OVERVIEW

The German-Speaking World

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

9 CP / 8 CP = 'theoretical module' +  language learning courses

6 CP =  language learning courses

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

• present an overview of the geographical distribution of the German language in the world
• present the status of German in various countries (official language, co-official language, recognised minority language, etc.)
• present German as a pluricentric language, providing an overview of national and regional varieties
• provide the students with the essential scientific terminology related to the description and analysis of the diffusion of German in the world
• train to use online dictionaries and corpora.

The global aim of the language learning courses is to enable students to reach level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Aims of the language learning courses is to develop skills in phonetics, phonology, phonetic transcription, pronunciation, morphology of the German language.

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

• will have a comprehensive knowledge of the linguistic geography of the German-speaking area
• will have a comprehensive knowledge of the status of German in various countries (official language, co-official language, recognised minority language, etc.)
• will know the main features of the different national and regional varieties of German, in particular on the graphematic, phonetic, and lexical level.
• will know, understand and be able to use the essential scientific terminology and topic-related vocabulary, both in Italian and in German;
• will be able to use online dictionaries, corpora, and resources.

After successfully completing the language learning courses the students have active and passive language skills in the German language at level A2 of the CEFR.

PREREQUISITES

none

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, 1st semester) is accompanied by year-round language learningcourses.

• Theory module 30 h (1st semester) (Prof. Dr. Simona Leonardi). In accordance with the public health measures designed to slow the COVID-19, the course may be held remotely through the Teams and Aulaweb platforms.
• Language learning courses: In accordance with the public health measures designed to contain the COVID-19, in the 1st semester all courses may be held remotely through the Teams and Aulaweb platforms. The courses scheduled for the 2nd semester 2022 are expected to take place regularly .

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1) "Theoretical module": The German-speaking world, with particular attention to the following points: diffusione of the German in the world; 'German' and 'German-speaking countries’; German as a pluricentric language; German as a national official language and as an official regional language; German as a minority language; German-speaking islands; diatopic variation.

The reflections on the diffusion of 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 A2 according to the European framework in all four abilities. 

According to University regulations, this syllabus is valid until February 2023.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Theory module

9 CP 

• Thüne, Eva-Maria / Irmgard Elter / Simona Leonardi. 2005. Le lingue tedesche: per una descrizione sociolinguistica. Bari: Graphis (chapter 1 & 2);
• Nied Curcio, Martina. 2016. La lingua tedesca. Aspetti linguistici tra contrastività e interculturalità. Roma: UniversItalia (Sezione III “Contatto – società – cultura”: chapter 6-7-8 = p. 223-322).
• mooc "Le lingue tedesche" (federica.eu)

8 CP

• Thüne, Eva-Maria / Irmgard Elter / Simona Leonardi. 2005. Le lingue tedesche: per una descrizione sociolinguistica. Bari: Graphis (chapter 1 & 2).

6 CP 

• Thüne, Eva-Maria / Irmgard Elter / Simona Leonardi. 2005. Le lingue tedesche: per una descrizione sociolinguistica. Bari: Graphis (chapter 1).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SIMONA LEONARDI (President)

JOACHIM HANS BERND GERDES

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Theory module: 1st semester  (start: October, 4th, 2021)

Language learning modules: 1st + 2nd semester (start: October, 4th, 2021); 

• Theory module: 30 h (2nd semester) (Prof. Dr. Simona Leonardi). In accordance with the public health measures designed to contain the COVID-19, in the 1st semester  courses will be held remotely through the Teams and Aulaweb platforms.
• Language learning courses: (100 h) 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 2022 are expected to take place regularly .

Class schedule

GERMAN LANGUAGE I

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