This stream aims to introduce students to the study of contemporary German-speaking society through the medium of German.
Content
Area Studies provides an introduction to the history, politics, society and economy of the German-speaking countries in the period 1945 to the present. Taught in German, with English summaries, it also trains listening comprehension, and as such helps prepare for studying in a German-speaking country and for future study in TCD. Listening skills developed in this module contribute to the performance level in the JF Aural examination (See GR 1000).
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Lectures with accompanying tutorials.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module stream should be able to
describe the recent history and the political, economic, social and cultural features of the three German-speaking countries.
discuss in detail major events and trends in these countries since the Second World War.
deploy this knowledge and understanding in clear written English.
follow lectures, presentations and commentaries in German on contemporary themes.
read introductory and intermediate level written material in German on contemporary themes.
Outline, handouts and bibliography supplied during the lectures.
Assessment/Examination
2-hour end of year written examination in German Area Studies (100 marks)
The paper has three questions, weighted equally, consisting of 2 essay questions and one question requiring short explanations of terms.
Stream II
German Business Stream Aims
This stream aims to introduce students to the German business environment and to Business German. It takes a thematic and task-based approach and focuses both on written and oral language development and on business content. It introduces students to the business register in German by exposing them to a variety of business text types. One of the main aims of the module is to develop confidence in using specialist vocabulary.
Content
Topics covered in the first year include an analysis of the different sectors of the German economy, German-Irish trade relations, Germany as an industrial location, advertising and marketing. Students are also introduced to the analysis of statistical material in the foreign language. These topics are supplemented by authentic textual, audio and video material.
