In line with the UL strategy to broaden the curriculum, this module will offer students in a range of different disciplines an opportunity to engage in learning German. In our increasingly multicultural and multilingual society, it is crucial that students have opportunities to learn about and appreciate other languages and cultures. To this end, the module aims at developing students' competence in German and is targeted at those who have not studied German previously. The module is mapped on to the A1 level of the Common European Framework for Languages where the emphasis is on achieving a basic level of communication in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), It will also aim at developing confidence and a degree of accuracy when using the language in a limited range of situations. The module also aims to stimulate students' interest in the German-speaking world and deepen their knowledge and understanding of German society and culture.

This module aims to introduce students to German and gradually develop their ability to the level of A1 as outlined by the Common European Framework for Languages. Students should develop a basic understanding of everyday vocabulary, understand the rules of pronunciation and have a basic grasp of the relevant grammar for that level. The module will allow students gain sufficient proficiency in German to: • manage to pronounce very short, isolated mainly ready-made expressions; • show a limited control of a few simple grammatical structures; • use a very basic repertoire of words related to personal details; • use a limited range of vocabulary to talk about particular concrete situations; • use a small range of ready-made expressions and phrases related to everyday topics (introductions, leave-taking, apologies); • write simple isolated phrases and sentences on everyday topics.

On completion of the module, students should be able to: • demonstrate an understanding of commonly used vocabulary and everyday expressions in the topics covered; • extract accurately the key information from audio and/or video material; • understand and make themselves understood by a sympathetic native speaker in specific contexts; • demonstrate a basic knowledge of grammar.

On completion of the module, students should be able to: • demonstrate some awareness of cultural and linguistic differences between the use of German and English; • appreciate cultural and linguistic variation in countries where German is spoken; • value multilingualism.

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The module will be taught using blended learning combining traditional face-to-face tutorials and on line delivery. The online learning component will include the use of digital media to allow students actively engage in communication with a speaker of the target language. Students will make use of innovative language learning methods which include computer-mediated communicaiton tools and other blended learning materials. Self-study in the Language Learning Hub is integrated into the monitoring and assessment. Self-study normally includes more than one of the following elements: work with designated CALL packages, audio and video materials, discussion groups and individual language programmes suited to self-study. The specific load of individual study work for students will be defined in the Scheme of Work developed with the students and teacher at the beginning for the course. The module will contribute to the development of the graduate attributes in a number of ways. Students will be involved in a collaborative project which will aid in the development of skills found under the headings of responsible, articulate, creative, pro-active and knowledgeable.