- An undergraduate course
in
Languages.
Rundblick: beginners' German
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| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | L193 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| 4 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
This key introductory Level 1 course – Rundblick: beginners' German – is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple German in everyday contexts. It explores life in German-speaking countries and communities worldwide through topics relevant to adult learners – such as impressions of Germany, Austria and Switzerland; travelling; lifestyles; cultural events; and technology. Study resources include printed books, a dedicated website with online activities and resources and audio recordings – which support independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language skills but a real feel for German-speaking countries and communities too.
Register for the course
What you will study
The course is based around three books and has at its core the following elements:
- user-friendly, ‘bite-sized’ information dealing with language and cultural aspects
- gradual development of study and language skills
- development of basic vocabulary and set phrases
- audio material, featuring recordings by competent speakers of German and a wide variety of speaking activities
- revision activities and self-assessment tests to monitor your progress
- regular online video clips to support your revision activities.
The study materials are carefully structured and graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts, with an emphasis on listening and speaking skills. By the end of the course you will be able to speak and understand simple language and have developed an understanding of key aspects of life in German-speaking countries.
Rundblick is an ideal preparation for Auftakt: intermediate German (L130).
This course is designed to enable you to achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level A2 of the Council of Europe Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You will have developed your knowledge and understanding of the language as well as an awareness of cultural diversity in German speaking countries which form a key part of the learning outcomes for studying at this Level. By the end of the module you will have developed key Level 1 undergraduate study skills such as learning to work independently and using strategies which enable you to solve problems and analyse data.
Entry
This is a key introductory Level 1 course. Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
No prior knowledge of German is required to study this course. To help decide if this is the course for you, see A taste of our course materials.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Please note that this course makes substantial use of audio and visual materials. Full transcripts of the audio materials are provided except for those used for assessment purposes. The written and spoken elements you will be asked to complete as part of your assessment use audio and possibly visual stimuli. The study materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Comb-bound versions of the written study materials can also be provided on request. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
You will need to make extensive use of a personal computer and the internet.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Books, a dedicated website with additional online resources and activities and audio recordings (delivered via the website and on audio CDs). As a registered language student you have automatic access to an online forum, where you can communicate with fellow-students over the internet, and to online audio-conferencing software.
You will need
A headset with a microphone and earphones to talk to your tutor and other students online during some of the course activities and the facility to play audio recordings.
Please also check the Computer requirements and Assessment sections.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course as it includes online activities, which you can access using a web browser.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer since 2007 you should have no problems completing the online activities.
- If you’ve got a netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device check our Technical requirements section.
- If you use an Apple Mac you will need OS X 10.6 or later.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written and spoken tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. If you are new to the OU, you will find that your tutor is particularly concerned to help you with your study methods. This course usually includes a mix of face-to-face and online tutorials. Please note that depending on where you live, the mix will vary and in some places face-to-face tuition may be replaced by telephone conferencing. Regions and nations may also be able to offer day schools. All of these will provide plenty of opportunities to speak and listen to German. Where face-to-face tutorials or day schools are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and the end-of-module assessment (EMA).
TMAs test your written and spoken skills. Your listening and reading skills will be tested by computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) presented on the website. The EMA has a written element. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the course.
Professional recognition
The Chartered Institute of Marketing now recognises this course under their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2013. We expect it to be available once a year.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Student Reviews
“I really enjoyed L193, my first shot at studying German and by the end of the course I was certainly ...”
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“I started L193 with no previous knowledge of German and found it to be a fantastic way to gain a ...”
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Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | L193 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| 4 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
Course satisfaction survey
See the satisfaction survey results for this course.
Your questions
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