OVERVIEW

German Syntax: 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 syntactic description of German
• present the essential scientific terminology of the German syntactic analysis
• know how to use linguistic and terminological databases, grammars and online dictionaries.

The global aim of the language learning courses is to enable students to reach level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

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

• will be able to identify the structure of the German sentences and their constituents
• will be able to carry out a syntactic analysis of paratactic and hypotactic sentences
• will know the basics of the topological field model
• can orientate themselves properly within the Satzbaupläne
• must know, understand and be able to use properly the basic categories of the syntactic description of the German language, also cross-linguistically German–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, grammars and online dictionaries.

PREREQUISITES

Students must demonstrate a A1 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': introduction to the syntax of the German language, with particular attention to the following elements: structure of the German sentence; constituents and their analysis; cases and semantic roles; topological field model and information structure; valency and Satzbaupläne. Syntactic and terminological databases; online grammars.

The metalinguistic reflections on the linguistic structures of the German language will be integrated with textual examples from various genres as well as with multimedia materials.

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,

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 II

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Theory class: written examination + oral examination (= 40% of the final mark)

Language learning courses: written examination (essay) + written grammar examination + oral examination (= 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, + 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 theory lessons will be concluded by a written exam in which the arguments discussed during the course will be asked about.

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

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

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 first 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 class: Lessons will be held in German and in Italian.
• Language learning courses: Lessons will be held mainly in German.