What you will study
After an introduction to language learning, six thematic units will present new language in spoken and written form, invite you to collaborate and communicate in German, and revise and consolidate what you have learned.
The following themes will be covered:
- introductions and personal details
- shopping, work and leisure activities
- accommodation and life in German-speaking countries
- travel, trips and relaxation
- family and history
- culturally specific celebrations throughout the year.
New language, including useful phrases, grammatical features and tips for interacting successfully with speakers of German, are interspersed with cultural information and critical thinking skills. Up-to-date technology, such as machine translation and online communication tools, is discussed and critically evaluated.
We appreciate the diversity of learners and acknowledge that not every topic might be of interest to you. From the beginning, you will be encouraged to select appropriate elements of the course and focus on areas you need to develop, including a wide range of skills for communicating in a second language environment. And most of all, you’ll learn to enjoy different cultures and views of the world by meeting German-speaking people in videos, audio clips and through authentic texts from German media.
This module is designed to enable you to achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level A2 of the Council of Europe Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You will have developed your knowledge and understanding of the language as well as an awareness of cultural diversity in German-speaking countries which form a key part of the learning outcomes for studying at this level. By the end of the module, you will have developed key OU level 1 undergraduate study skills, such as learning to work independently and using strategies which enable you to solve problems and analyse data.
You will learn
In addition to language skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing in German), you’ll develop critical thinking, digital skills, a limited range of translation skills and skills for summarising, presenting and mediating information between different languages.
Vocational relevance
Employability skills developed through this module include selecting and presenting information, mediating between languages and communicate in intercultural contexts. By learning a new language you’ll also develop a flexibility of mind, for example, the skill to guess and to communicate creatively, when words might be failing you.
Entry
This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
No prior knowledge of German is required to study this module. To help decide if this is the module for you, use our self-assessment quiz.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Preparatory work
As part of the module, there will be an induction week to help you to familiarise yourself with OU materials, websites, and terminology.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module. They’ll help by:
- marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
- providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
- guiding you to additional learning resources
- facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums, including initiating discussions in German and occasionally in English
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
TMAs test your writing and speaking skills. Your listening and reading skills will be tested by computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) presented on the website. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the module.