Austrian Language and Culture (Advanced)

Widening of vocabulary, grammar exercises, communication, writing exercises, error analysis, information about Austrian region and culture.
Each lecture focuses on a particular topic with reference to Austria. i.e. fine art, Austrian film, current politics and economy. The teaching of regional and cultural contents is combined with a grammatical focus consistent with the language level of each group (starting at B1.2). Receptive exercises are followed by progressive ones. The students get to know new working methods, practice in communicative situations and will be motivated to work independently.
As part of the course, students give a short presentation of their home country with a topic of their choice. Short presentations are also to be prepared for a one-time excursion to Vienna's city center, which provide an overview of important historical events.

Mode of delivery

face to face

Type

compulsory

Recommended or required reading and other learning resources/tools

No special reading required, review of German basic grammar recommended (e.g.: Dinsel, Sabine / Mayrhofer, Lukas: Deutsch Übungsbuch Grammatik A1-A2, Hueber Verlag)

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Station learning/learning circle, Think-pair-share, TPR (= total physical response), WELL (= wechselseitiges Erklären Lehren Lernen), ‘silent’ dialogue, discussions, excursion, research project etc.

Assessment methods and criteria

1. Attendance is registered in accordance with the attendance list generated by the CIS. If previously excused, substantiated and exceptional absence (e.g. due to clashes with another course, where an examination must be taken) is accepted.
2. Participation: requires an active participation in the classroom, questions of any kind (grammar, geography, vocabulary ...) even beyond the course contents are expressly welcome.
3. Homework: is given after each class in the form of in-depth grammar exercises and one writing assignment. The delivery of home assignments is obligatory; the return of the corrected tasks takes place at the beginning of the next course.
4. Final test
Grading:

  • Attendence and participation: max. 50 points
  • Homework: max. 25 points
  • Final test: max. 25 points.

Prerequisites and co-requisites

none.

Infos

Degree programme

International Programme

Cycle

International Programme

ECTS Credits

5.00

Language of instruction

German

Curriculum

Full-Time

Academic year

2023

Semester

1 WS

Incoming

Yes

Learning outcome

After having attended the class, the students have widened or deepened their knowledge of German; they have learned new vocabulary and developed their skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking). Besides, they have a deep insight into the Austrian regional and cultural studies.

Course code

0000-17-04-VZ-DE-3a