German (MA)
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course, which is shared with German Language 2 (Master's Course) as far as the monographic classes are concerned, aims at improving linguistic skills as Schreiben and Sprechen both in oral communication and writing. Students are expected to analyse Sachtexte (essays and press articles) and literary texts.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: improvement and refinement of complex syntactical structures and vocabulary; acquirement of further "Sprachgefühl" in both oral and written language; attainment of strategies for oral presentations (Referat) to consolidate linguistic competences; comprehension and analysis of different textual forms (Sachtexte, above all wissenschaftliche Texte, and literarische Texte)
Applying knowledge and understanding: The course, which is complemented by exercise classes with native speakers, aims at obtaining safety in the language acquisition (sophisticated linguistic structures and vocabulary) at a C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Applying knowledge and understanding: The course, which is complemented by exercise classes with native speakers, aims at obtaining safety in the language acquisition (sophisticated linguistic structures and vocabulary) at a C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
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 course is entitled: "Sprachkontakt, Sprachvariation and Mehrsprachigkeit". The course introduces the concepts of linguistic variation and variety with reference to the German language. Subsequently, the various linguistic varieties of German will be presented in detail, and their similarities and differences will be illustrated. These include regional varieties such as dialects, as well as social varieties (colloquial language, slang), age- and group-specific varieties (youth language, skater language, ethnolects, etc.) and gender-specific ways of speaking ("masculine language", "feminine language"). Furthermore, the course will cover the specific variants and variations of individual speakers. In this context, particular attention will be paid to the linguistic variations inherent in the language of learners of German as a second or foreign language. Finally, linguistic variants and their significance for language change will be discussed. The course is taught in German.
Unit A: Theoretical introduction to linguistic variation in the German language
Unit B: Language contact and multilingualism in the acquisition of German as a second or third language
Unit C: Varieties of the German language
The programme runs until February 2028.
Unit A: Theoretical introduction to linguistic variation in the German language
Unit B: Language contact and multilingualism in the acquisition of German as a second or third language
Unit C: Varieties of the German language
The programme runs until February 2028.
Prerequisites for admission
The course, which is taught in German, along with the course materials and the reading list for the exam, requires students to have a starting level of B2.
Teaching methods
The course is taught in person. The course employs the following teaching methods: lectures and seminars, as well as in-person activities such as oral presentations (Referate). In addition, the course is supplemented by practical sessions; please refer to the relevant course description for further details. The course is delivered entirely in person.
Teaching Resources
Bibliography:
Ammon, Ulrich; Bickel, Hans (2018): Variantenwörterbuch des Deutschen: Die Standardsprache in Österreich, der Schweiz, Deutschland, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Ostbelgien und Südtirol sowie Rumänien, Namibia und Mennonitensiedlungen. Berlin ecc.: De Gruyter.
Riehl, Claudia (2013): Sprachkontaktforschung. Eine Einführung. Tübingen: Narr.
Stevenson, Patrick; Barbour, Stephen (1998): Variation im Deutschen. Soziolinguistische Perspektiven. Berlin etc.: De Gruyter.
Further material will be listed on the course's MyAriel website.
Ammon, Ulrich; Bickel, Hans (2018): Variantenwörterbuch des Deutschen: Die Standardsprache in Österreich, der Schweiz, Deutschland, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Ostbelgien und Südtirol sowie Rumänien, Namibia und Mennonitensiedlungen. Berlin ecc.: De Gruyter.
Riehl, Claudia (2013): Sprachkontaktforschung. Eine Einführung. Tübingen: Narr.
Stevenson, Patrick; Barbour, Stephen (1998): Variation im Deutschen. Soziolinguistische Perspektiven. Berlin etc.: De Gruyter.
Further material will be listed on the course's MyAriel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of a written test (based on the exercises) and written and/or oral tests for the monographic section; all are compulsory and marked out of 30. The exam grade for the language module will be a single grade that takes into account the results of all the tests. During the academic year, internal mid-term tests will be organised, which may partially replace the end-of-year examination.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
GERM-01/C - German Language, Translation and Linguistics - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Katelhoen Peggy
Part C
GERM-01/C - German Language, Translation and Linguistics - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)