German I
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The module is aimed at both beginner and advanced students. It aims to provide language skills (grammar, listening, reading, vocabulary) of A2 level for beginner students and to consolidate / expand previous skills for advanced students. The aim of the course is for all participants to acquire knowledge and skills that will allow them to reflect on the functioning and structuring of the German language in morphological, phonological and syntactic fields.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the module, the student will be able to:
- Actively use the acquired grammatical knowledge (e.g. adjective inflection, use of verbs);
- Understand brief oral communications relating to everyday life;
- Analyze written texts and understand their contents;
- Orally answer questions on the main topics covered;
- Produce short written texts on the main topics covered;
- Recognize the types of morphemes;
- Recognize the word formation processes;
- Describe the German phonemes;
- Read words and phrases written with the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet);
- Transcribe words and phrases with the IPA;
- Recognize constituents, phrases and sentences;
- Describe the syntactic functions of the constituents;
- Explain the sentence structure according to the "Felderanalyse" model;
- Use the appropriate terminology to describe a linguistic phenomenon;
- Reflect on the peculiarities of the German language also in comparison with other languages and cultures.
- Actively use the acquired grammatical knowledge (e.g. adjective inflection, use of verbs);
- Understand brief oral communications relating to everyday life;
- Analyze written texts and understand their contents;
- Orally answer questions on the main topics covered;
- Produce short written texts on the main topics covered;
- Recognize the types of morphemes;
- Recognize the word formation processes;
- Describe the German phonemes;
- Read words and phrases written with the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet);
- Transcribe words and phrases with the IPA;
- Recognize constituents, phrases and sentences;
- Describe the syntactic functions of the constituents;
- Explain the sentence structure according to the "Felderanalyse" model;
- Use the appropriate terminology to describe a linguistic phenomenon;
- Reflect on the peculiarities of the German language also in comparison with other languages and cultures.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
The course includes three modules of "German Linguistics" (Morphology, Phonetics / Phonology, Syntax) and "Language practice sessions".
The programme is the same for attending and non-attending students. Students who are unable to attend the course must contact Professor Brambilla and Professor Crestani for guidance on how to prepare for the exam.
UNIT 1 - MORPHOLOGY
Introduction to German morphology
The module aims to provide the theoretical and methodological-applicative bases for understanding and analyzing the structure of words in German, also proposing comparisons with the Italian language. A distinction is made between flexion morphology ("Flexionsmorphologie") and word formation ("Wortbildung"). The "Flexionsmorphologie" deals with creating grammatical morphemes (for example plural morphemes in nouns, e.g. Kind + er, Vorlesung + en); the "Wortbildung" is the primary source for the enrichment of the lexicon through the use of specific morphemes and processes (for example the derivation, see Lehr + er, Kund + schaft). Great attention will therefore be given to procedures of "Wortbildung" such as: compounding (e.g. Lehrer + zimmer, Stunde (n) + plan); derivation (e.g. Stud + ent, Les + er); conversion (e.g. das Lesen, das Sprechen); abbreviation (e.g. Uni, Prof.).
UNIT 2 - PHONETICS / PHONOLOGY
Phonetics / phonology
The module presents basic notions of phonetics and phonology and describes the phonetic and phonological structure of contemporary German language, also with comparisons with the Italian language. The theoretical explanations will be accompanied by examples and exercises in order to encourage students to learn correct German pronunciation and the conventions of the international phonetic alphabet.
UNIT 3 - SYNTAX
Introduction to German syntax
The module aims to provide basic notions and skills for syntactic analysis in German. It introduces following concepts: phrase ("Phrase"), immediate constituent ("Konstituente"), sentence ("Satz"), syntactic functions ("syntaktische Funktionen"), semantic roles ("semantische Rollen"). Starting from comparisons with Italian and English, the structure of German sentences is analysed according to the principles of the "Felderanalyse" (topological field analysis): V1 sentences ("Wohnen Sie in Mailand?"); V2 sentences ("Gestern habe ich Peter gesehen"); V-END sentences ("[ ], dass Heike in Berlin arbeitet"). Sentences are also analysed through the application of the valency theory (complements "Ergänzungen" and adjuncts "Angaben") which attributes a central role to the verb.
"LANGUAGE PRACTICE SESSIONS"
Bibliography
Beginners:
DaF kompakt neu A1 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676313-4)
DaF kompakt neu A2 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676314-1)
Advanced students:
DaF kompakt neu A2 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676314-1)
The programme is the same for attending and non-attending students. Students who are unable to attend the course must contact Professor Brambilla and Professor Crestani for guidance on how to prepare for the exam.
UNIT 1 - MORPHOLOGY
Introduction to German morphology
The module aims to provide the theoretical and methodological-applicative bases for understanding and analyzing the structure of words in German, also proposing comparisons with the Italian language. A distinction is made between flexion morphology ("Flexionsmorphologie") and word formation ("Wortbildung"). The "Flexionsmorphologie" deals with creating grammatical morphemes (for example plural morphemes in nouns, e.g. Kind + er, Vorlesung + en); the "Wortbildung" is the primary source for the enrichment of the lexicon through the use of specific morphemes and processes (for example the derivation, see Lehr + er, Kund + schaft). Great attention will therefore be given to procedures of "Wortbildung" such as: compounding (e.g. Lehrer + zimmer, Stunde (n) + plan); derivation (e.g. Stud + ent, Les + er); conversion (e.g. das Lesen, das Sprechen); abbreviation (e.g. Uni, Prof.).
UNIT 2 - PHONETICS / PHONOLOGY
Phonetics / phonology
The module presents basic notions of phonetics and phonology and describes the phonetic and phonological structure of contemporary German language, also with comparisons with the Italian language. The theoretical explanations will be accompanied by examples and exercises in order to encourage students to learn correct German pronunciation and the conventions of the international phonetic alphabet.
UNIT 3 - SYNTAX
Introduction to German syntax
The module aims to provide basic notions and skills for syntactic analysis in German. It introduces following concepts: phrase ("Phrase"), immediate constituent ("Konstituente"), sentence ("Satz"), syntactic functions ("syntaktische Funktionen"), semantic roles ("semantische Rollen"). Starting from comparisons with Italian and English, the structure of German sentences is analysed according to the principles of the "Felderanalyse" (topological field analysis): V1 sentences ("Wohnen Sie in Mailand?"); V2 sentences ("Gestern habe ich Peter gesehen"); V-END sentences ("[ ], dass Heike in Berlin arbeitet"). Sentences are also analysed through the application of the valency theory (complements "Ergänzungen" and adjuncts "Angaben") which attributes a central role to the verb.
"LANGUAGE PRACTICE SESSIONS"
Bibliography
Beginners:
DaF kompakt neu A1 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676313-4)
DaF kompakt neu A2 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676314-1)
Advanced students:
DaF kompakt neu A2 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676314-1)
Prerequisites for admission
Good competence in Italian and excellent knowledge of grammatical terminology in Italian (e.g. articolo, nome, aggettivo, tempi del verbo, soggetto, frasi principali, frasi secondarie).
Teaching methods
Face to face lessons with use of multimedia supports, exercises, group work.
Attendance is optional; however, students are strongly advised to attend the lessons in order to take the intermediate written tests.
Attendance is optional; however, students are strongly advised to attend the lessons in order to take the intermediate written tests.
Teaching Resources
UNIT 1
Di Meola, Claudio (2014): La linguistica tedesca. Un'introduzione con esercizi e bibliografia ragionata. Roma: Bulzoni (chapter 0 "Introduzione", pp. 11-16 + chapter 2 "Morfologia", pp. 57-90).
Slides available on Ariel (http://mbrambillalt.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v1/home/Default.aspx).
UNIT 2
Di Meola, Claudio (2014): La linguistica tedesca. Un'introduzione con esercizi e bibliografia ragionata. Roma: Bulzoni (chapter 1 "Fonetica, fonologia e grafia", pp. 17-55).
Gaeta, Livio (2017): Lineamenti di grammatica tedesca. Roma: Carocci. (chapter 2 "Fonologia", pp. 37-90)
Missaglia, Federica (2012): Deutsche Phonetik und Phonologie für Italiener. Eine Einführung. Milano: Vita e Pensiero.
Slides available on Ariel (http://mbrambillalt.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v1/home/Default.aspx).
UNIT 3
Di Meola, Claudio (2014): La linguistica tedesca. Un'introduzione con esercizi e bibliografia ragionata. Roma: Bulzoni (chapter 3 "Sintassi", pp. 91-130).
Gaeta, Livio (2017): Lineamenti di grammatica tedesca. Roma: Carocci (chapter 4 "Sintassi I", pp. 171-228; chapter 5 "Sintassi II", pp. 261-294).
Slides available on Ariel (http://mbrambillalt.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v1/home/Default.aspx)
"LANGUAGE PRACTICE SESSIONS"
Bibliography
Beginners:
DaF kompakt neu A1 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676313-4)
DaF kompakt neu A2 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676314-1)
Advanced students:
DaF kompakt neu A2 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676314-1)
Di Meola, Claudio (2014): La linguistica tedesca. Un'introduzione con esercizi e bibliografia ragionata. Roma: Bulzoni (chapter 0 "Introduzione", pp. 11-16 + chapter 2 "Morfologia", pp. 57-90).
Slides available on Ariel (http://mbrambillalt.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v1/home/Default.aspx).
UNIT 2
Di Meola, Claudio (2014): La linguistica tedesca. Un'introduzione con esercizi e bibliografia ragionata. Roma: Bulzoni (chapter 1 "Fonetica, fonologia e grafia", pp. 17-55).
Gaeta, Livio (2017): Lineamenti di grammatica tedesca. Roma: Carocci. (chapter 2 "Fonologia", pp. 37-90)
Missaglia, Federica (2012): Deutsche Phonetik und Phonologie für Italiener. Eine Einführung. Milano: Vita e Pensiero.
Slides available on Ariel (http://mbrambillalt.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v1/home/Default.aspx).
UNIT 3
Di Meola, Claudio (2014): La linguistica tedesca. Un'introduzione con esercizi e bibliografia ragionata. Roma: Bulzoni (chapter 3 "Sintassi", pp. 91-130).
Gaeta, Livio (2017): Lineamenti di grammatica tedesca. Roma: Carocci (chapter 4 "Sintassi I", pp. 171-228; chapter 5 "Sintassi II", pp. 261-294).
Slides available on Ariel (http://mbrambillalt.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v1/home/Default.aspx)
"LANGUAGE PRACTICE SESSIONS"
Bibliography
Beginners:
DaF kompakt neu A1 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676313-4)
DaF kompakt neu A2 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676314-1)
Advanced students:
DaF kompakt neu A2 Kurs- und Übungsbuch. Klett Verlag (ISBN 978-3-12-676314-1)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment method "German Linguistics": intermediate written tests or oral exam during official exam sessions.
Assessment method "Language Practice Sessions": intermediate computer-based tests or written exam during official exam sessions.
Intermediate written tests ("German Linguistics"): they take place at the end of each module. Types of questions: exercises similar to those carried out in class and in the independent study (e.g. recognition of morphemes, phonetic transcription, analysis of the structure of the sentence according to the "Felderanalyse"); theoretical questions (e.g. definition of morpheme, of affricate, of sentence). Number of exercises for each intermediate test: 6-8. Indicative duration of intermediate tests: 60 minutes. The students who pass the three intermediate tests (at least 18/30 for each) do not have to take the oral exam during official exam sessions.
Intermediate computer-based tests ("Language Practice Sessions"): they take place at the end of each semester. Types of questions: exercises similar to those carried out in class and in the independent study (grammar, listening, reading and vocabulary). Indicative duration of intermediate tests: 90 minutes. The students who pass the two intermediate tests (result of at least 18/30 in both the first and second tests) do not have to take the official written exam.
Official exam: it is composed of two parts (a written exam and an oral exam):
1. Computer-based written exam ("Language Practice Sessions": May 2020, September 2020, January 2021): it is a computer-based test and includes the following parts: A. grammar; B. listening; C. reading; D. vocabulary; E. writing. Total duration: 150 minutes. The test is the same for both beginners and advanced students. The official written exam is preparatory to the official oral exam.
2. Oral exam ("German Linguistics": June, July 2020; September 2020; January, February 2021): it relates to the three modules of "German Linguistics" (Morphology; Phonetics / Phonology; Syntax) and aims to verify knowledge and skills acquired during the lessons. It consists of open questions of a theoretical nature (e.g. definitions of the main linguistic phenomena or comment of a slide from German to Italian) and practical (recognition of morphemes, reading of words in IPA, syntactic analysis).
Assessment criteria:
- intermediate written tests ("German Linguistics") / oral exam ("German Linguistics"): knowledge of specialized terminology; ability to actively use the theoretical knowledge.
- intermediate computer-based written tests ("Language Practice Sessions ") / computer-based written exam ("Language Practice Sessions"): ability to actively use grammatical and lexical knowledge.
The final mark is composed as follows: average between the marks of "Language Practice Sessions" and "German Linguistics".
Additional important information:
- The marks of the intermediate tests are published in Ariel.
- The assessment methods are identical for both attending and non-attending students.
Assessment method "Language Practice Sessions": intermediate computer-based tests or written exam during official exam sessions.
Intermediate written tests ("German Linguistics"): they take place at the end of each module. Types of questions: exercises similar to those carried out in class and in the independent study (e.g. recognition of morphemes, phonetic transcription, analysis of the structure of the sentence according to the "Felderanalyse"); theoretical questions (e.g. definition of morpheme, of affricate, of sentence). Number of exercises for each intermediate test: 6-8. Indicative duration of intermediate tests: 60 minutes. The students who pass the three intermediate tests (at least 18/30 for each) do not have to take the oral exam during official exam sessions.
Intermediate computer-based tests ("Language Practice Sessions"): they take place at the end of each semester. Types of questions: exercises similar to those carried out in class and in the independent study (grammar, listening, reading and vocabulary). Indicative duration of intermediate tests: 90 minutes. The students who pass the two intermediate tests (result of at least 18/30 in both the first and second tests) do not have to take the official written exam.
Official exam: it is composed of two parts (a written exam and an oral exam):
1. Computer-based written exam ("Language Practice Sessions": May 2020, September 2020, January 2021): it is a computer-based test and includes the following parts: A. grammar; B. listening; C. reading; D. vocabulary; E. writing. Total duration: 150 minutes. The test is the same for both beginners and advanced students. The official written exam is preparatory to the official oral exam.
2. Oral exam ("German Linguistics": June, July 2020; September 2020; January, February 2021): it relates to the three modules of "German Linguistics" (Morphology; Phonetics / Phonology; Syntax) and aims to verify knowledge and skills acquired during the lessons. It consists of open questions of a theoretical nature (e.g. definitions of the main linguistic phenomena or comment of a slide from German to Italian) and practical (recognition of morphemes, reading of words in IPA, syntactic analysis).
Assessment criteria:
- intermediate written tests ("German Linguistics") / oral exam ("German Linguistics"): knowledge of specialized terminology; ability to actively use the theoretical knowledge.
- intermediate computer-based written tests ("Language Practice Sessions ") / computer-based written exam ("Language Practice Sessions"): ability to actively use grammatical and lexical knowledge.
The final mark is composed as follows: average between the marks of "Language Practice Sessions" and "German Linguistics".
Additional important information:
- The marks of the intermediate tests are published in Ariel.
- The assessment methods are identical for both attending and non-attending students.
Teaching Unit 1
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Joebstl-berger Brigitta Marianne
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Joebstl-berger Brigitta Marianne
Teaching Unit 2
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Brambilla Marina Marzia
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Brambilla Marina Marzia
Teaching Unit 3
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Crestani Valentina
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Crestani ValentinaProfessor(s)
Reception:
Sesto San Giovanni (MI) Piazza Indro Montanelli 1