Learning outcomes

At the end of this course unit, students will be able to:


  • understand the overall message of a disciplinary text written in German, using tools such as dictionaries or grammar references, translate selected passages, and answer comprehension questions in French;
  • recognize the main grammatical structures of the German language;
  • have receptive knowledge of the vocabulary items listed in the glossaries;
  • identify the main components of an authentic document related to their field and extract its key points.


Goals

Help students reach a B1+/B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in receptive skills related to texts in their field of study.

Content

Revision of basic grammatical structures and introduction to more complex ones.

Introduction to theme-based vocabulary.

Work on simplified texts related to the students’ academic disciplines.

Introduction to authentic texts.

To a lesser extent, the course will also include listening comprehension activities, in order to explore another receptive skill.

Table of contents

Revision of grammatical, syntactic, and morphological points.

Comprehension of simplified, field-related texts.

Analysis of the specific features of authentic texts related to the students’ disciplines.

Introduction to audio materials.

Exercices

Text analysis: disciplinary-specific features.

Further study of complex grammatical and syntactic structures.

Reading comprehension and translation exercises.

Teaching methods

The course will be taught in person in the form of interactive seminars.. Each week, two hours of class will be dedicated to a specific topic. Students will be expected to prepare each new unit by studying the thematic vocabulary receptively. Occasional preparatory tasks may also be assigned.


Note for students enrolled in the Germanic languages programme for whom the course carries more credits: an additional task will be required (see “Assessment methods”).

Assessment method

The final grade for the course will be calculated as follows:


  • 30% – Continuous assessment: Two vocabulary and sentence analysis tests will take place during the semester + 1 group project;
  • 70% – Written exam during the exam period: The exam will assess comprehension of a B2-level text with the help of a dictionary and/or grammar reference, receptive vocabulary exercises, and sentence analysis (case/functions/conjugated tense).


In order to obtain the credits for course LCDLB012, all parts of the course must be completed (= all activities related to continuous assessment + the written exam). Otherwise, the student will be assigned an A.


In the case of a resit (second session), the written exam will account for 80% of the final grade and the group project for 20%.


For students in the Germanic languages programme only:


The final grade will be calculated as follows:


  • 30% – Continuous assessment (see above);
  • 40% – Written exam during the exam period (see above);
  • 30% – Participation in a trip to a German-speaking region (details on preparation and follow-up will be provided at the beginning of the semester).


In order to obtain the credits for course LCDLB012, all parts of the course must be completed (= all activities related to continuous assessment + the written exam + the activities linked to the trip preparation and follow-up). Otherwise, the student will be assigned an A.


In the event of a resit session, the written exam will account for 60% of the final grade, the group project for 20%, and a compensatory task related to the trip for the remaining 20%.


Sources, references and any support material

Course materials will be made available progressively on Webcampus (texts, theory, glossaries, useful resources).

Some specific documents will be brought by the students.

Language of instruction

German
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in History Standard 2 3 No
Bachelor in Law Standard 2 3 No
Bachelor in Law Erasmus Belgica UHasselt 2 3 No
Bachelor in Philosophy Standard 2 3 No
Bachelor in History Standard 3 3 No
Bachelor in Law Standard 3 3 No
Bachelor in Law Erasmus Belgica UHasselt 3 3 No
Bachelor in History of Art and Archaeology: General Standard 3 3 No