learning employed in the course are largely classroom-based and face-to-face, but there is a lot of support material for the course available online at the Cornelsen website, and additional material will be provided on MyUni.
The course consists of two two-hour workshops that are designed to develop all four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. At the same time the course encourages the development of the appropriate background knowledge of cultural contexts necessary for cultural competence in communication.
Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their learning through:
1) independent personal study
2) independent e-learning
3) online use of all available resources

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

2 x 2-hour language tutorial per week	48 hours per semester
5 hours homework & test preparation	60 hours per semester
4 hours vocab learning & oral and listening practice	48 hours per week
	TOTAL = 156 hours per semester

Learning Activities Summary

There are twelve thematic units in studio 21 and we will aim to complete one thematic unit per week. The book begins with greetings, introductions and the alphabet and moves on to provide students with the vocab and expressions and the cultural knowledge and understanding they need to communicate effectively in a range of everyday situations. Students will be given a detailed course outline at the beginning of the semester.

Specific Course Requirements

There are no specific course requirements in addition to those already mentioned.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Weighting	Course Learning Outcome/s
Homework	Formative & Summative	15%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Vocab Tests	Formative & Summative	10%	1, 2, 5
Class Test	Formative & Summative	20%	1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Oral Test	Summative	10%	1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Semester Test	Summative	45%	1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Assessment Related Requirements

Students are expected to attend all 4 hours per week. In all cases, it is students’ responsibility to contact lecturers/coordinators about any absence and to ensure that they obtain any material handed out in classes missed. Students need to check their Adelaide student email regularly for reminders and updates!
Students are also expected to spend 8 hours per week outside class time working with the books and online. This is an intensive course aiming to get students to approximately the level of A2 by the end of the year, so the classes go fast and it is essential that students take the time regularly to revise, practise, prepare, learn vocab. etc. outside class time.
Students who require alternative arrangements for tests must notify staff at least 4 weeks in advance. Students who require an extension must notify staff before the due date and must provide evidence that they have legitimate medical or compassionate grounds for the request.

Assessment Detail

Free-writing homework assignments: 15%
MyUni Quizzes (+ already-completed vocab tests): 15%
Oral Test 1 (week 6): 5%
Oral Test 2 (Week 12): 5%
Class Test week 7 (Klassenarbeit): 30%
Semester Test week 13 (Klausur): 30%

The vocab tests will be replaced by 3x Quizzes that will be published on MyUni.. The total quiz grade (including the two Vocab tests already completed in class) will carry a weight of 15%.

Instead of a final oral exam, students will complete two smaller oral tests in weeks 6 and 12 respectively, which will take place on Zoom. Students will be divided into groups of 2-3 and carry out a discussion among themselves that is moderated by the instructor. Sample questions for the two tests will be provided in advance. Each oral test is worth 5% for a total of 10%.

The class test (Klassenarbeit) and semester test (Klausur) will be completed online, and each will carry a weight of 30%.

Submission

Information on submission will be provided in the detailed Course Outline that students receive at the beginning of the semester.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Sometimes things go wrong. Staff in German Studies are always sympathetic towards students with genuine problems. We recommend that students let us know about any difficulties or disabilities affecting their academic performance as soon as possible. Staff will always do their best to help students if they are aware that they have a problem and need assistance.
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator