German as a Foreign Language B2.1

In this module, students will increase their knowledge of German as a foreign language, enabling them to actively and almost fluently communicate with a native speaker on topics of general interest or in familiar fields using logically-structured arguments. Students develop a broad and differentiated vocabulary on a wide spectrum of topical issues. They increase their knowledge of word formation, the possibilities of nominalizing in German, as well as prepositional phrases and noun-verb collocations, and expand their repertoire of nouns, verbs and adjectives with prepositions. They review and increase their use of subjunctive II (e.g. in unreal comparisons), practice the use of two part (correlative) conjunctions and work on problems of sentence construction such as the placement of complements and adjuncts in complex main and subordinate clauses. Students deal with culturally-specific manifestations of German society and cultural life in modern-day Germany.

The module is aimed at level B2 Independent Language Use of the CEFR. Students acquire knowledge of German as a foreign language at the standard language level with a focus on intercultural, cultural and academic aspects. Students can independently understand the main points of authentic articles and reports from their own fields and areas of interest and identify positions. Students can understand longer discussions and lectures on contemporary topics, provided that speakers clearly enunciate. They are able to compose longer texts on general or popular scientific topics and can use more complex sentence structures as well as specialized vocabulary. They are able to present their position in discussions in a detailed and logically-structured fashion. They can interact clearly and coherently on many subjects in their fields or areas of interest.

Sound knowledge of module B1.2; placement test level B2.1

The module consists of a seminar in which course objectives will be achieved in an activity-oriented, communicative atmosphere through listening, reading, writing and speaking exercises in individual, partner and group work. The fundamental language skills conveyed in the classroom are reinforced through the use of guided self-learning in the form of prepared (and online) materials. Following assigned criteria and communication patterns, various options for giving speeches or making presentations as well as participating in discussions including moderated (role play) discussions on topics of general interest will be made available.

Textbook; multimedia teaching and learning materials (chalk/white board, overheads, worksheets, images, films, etc.) and online resources

Textbook: Daniels, Alert et al.: Mittelpunkt B2/1, Deutsch als Fremdsprache für Fortgeschrittene, Lehr- und Arbeitsbuch, Ernst Klett Verlag 2007; suggested supplemental reading (voluntary):Hering, Axel et al.: em Übungsgrammatik Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Hueber Verlag, 2006Hering, Axel et al.: Übungsgrammatik für die Mittelstufe, Hueber Verlag 2009Hall, Karin und Scheiner, Barbara: Übungsgrammatik Deutsch als Fremdsprache für Fortgeschrittene, Hueber Verlag 2005Rug, Wolfgang und Tomaschewski, Andreas: Grammatik mit Sinn und Verstand, Edition Deutsch, Klett international 2006

Two written examinations (each 30% of final grade); two written homework exercises, one of which (student s choice) will serve as seminar paper/presentation (each 20%)