Module Code - Title:
GE4923
-
GERMAN FOR BUSINESS 3A
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
GE4922
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is set at B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). To enable students to acquire the necessary linguistic and cultural skills so that they may communicate effectively in a German-speaking work environment. To continue to provide an insight into socio-economic, cultural and political structures in Germany with a special emphasis on the educational system and employment sector. To develop awareness of German companies in Ireland / Irish companies in Germany. To introduce issues in intercultural communication (German/Irish).
Syllabus:
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.
Tutorial: 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)
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
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 states and their specific economic and cultural aspects
* undertake a range of different forms of communication in a business context such as business meetings and phone conversations
* develop a portfolio of a German firm in Ireland
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
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, newspaper, int
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
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.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
A one-hour lecture will be supported by a tutorial in which texts and materials related to the lecture will be discussed. A double hour will be devoted to business-specific communications and advanced language work.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
C. Conlin (2005)
Unternehmen Deutsch
, Chancerel
R. Luscher (2008)
Landeskunde Deutschland
, Verlag für Deutsch
Other Relevant Texts:
(2005)
Oxford Duden German-English Dictionary
, OUP
Dreyer & Schmitt (2000)
Lehr-und Übungsbuch der deutschen Grammatik
, Max Hueber
Lewis, D (2001)
Contemporary Germany: A Handbook
, Hodder Arnold
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BBBSGEUFA - GERMAN
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
orla.prendergast@ul.ie