Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Susann Schuster susann.schuster@mq.edu.au Contact via susann.schuster@mq.edu.au W6A 325 Wednesday 3-4, Thursday 11-12
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites GMN314
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit is the last part of Advanced German, and is based on literary and topical texts. Two weekly classes are designed to refine skills in reading, comprehension, speaking and writing. Advanced topics in German grammar are covered by tasks set for independent study. Students enrolled in this unit may choose to prepare for the internationally recognised C2 examinations conducted by the Goethe-Institut. Assessment is by class tests and examination.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To read, listen to, comprehend and discuss a variety of German texts.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
To foster research skills.
To gain an appreciation of German culture through textual (including literature) and audio-visual material, research and class discussion.
To develop a critical consciousness of issues pertinent to German identity.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
2 Grammar Tests	20%	week 6 and 12
2 Assignments (Literatur)	20%	week 7 and 12
presentation	10%	to be announced
C2 materials	10%	week 6 and 10
Final Examination	40%	examination period
General Information	0%	ongoing

2 Grammar Tests

Due: week 6 and 12
Weighting: 20%

The two grammar tests assess knowledge acquired concerning grammatical phenomena based on Földeak, H. (2001): Sag’s besser! Teil 2. Ismaning: Verlag für Deutsch.

Students are required to fill in gaps, complete sentences, and write short texts.

On successful completion you will be able to:

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

2 Assignments (Literatur)

Due: week 7 and 12
Weighting: 20%

The assignments consist one or two essay type questions which refer to literary pieces that are have been discussed in class.

Assignments are compulsory and must be handed in at the time specified. Assignments handed in late (without valid reason) will incur a 3% reduction on the first day, and 2% reduction on every consecutive day including weekends. Repeated failure to hand in assignments will result in loss of a percentage of your final assessment mark and/or exclusion from the final examination. Assignments must have a Division cover sheet, signed by the student.

On successful completion you will be able to:

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
To foster research skills.
To develop a critical consciousness of issues pertinent to German identity.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

presentation

Due: to be announced
Weighting: 10%

Students are required to give a short presentation (10-15 minutes) in which they analyse the content, cinematographic or historical background of a film that is discussed in the unit.

On successful completion you will be able to:

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
To foster research skills.
To develop a critical consciousness of issues pertinent to German identity.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

C2 materials

Due: week 6 and 10
Weighting: 10%

Students are required to complete two sets of practice test materials in preparation of the voluntary C2 examination (formerly: KdS) at the Goethe Institut.

The test materials consist of exercises which assess reading comprehension, analytical skills, and grammatical competence at C1-C2 level.

On successful completion you will be able to:

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Final Examination

Due: examination period
Weighting: 40%

The final examination assesses advanced reading comprehension and writing skills. Students are required to portray analytical and critical thinking. Furthermore, a number of exercises assess students' grammatical knowledge.

Examination Period: Students enrolled inunits that require them to sit for compulsory examinations (to be held during business hours) during the official examination period must not arrange to go away before the end of the exam period. Exams could be scheduled for Saturdays during that period. Do not expect that alternative examination arrangements can be made for you. The only exceptions to this are:

a) members of the armed forces who must go away on duty;

b) students representing Australia or the University in a national or international sporting or cultural event;

c) students proceeding to a period of study in a foreign country, associated with their Macquarie program of study.

On successful completion you will be able to:

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
To develop a critical consciousness of issues pertinent to German identity.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

General Information

Due: ongoing
Weighting: 0%

Attendance at all classes is compulsory for on-campus students. Students absent due to illness or other valid reasons should notify the relevant staff member or Jennifer Heward, Department Administrator, W6A 217, phone: +61 2 9850 7005. Repeated unexplained absences will result in the exclusion from the course.

Preparation: Students are expected to prepare the course work to be covered in class in advance, as set out in programs or announced in class.

Punctuality: Please arrive on time for classes. Arriving late is very disruptive. All classes start five minutes past the hour. If you should arrive late, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed.

Delivery and Resources

Seminar

Wednesday 9-11

W6A 209

Practical Session

online: please contact convenor for times

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. Details of these services can be accessed at: http://students.mq.edu.au/support/.

UniWISE provides:

Online learning resources and academic skills workshops http://www.mq.edu.au/learning_skills/
Personal assistance with your learning & study related questions.
The Learning Help Desk is located in the Library foyer (level 2).
Online and on-campus orientation events run by Mentors@Macquarie.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Support Unit who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

Details of these services can be accessed at http://www.student.mq.edu.au/ses/.

IT Help

If you wish to receive IT help, we would be glad to assist you at http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.

When using the university's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students and it outlines what can be done.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To read, listen to, comprehend and discuss a variety of German texts.
To gain an appreciation of German culture through textual (including literature) and audio-visual material, research and class discussion.
To develop a critical consciousness of issues pertinent to German identity.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Assessment tasks

2 Assignments (Literatur)
presentation
Final Examination

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To read, listen to, comprehend and discuss a variety of German texts.
To gain an appreciation of German culture through textual (including literature) and audio-visual material, research and class discussion.
To develop a critical consciousness of issues pertinent to German identity.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Assessment tasks

2 Assignments (Literatur)
presentation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
To foster research skills.
To gain an appreciation of German culture through textual (including literature) and audio-visual material, research and class discussion.
To develop a critical consciousness of issues pertinent to German identity.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Assessment tasks

2 Grammar Tests
2 Assignments (Literatur)
presentation
C2 materials
Final Examination

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To read, listen to, comprehend and discuss a variety of German texts.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
To gain an appreciation of German culture through textual (including literature) and audio-visual material, research and class discussion.
To develop a critical consciousness of issues pertinent to German identity.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Assessment tasks

2 Grammar Tests
2 Assignments (Literatur)
presentation
C2 materials
Final Examination

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To foster research skills.
To gain an appreciation of German culture through textual (including literature) and audio-visual material, research and class discussion.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Assessment tasks

2 Grammar Tests
2 Assignments (Literatur)
presentation
C2 materials
Final Examination

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
To gain an appreciation of German culture through textual (including literature) and audio-visual material, research and class discussion.

Assessment tasks

2 Assignments (Literatur)
presentation
Final Examination

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To read, listen to, comprehend and discuss a variety of German texts.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
To foster research skills.
To gain an appreciation of German culture through textual (including literature) and audio-visual material, research and class discussion.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Assessment tasks

2 Grammar Tests
2 Assignments (Literatur)
presentation
C2 materials
Final Examination

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

To hear, speak, read and write modern German language in a variety of registers.
To read, listen to, comprehend and discuss a variety of German texts.
To gain an appreciation of German culture through textual (including literature) and audio-visual material, research and class discussion.
To develop a critical consciousness of issues pertinent to German identity.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Assessment tasks

2 Assignments (Literatur)
presentation
Final Examination

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

To read, listen to, comprehend and discuss a variety of German texts.
To attain a high level of spoken and written German through practice in class and completion of exercises and assignments.
To develop a critical consciousness of issues pertinent to German identity.
The unit aims at fostering language skills to level C1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level C2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Assessment task

presentation