Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is threefold: to deepen the knowledge of German grammar (especially sentence structure), to teach specialised vocabulary (philosophy, French and Romance languages and literature, history, art history and archaeology, law, computer science, etc.) through the reading of scientific texts and thus to make students capable of using German language sources independently.

Goals

To bring students to level B2/C1 according to the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for reading comprehension: The student will be able to read "any type of text, even if it is abstract or complex in content or form, for example a textbook, a specialist article or a literary work".

Content

German morphology and syntax. Translation of scientific texts. The course also includes an introduction to German legal terminology in collaboration with Mr. Robert Queck of the Faculty of Law.

Teaching methods

Partly ex cathedra (for the grammar part), partly in the form of translations that students prepare at home. The students' various translation proposals are discussed in groups and pooled during the course. The sessions provide an opportunity for students to exchange their opinions and interpretations, which are subject to critical analysis. The texts are chosen each year according to the target audience participating in the course. The scientific texts offered are of a higher level than in the Level I course, which is aimed at beginners without any prerequisites. The first lessons will be partly devoted to a review of the most important concepts of the Level I course. In addition, students will practice speaking skills in order to be able to read a speech in German. In addition, the emphasis is on the active participation of the students and on making them responsible for their own learning process: students are required to choose a text in their field of study (philosophy, French and Romance languages and literature, history, art history, law) which they will work on independently. Particular attention will be paid to the distribution between face-to-face and/or distance learning hours and the credits allocated to the German course. A certain number of hours/credits will therefore be spent on distance learning for personal work.

Assessment method

Continuous assessment 20%. The assessment consists of a partial test organised in the course at the end of the first term, the modalities of which will be defined according to the material seen in the face-to-face sessions and the evolution of the health crisis linked to the coronavirus. IMPORTANT: Continuous assessment does not lead to an examination during the session. A second session is therefore not possible for this part of the grade. In the second session, the examination is therefore assessed for 100% of the overall mark. Examination: 80% of the overall mark will be awarded to a personal essay and a translation of an unseen text and an oral defence of the essay. In the oral examination, the student will explain the translation choices he or she has made.

Sources, references and any support material

No specific reading is recommended. The students will have to read the texts proposed by the participants (philosophy, history, art history, law, computer science, etc.). They are therefore different each year. There is no syllabus. Summaries of the cases seen and analysed during the course will be put online as the points discussed are discussed, according to the difficulties present in the texts proposed by the participants. A bibliography of useful research tools will be developed in collaboration with the students.

Language of instruction

German