GERM 3203 - Upper-Intermediate German A

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

Building on the language work undertaken in Intermediate German A and B, this course is aimed to further develop students' proficiency in the four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - through a combination of readings and reproductive and creative exercises. It also aims to enhance students' intercultural understanding through the use of authentic texts that focus on aspects of contemporary German society and promote comparison and discussion.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GERM 3203
    Course Upper-Intermediate German A
    Coordinating Unit German Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites GERM 2204
    Assessment Regular assessments, tests, end-of-Semester test, conversation tutorial (participation, performance, oral exam or equivalent)
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Stefan Hajduk

    Dr. Stefan Hajduk
    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this course students will have:
    1) a language proficiency in German corresponding to Level B1/B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
    2) a greater knowledge and understanding of the structure and conventions governing the use of German and an ability to use them to communicate effectively in a broader range of situations and for a broader range of purposes.
    3) a greater knowledge and understanding of aspects of German culture and society and the way they are represented
    4) the ability to make effective use of the available resources for German and German Studies to answer questions and explore more complex issues relating to German language, society and culture
    5) the ability to communicate information and ideas in the target language coherently and reasonably accurately
    6) a greater awareness of cultural differenc/s and the ability to reflect on oneself and one's own culture from the point of view of another culture
    7) the ability to work independently and cooperatively to explore issues relating to German language, society and culture in more depth
    8) a good foundation for further study and research in German language and culture and for travel, study or work in a German-speaking environment.
    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.

    3, 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.

    1-8

    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.

    6, 7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Koithan, Ute et. al., Aspekte neu B2 (Langenscheidt)
    You need to have 1) Lehrbuch mit DVD 2) Arbeitsbuch mit Audio-CD 

    We will start work with this text and associated materials straight away so it is important that you purchase it before the beginning of the semester. You will be using it in both German IIIA & German IIIB Language.
    Recommended Resources

    Students should ensure that they have access to a good German dictionary. Check this site to see what is available:
    http://www.germanprofessor.org/dictionaries/
    Online Learning

    Aspekte online materails are avaialble at:
    http://xportal.klett-sprachen.de/aspekte2/
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    The modes of teaching and learning employed in the course are largely classroom-based and face-to-face. The language tutorials are designed to extend students’ reading and listening comprehension, their command of written and spoken German and their understanding of German grammar and its application. The tutorials are focused more on listening and speaking.

    Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their learning through:

    1) independent personal study
    2) independent e-learning
    3) online use of other resources

    Workload

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

    3 contact hours 36 hours per semester
    4 hours homework & test preparation 48 hours per semester
    3 hours vocab learning & oral & listening practice 36 hours per semester
    3 hours revision, reading & other independent work 36 hours per semester
    Total 156 hours per semester


    If you want to be successful in improving your language skills then you need to take the time regularly to revise, practise, prepare, learn vocab etc. outside class time.
    Learning Activities Summary

    A detailed program will be provided in the Course Outline students receive at the beginning of the semester.

  • Assessment

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

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

    Assessment Summary
    Regular assessments and tests, conversation tutorial (participation, performance, oral exam or equivalent), end-of-semester test.
    Assessment Related Requirements

    Students are expected to attend all classes. 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. Please remember to check your Adelaide student email regularly for reminders and updates.

    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
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Course Learning Outcome/s
    Homework Formative & Summative 20% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
    Class Test Formative & Summative 20% 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
    Semester Test Summative 30% 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
    Seminar & Tutorial - Participation & Performance Formative & Summative 10% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
    Oral examination Summative 10% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
    Oral & Written Presentation Formative & Summative 10% 1, 2, 5, 8

    Submission
    Detailed information will be provided in the Course Outline 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
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • 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.