German Language and Culture
- The focus of the course is to provide an introduction to the German language and culture.
- Topics such as basic German vocabulary, conversation skills, and cultural insights will be practiced and discussed.
- Course is offered online and meets regularly in the mornings OR afternoons.
The focus of the course is to provide a brief introduction to the German language. The topics that will be discussed include:
- Basic German Vocabulary: Common words and phrases for everyday use.
- German Grammar Fundamentals: Introduction to sentence structure, verb conjugations, and noun genders.
- Pronunciation and Phonetics: How to correctly pronounce German sounds and words.
- Basic Conversation Skills: Simple dialogues and common expressions for basic communication.
- Reading and Writing: Understanding and forming basic sentences in written German.
- Cultural Insights: Overview of German-speaking countries, their cultures, and customs.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this course, students will be able to:
- Understand Basic German Vocabulary: Recognize and use common words and phrases in everyday contexts.
- Apply Fundamental Grammar Rules: Construct simple sentences using correct verb conjugations, noun genders, and basic grammatical structures.
- Pronounce German Words Accurately: Demonstrate proper pronunciation of German sounds and words.
- Engage in Basic Conversations: Participate in simple dialogues and use common expressions for basic communication.
- Read and Write Basic German: Read and comprehend simple texts and write basic sentences in German.
- Gain Cultural Awareness: Appreciate and understand cultural aspects of German-speaking countries.
Course Method
The course will be taught online using a combination of teaching methods:
- Lectures: Virtual sessions to introduce and explain key concepts, vocabulary, and grammar rules.
- Workshops: Interactive online sessions where students can practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in German.
- Group Activities: Collaborative exercises and discussions conducted through online platforms to enhance learning through peer interaction.
- Case Studies: Practical examples and real-life scenarios to apply the language skills in context.
- Multimedia Resources: Use of audio, video, and online tools to support language learning and improve pronunciation.
Course Materials
The course will use a variety of materials and sources, including:
- Textbooks and E-books: Recommended German language textbooks and e-books for structured learning.
- Online Articles and Websites: Selected online resources for additional reading and practice.
- Audio and Video Files: Recordings of native speakers, pronunciation guides, and video lessons to enhance listening and speaking skills.
- Flashcards and Apps: Digital flashcards and language learning apps for vocabulary reinforcement.
- Cultural Content: Articles, videos, and multimedia content related to German culture and customs.
Availability of Course Materials:
- Learning Management System (LMS): All course materials, including textbooks, e-books, online articles, audio and video files, flashcards, apps, cultural content, and online games, will be uploaded to an online learning management system where students can access them at any time.
- Email: Important documents and updates will also be sent directly to students via email.
- Online Libraries and Databases: Links to external resources and recommended readings will be provided through the LMS or course website.
- Interactive Platforms: Multimedia resources and interactive exercises will be accessible through dedicated language learning platforms or apps integrated with the course.
Assessment
The course learning assessment will be conducted through a final presentation to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of students' language proficiency and understanding. The final presentation will be conducted within two weeks of completion of the in-person summer university. The presentation should be 5 – 10 minutes in length and should include a comparison of everyday life in Germany with life in their home country. Examples could include: university life, supermarkets, public transportation, interactions with German-speakers, and any general observations about daily life in Germany.
Grading
Students will be graded on the following factors: participation in the online German language classes and completion of the final presentation. Students are encouraged to include as many German vocabulary words and phrases as they can in their final presentation, which should serve as a culmination of their language learning during their two weeks in Germany.
All participants of Frankfurt Summer Universities who are registered for one of our academic courses Sustainable Aviation Management, Designing Urban Open Fabric of the New Era, Intercultural Communication Competence, or Legal Tech are welcome to take the German Language and Culture course in combination with their academic course. Students who interested in taking the German Language and Culture course can indicate this when registering for their academic course.
Students will earn a total of 6 ECTS points for the successful completion of the course.
A single ECTS point is defined as the equivalent of 25-30 hours of student workload, which includes class hours, readings, preparation for class activities, as well as assessment measures.
The program fee is 100€.
What is included in the program fee?
- 2 weeks of online German language courses
Registration
Please indicate in your registration form via Mobility Online if you would like to participate in the German Language and Culture course.
Students participating in our summer programs through the Hessen:Queensland, Hessen:Massachusetts, or Hessen:Wisconsin Exchange Programs are welcome to participate in the German Language and Culture course at no extra cost. Please indicate if you would like to participate in the course when you register for your academic course over Mobility Online.
Apply now for Frankfurt Summer Universities!