This module is set at B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Linguistic and cultural preparation for Co-op or SOCRATES placements in a German-speaking environment. To explain the German educational system, structures in a German company and in the world of trade and business in general patterns of everyday life To develop students' skills in the analysis of more complex literary texts in German. To provide students with the skills to do a presentation in the foreign language To further consolidate grammatical structures, extend vocabulary and increase accuracy in oral and written German.

This syllabus is set at B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Lecture: education environment: the educational system, universities and university life, work environment: vocational education, industrial relations, company structures, trade unions; Germany as a multicultural country; intercultural communication theory; the media landscape in Germany. Tutorials: a) discussion of authentic text material and a literary text to support the lecture; focus on the development of writing skills and cultural awareness; b) grammar in context. Language laboratory: CALL exercises; language-related exercises based on German TV programmes dealing with the issues covered in the lecture.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: - describe in German the German education system and compare it with the Irish system, especially regarding school level, vocational training and third-level education - analyse and discuss, in German, intercultural issues and differences at university and in the workplace, focussing primarily on Ireland and German-speaking countries - present an assessment of the German media landscape in German - demonstrate knowledge of the geographic outline of German and Austrian states and their specific economic and cultural aspects - analyse and discuss in written and spoken form contemporary literary texts engaging with political and intercultural issues discussed in the lecture series - demonstrate confident and appropriate use of reference books (e.g. grammars, dictionaries) to support autonomous analysis and production of written and spoken German - use the full range of grammatical structures and vocabulary revised and introduced during the semester with an appropriate level of correctness

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: - present confidently in German (in both writing and speaking) their own analysis of intercultural issues raised in texts from different media examples (literature, film, new

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: - pronounce German in an accurate and consistent manner taking into account issues of language register.

A one-hour lecture common to all Humanities and Business students studying German will be supported by a tutorial in which texts and materials related to the lecture will be discussed in German. Two further hours will be devoted to advanced language work, language lab exercises, text work and literature, again pickung up themes from the lecture. Students will be engaged in active learning both inside and outside the classroom and will be encouraged to apply autonomous language learning strategies.