This is an exceptional module designed to replace Erasmus study due to emergency travel restrictions. The aim of this module is to facilitate students' acquisition of the appropriate target language level of B1+, as outlined by the Common European Framework Reference for Languages, in German. To this end, this module sets out to build on knowledge and skills acquired by students in prior modules and to develop their cultural awareness and linguistic competence further.

The emphasis in this module is on supporting students with their independent language learning across the four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), as well as expanding their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar at CEFR level B1+. The main areas of grammar include, sentence structure (Infinitivkonstruktionen / Nebensätze / Hauptsätze / Relativsätze / zielgerichtete Infinitivkonstruktionen anstatt/ohne/um...zu / daher - deswegen - deshalb - darum); passive voice; irregular verbs; verbs with prepositions (wofür - dafür...); Modalpartikel. In addition, it will focus on developing pragmatic competence, cultural awareness and intercultural communication.

On completion of this module students should be able to: - understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details; - recognise significant points in straightforward newspaper articles on familiar subjects; - describe experiences and events, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans; - engage in real-time online exchanges, recognising the communicative intentions of each contributor; - communicate with some confidence on familiar routine and non-routine matters related to their interests and professional field; - write a text on a topical subject of personal interest, using straightforward language to list advantages and disadvantages, give and justify an opinion; - summarise, report and give an opinion about accumulated factual information on familiar routine and non-routine matters with some confidence; - enhance their ability to work independently by developing their Personal Learning Environment (PLE); - apply frequently-used linguistic features, phonetics and grammatical structures at CEFR level B1+ correctly; - use a range of vocabulary in order to express opinions on a variety of topics.

On completion of this module students should be able to: - display more confidence in communicating through the target language; - experience greater language learning engagement; - appreciate variation in culture and language in countries where German is spoken; - demonstrate increased intercultural awareness; - value the significance of intercultural communicative competence.

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The module will be taught using a blended learning approach, combining on-line/ face-to-face tutorials, independent learning, and virtual exchanges. Independent learning will be integrated throughout the module and online resources will be provided to assist student 'Immersion/Internationalisation at Home' (Beelen and Jones, 2015; O'Dowd, 2016). Students will make use of innovative language learning methods involving computer mediated communication tools and other blended learning materials. The use of digital media will allow students to collaborate with native speakers of the target language through virtual exchanges with students at international partner universities. Students will be engaged in active learning in order to enhance linguistic skills and cultural knowledge and will be required to create a language learning logbook and an e-portfolio in order to showcase progress made in the target language. The Language Learning Hub will offer support for groups and individuals. The module consists of two contact hours per week for six weeks and one contact hour in conjunction with a virtual exchange project for another six weeks of the semester.