OVERVIEW

German Vocabulary: An Introduction

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with a expert of a number of aspects of German linguistics, enabling them also to think critically about and describe the metalinguistic factors at play in language use

Language classes aim to improve students’ linguistic competence

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aims of the course ('theoretical module') are:

• develop metalinguistic skills
• provide the basic categories of the lexical and semantic description of German, also cross-linguistically with Italian
• develop understanding of the internal structure of German words;
• develop understanding of semantic relationships and phraseology
• develop the ability to understand and analyse the role of vocabulary in the information structure
• know and apply the essential scientific terminology of the lexical and semantic analysis of German
• know how to use linguistic and terminological databases, mono- and multilingual repertoires, online dictionaries, and corpora.

The global aim of the language learning courses is to enable students to reach level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

At the end of the course ('theory module') the students

• will be able to recognize and analyse the internal structure of German words, as well as semantic relationships and phraseology;
• will know how to analyse the role of vocabulary in the information structure;
• must know, understand and be able to use properly the basic categories of the semantic description of German, also cross-linguistially with Italian;
• must know, understand and be able to use properly the essential scientific terminology in the areas discussed, both in Italian and in German;
• will know how to use linguistic and terminological databases, mono- and multilingual repertoires, online dictionaries,and corpora.

• The course belongs to the activities within the MemWar research project (see https://memwarunige.hypotheses.org/) supported by the DLCM and will focus on the vocabulary of memory.
• Students are encouraged to take part in the theatre workshop related to the project. For info and registration https://corsi.unige.it/8740/news/5566-laboratorio-teatrale-narramondo-per-progetto-memwar. Participation in the theater workshop entitles to 3 ECTS.

PREREQUISITES

Students must demonstrate a B1 level of language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

TEACHING METHODS

The course ("theory module") will combine various modes, mainly frontal lecturing, flipped classroom, and blended learning; PPT presentations and multimedia will be used. During the course (theoretical 'module') various exercises will be assigned with the aim of gradually checking the knowledge acquired. 

The "theory module" (30 h, 2nd semester) is accompanied by year-round language learning courses (100 h).

• Theory module: 30 h (2nd semester) (Prof. Dr. Simona Leonardi). The courses scheduled for the 2nd semester 2021 are expected to take place regularly .
• Language learning courses: In accordance with the public health measures designed to contain the COVID-19, in the 1st semester all courses will be held remotely through the Teams and Aulaweb platforms. The courses scheduled for the 2nd semester 2021 are expected to take place regularly .

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1) Theoretical 'module': dictionaries; online dictionaries; lexical and terminological databases; corpora; basic, common, extended vocabulary; the lexicon; lexical dynamism; ‘Definition’, homographs and homonyms; dimensions of lexical variation; word formation; loans; neologisms; collocations and phraseologisms.

The metalinguistics reflections on the lexical structures of German will be integrated with textual examples fromvarious genres as well as with multimedia materials.

• The course belongs to the activities within the MemWar research project (see https://memwarunige.hypotheses.org/) supported by the DLCM and will focus on the vocabulary of memory.
• Students are encouraged to take part in the theatre workshop related to the project. For info and registration https://corsi.unige.it/8740/news/5566-laboratorio-teatrale-narramondo-per-progetto-memwar. Participation in the theater workshop entitles to 3 ECTS.

2) Language learning courses: Over the two semesters period students’ knowledge of German should reach level B1 according to the European framework in all four abilities. 

According to University regulations, this syllabus is valid until February 2022.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Theory module

• Habermann, Mechthild / Gabriele Diewald / Maria Thurmair. 2015. Fit für das Bacherlorstudium. Grundwissen Grammatik. Mannheim u.a. Dudenverlag
• Knipf-Komlósi, Elisabeth /Roberta V. Rada / Csilla Bernáth. 2006. Aspekte des deutschen Wortschatzes. Budapest: Bölcsész Konzorcium (http://mek.oszk.hu/04900/04913/)

Further bibliographical and didactic material will be provided during the semester (Aulaweb).

Language learning courses

Bibliographical and didactic material will be communicated at the beginning of the semester (Aulaweb).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SIMONA LEONARDI (President)

SERENA SPAZZARINI (President)

JOACHIM HANS BERND GERDES

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Theory module: 2nd semester 

Language learning modules: 1st + 2nd semester (start: September 28th, 2020)

• Theory module: 30 h (2nd semester) (Prof. Dr. Simona Leonardi). The courses scheduled for the 2nd semester 2021 are expected to take place regularly .
• Language learning courses: In accordance with the public health measures designed to contain the COVID-19, in the 1st semester all courses will be held remotely through the Teams and Aulaweb platforms. The courses scheduled for the 2nd semester 2021 are expected to take place regularly .

Class schedule

GERMAN LANGUAGE III

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Theory module: written examination + PPT presentation + discussion (40% of the final grade)
Language learning courses: written examination (essay) + written examination (grammar) + written examination (German-Italian translation) +
oral examination (60% of the final mark)(average of the marks of the exercise exams: 60% of the final mark)

In accordance with further public health measures designed to contain the COVID-19 exam forms may differ from the above.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Theory module: written examination, in which the arguments treated during the class will be asked about + PPT presentation + oral examination. During the oral examination of the theoretical 'module', the students have to provide evidence of their knowledge of the themes dealt with during the lessons, the related texts, and the materials published in Aulaweb. The assessment will take into account a) knowledge of the course content; b) familiarity with the the readings discussed during the course and with the materials made available on the Aulaweb platform.

The languages learning courses will be completed by written examinations and an oral examination.

Registering for the examinations on the homepage of the University of Genoa (www.unige.it), the link "servizi online per gli studenti“.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Target group: Mandatory modules for third year students of Modern Languages and Cultures (Lingue e Culture moderne) who have German as a main subject.

Credits: The entire course (theory class + language learning courses)  is credited with 9 credit points (CP / ECTS).

Language: 

• Theory module: Lessons will be held mainly in German.
• Language learning courses: Lessons will be held mainly in German.