German 3
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
At a theoretical level, the course both introduces to the diachronic development of German in order to understand the characteristics of the contemporary language (especially spelling, phonetics and morphology), and deepens the study of syntax (complex subordinate clauses, with particular reference to the contrast with the Italian language, stylistics). At a practical level, it aims to support students to acquire receptive and productive skills, both oral and written. Lectures and language classes aim to develop language skills corresponding to level B2 of the CEFR.
Expected learning outcomes
The expected results in terms of knowledge and understanding are that the student acquires complex syntactic structures, understands the mechanisms determining the phonetic, orthographic, morphological and morphosyntactic evolution of the German language; is able to distinguish between linguistic norm and usage. The expected results in terms of applied competence are the acquisition of language structures and vocabulary corresponding to level B2 for all linguistic-communicative activities: reception (listening and reading) of texts contemporary issues, production of texts and interactions.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
The specialised course is entitled: Lexicon and Text. Semantic Relations, Lexicography and Text Types.
The course aims to help students understand the mechanisms underpinning the lexicon and the text from various perspectives (semantics, lexicography and the analysis of text types). It consists of the following three parts:
A: Semantics [Prof. X] (1st semester).
Part A will cover semantics and semantic relations from a theoretical perspective. It will examine the definition of semantics and meaning; semantic relations between words; metaphor, metonymy and polysemy; the semantic field; semantic features; prototype semantics; and sentence semantics. The theory will be complemented by contrastive analysis and practical applications.
B: Lexicography [Prof. Pia Carmela Lombardi] (2nd semester)
Module B will cover lexicography from a theoretical perspective. The course will examine the definition of a dictionary; the classification of dictionaries (general and specialist dictionaries); the structure of dictionaries (paratext, macrostructure and microstructure); and bilingual dictionaries. The theoretical content will be complemented by contrastive analysis and practical exercises.
C: Text Analysis and Text Types [Prof. Pia Carmela Lombardi] (2nd semester)
In Module C, the elements of textual analysis and text types will be examined from a theoretical perspective. The course will explore the meaning of 'Textsorten'; the elements of textual analysis (communicative situation, functions and textual organisation); and a selection of text types (such as tourist guides, horoscopes, advertisements, messages of condolence and good wishes). The theory will be complemented by contrastive analysis and practical exercises.
The course awards 9 CFU. It is not possible to obtain only 6. The course programme is valid until September 2028 (inclusive).
The course aims to help students understand the mechanisms underpinning the lexicon and the text from various perspectives (semantics, lexicography and the analysis of text types). It consists of the following three parts:
A: Semantics [Prof. X] (1st semester).
Part A will cover semantics and semantic relations from a theoretical perspective. It will examine the definition of semantics and meaning; semantic relations between words; metaphor, metonymy and polysemy; the semantic field; semantic features; prototype semantics; and sentence semantics. The theory will be complemented by contrastive analysis and practical applications.
B: Lexicography [Prof. Pia Carmela Lombardi] (2nd semester)
Module B will cover lexicography from a theoretical perspective. The course will examine the definition of a dictionary; the classification of dictionaries (general and specialist dictionaries); the structure of dictionaries (paratext, macrostructure and microstructure); and bilingual dictionaries. The theoretical content will be complemented by contrastive analysis and practical exercises.
C: Text Analysis and Text Types [Prof. Pia Carmela Lombardi] (2nd semester)
In Module C, the elements of textual analysis and text types will be examined from a theoretical perspective. The course will explore the meaning of 'Textsorten'; the elements of textual analysis (communicative situation, functions and textual organisation); and a selection of text types (such as tourist guides, horoscopes, advertisements, messages of condolence and good wishes). The theory will be complemented by contrastive analysis and practical exercises.
The course awards 9 CFU. It is not possible to obtain only 6. The course programme is valid until September 2028 (inclusive).
Prerequisites for admission
The course, which is held partially in German, the materials and the examination bibliography presuppose an initial competence of level B1.
Teaching methods
The course employs the following teaching methods: lectures, pair and group work, papers (Hausarbeiten) and multimedia oral presentations.
Teaching Resources
The course has a website on the MyAriel online learning platform; please refer to this for lecture notes and other materials provided by the lecturers.
Bibliography
A: Semantics
- Pittner, Karin (2016): Einführung in die germanistische Linguistik. 2nd edition. Darmstadt: WBG. Chapter 6: Semantik (125-146).
- Di Meola, Claudio (2014): German Linguistics. An Introduction with Exercises and a Selected Bibliography. Rome: Bulzoni. Chapter 4: Semantics (pp. 131-164).
Further bibliographical references will be provided during the course.
Course materials and slides will be available on Ariel
B: Lexicography.
- Engelberg, Stefan/Lemnitzer, Lothar (2009): Lexicography and Dictionary Use. Tübingen: Stauffenburg. Chapters 1, 2, 4.
- Marello, Carla (1989): Bilingual Dictionaries: with entries on Italian dictionaries for French, English, Spanish and German. Bologna: Zanichelli. Chapters: 1, 2, 9.
Further bibliographical references will be provided during the course.
Course materials and slides will be available on Ariel
C: Analysis and Text Types
- Fandrych, Christian/Thurmair, Maria (2011): Textsorten im Deutschen. Linguistische Analyse aus sprachdidaktischer Sicht. Tübingen: Stauffenburg. The relevant chapters will be indicated in the lecture slides and on MyAriel.
Further bibliographical references will be provided during the course.
The materials and slides will be available on Ariel
Bibliography
A: Semantics
- Pittner, Karin (2016): Einführung in die germanistische Linguistik. 2nd edition. Darmstadt: WBG. Chapter 6: Semantik (125-146).
- Di Meola, Claudio (2014): German Linguistics. An Introduction with Exercises and a Selected Bibliography. Rome: Bulzoni. Chapter 4: Semantics (pp. 131-164).
Further bibliographical references will be provided during the course.
Course materials and slides will be available on Ariel
B: Lexicography.
- Engelberg, Stefan/Lemnitzer, Lothar (2009): Lexicography and Dictionary Use. Tübingen: Stauffenburg. Chapters 1, 2, 4.
- Marello, Carla (1989): Bilingual Dictionaries: with entries on Italian dictionaries for French, English, Spanish and German. Bologna: Zanichelli. Chapters: 1, 2, 9.
Further bibliographical references will be provided during the course.
Course materials and slides will be available on Ariel
C: Analysis and Text Types
- Fandrych, Christian/Thurmair, Maria (2011): Textsorten im Deutschen. Linguistische Analyse aus sprachdidaktischer Sicht. Tübingen: Stauffenburg. The relevant chapters will be indicated in the lecture slides and on MyAriel.
Further bibliographical references will be provided during the course.
The materials and slides will be available on Ariel
Assessment methods and Criteria
Methods of learning assessment and marking criteria
The examination consists of the following parts, all of which are mandatory:
1) Written assessment of the practical course, followed by an oral assessment of the practical course
2) Monographic course examination
1) Practical course assessments:
Passing the written test is a prerequisite for admission to the oral examination. For further information, please refer to the seminar programme.
2) MONOGRAPHIC COURSE EXAMINATION:
The examination differs depending on whether students are attending or non-attending.
- ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Attending students may sit mid-term assessments in place of the official written and oral examinations:
- PART A (20 hours, 3 CFU). Mid-course assessment: written test (multiple-choice questionnaire and open-ended questions) in place of the official written/oral examination;
- PART B (20 hours, 3 CFU). Mid-term assessment: oral presentation of a group project
in place of the official written/oral examination;
- PART C (20 hours, 3 CFU). Mid-term assessment: textual analysis of a genre studied during the course in place of the official written/oral examination.
- NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:
The examination consists of a written and an oral component (a multiple-choice questionnaire and open-ended questions, to be discussed and explored further orally if necessary) for Modules A and B. For Module C, an analysis of a text type studied during the course must be submitted one week before the chosen examination session. The structure of the analysis will be provided by the lecturer.
International students and incoming Erasmus students are advised to contact the lecturer as soon as possible. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties must be agreed with the lecturer, in consultation with the relevant office.
The examination consists of the following parts, all of which are mandatory:
1) Written assessment of the practical course, followed by an oral assessment of the practical course
2) Monographic course examination
1) Practical course assessments:
Passing the written test is a prerequisite for admission to the oral examination. For further information, please refer to the seminar programme.
2) MONOGRAPHIC COURSE EXAMINATION:
The examination differs depending on whether students are attending or non-attending.
- ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Attending students may sit mid-term assessments in place of the official written and oral examinations:
- PART A (20 hours, 3 CFU). Mid-course assessment: written test (multiple-choice questionnaire and open-ended questions) in place of the official written/oral examination;
- PART B (20 hours, 3 CFU). Mid-term assessment: oral presentation of a group project
in place of the official written/oral examination;
- PART C (20 hours, 3 CFU). Mid-term assessment: textual analysis of a genre studied during the course in place of the official written/oral examination.
- NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:
The examination consists of a written and an oral component (a multiple-choice questionnaire and open-ended questions, to be discussed and explored further orally if necessary) for Modules A and B. For Module C, an analysis of a text type studied during the course must be submitted one week before the chosen examination session. The structure of the analysis will be provided by the lecturer.
International students and incoming Erasmus students are advised to contact the lecturer as soon as possible. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties must be agreed with the lecturer, in consultation with the relevant office.
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours