Module Code - Title:
GE4241
-
GERMAN LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND SOCIETY 1
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is set at B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
To provide students with an introduction to German-speaking countries as physical, cultural and political entities; to develop communicative skills by revising and consolidating basic structures and vocabulary; to introduce autonomous language learning methods. Emphasis in modules GE4241 and GE4242 is placed on establishing a solid foundation in the language; by the end of Year 1, students are expected to use all basic grammatical structures with a high degree of fluency and correctness.
Syllabus:
This syllabus is set at B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Lecture: The German language, its history and relationship with other languages; political geography of the German-speaking countries; sociocultural and historical background to the German-speaking countries of Europe in the 19th and early 20th century.
Tutorial work: Grammar/translation: introduction to basic grammatical categories and terminology; consolidation of existing grammatical knowledge and expansion into more complex structures; contrastive work by means of English/German translation exercises; Text analysis & production: principles of textual analysis and text discussion (literary and non-literary); grammar in use/communicative grammar.
Laboratory: 1 hour per week in the CALL/language laboratory will support grammar and oral work.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
* define German Studies within the context of UL, Ireland and Europe, in German
* identify and discuss in German the main historical, cultural and linguistic developments shaping the German speaking countries, focussing on the 19th and early 20th century
* identify and discuss in German key historical, political, cultural and linguistic aspects of Austria and Switzerland
* differentiate and explain in German the functions of basic grammatical structures used within authentic written and audio-visual text
* analyse in German a 19th or 20th century literary text written in German.
* use grammatical structures and vocabulary revised throughout the semester with an appropriate level of correctness
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
* discuss in German their own viewpoint on aspects of the German-language cultures and societies studied
* structure and assess their own learning independent of the language classro
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
* produce comprehensible German pronunciation, including intonation
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module consists of a lecture common to all Humanities and Business students studying German, plus two classroom hours and one hour in the language laboratory; these hours combine the development of linguistic and cultural knowledge relating to German-speaking countries, with a particular emphasis on helping students understand how the German language works. Students will be engaged in active learning both inside and outside the classroom and will be encouraged to develop autonomous language learning strategies.
Prime Texts:
Perlmann-Balme, M & S. Schwalb (2005)
em Hauptkurs Kursbuch
, Max Hueber
Perlmann-Balme, M & S. Schwalb (2005)
em Hauptkurs Arbeitsbuch
, Max Hueber
Dürrenmatt, F. (1985)
Der Richter und sein Henker
, Diogenes
Durrell, M (2002)
Hammer¿s German Grammar and Usage
, Arnold
(2005)
Concise Oxford Duden German-English Dictionary
, OUP
Dreyer, H. & M. Schmitt (2000)
Lehr- und Übungsbuch der deutschen Grammatik.
, Max Hueber
Other Relevant Texts:
Steinberg, J. (1996)
Why Switzerland?
, CUP
Allinson, M (2002)
Germany and Austria 1814-2000
, Arnold
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED LANGUAGES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EUROPEAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN LANGUAGES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
anita.barmettler@ul.ie