Austrian Language and Culture (Advanced)

Brief description

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). As the students should be able to assess their own skills when starting the course, suggestions for repetition of certain grammar or wishes for specific contents are gladly accepted.

Mode of delivery

Präsenzveranstaltung

Type

Pflichtfach

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

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 with the help of the following methods: station learning/learning circle, Think-pair-share, TPR (= total physical response), WELL (= wechselseitiges Erklären Lehren Lernen, i.e. mutual explanation and learning in partner work with a high output on linguistic competence), ‘silent’ dialogue, discussions, excursion, research project etc. 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. All methods mentioned above aim to support the students in their active language acting in order to prevent purely passive language practice.

Assessment methods and criteria

1. participation: requires an active participation in the classroom, questions of any kind (grammar, geography, vocabulary ...) even beyond the course contents are expressly welcome.
2. 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.
3. final test grading:

  • participation: max. 50 points
  • homework: max. 25 points
  • final test: max. 25 points.
Attendance is strongly recommended in order to achieve the learning outcomes. Justified absences, e.g. due to clashes with another programmes in which an examination must be taken or due to prolonged illness, will be taken into account.

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

2024

Semester

1 WS

Incoming

Yes

Learning outcome

After successful completion of the course, the students developed their skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), are knowledgeable in grammar and vocabulary at B1+ level and beyond, according to the topics mentioned below. Besides, they have a deep insight into the Austrian regional and cultural studies..

Course code

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