German language and linguistics I : capita selecta [LALLB201]

Learning outcomes

The 3 modules of the course aim to help students (whose mother tongue is not German) to reach the level of a user at level B1/B2 according to the CEFR criteria. As the course invites students to put into practice the theory proposed to them concerning the use of language in advertising, the course encourages the acquisition of a whole series of transversal skills (e. g. the development of a critical and creative mind, the ability to make a critical analysis based on scientific criteria, the ability to make a written and oral synthesis of the results of this analysis, the mastery of oral presentation techniques).

Objectives

This course has four goals. First of all, the course aims to deepen students’ knowledge of the German grammar by treating questions that have not been covered in detail in the "Introduction to the German Language" (LALLB105) and "German Linguistics" (LALLB101) courses (e. g. use of the subjunctive, syntax of German, etc.). Second, the course provides students with a scientific framework that allows them to analyze the conscious manipulations of the structure of a language. This issue is addressed in the context of the study of the use of the German language in advertising. Thirdly, the course and/or the accompanying exercises focus on the study of German phraseology in order to enrich students' vocabulary and above all to stimulate their interest in such structures which are an integral part of the German used in everyday life. Finally, the course also offers the students information on how to write a (scientific) paper.

Content

The course consists of three modules:

Module 1: The first module deals with grammatical questions that have not been covered in detail in the "Introduction to the German Language" (LALLB105) and "German Linguistics" (LALLB101) courses (e. g. use of the subjunctive, syntax of German, etc.).

Module 2: The second module is entirely devoted to the analysis of the use of the German language in advertising.

Module 3: The third module (primarily dealt with in the exercises) is devoted entirely to the study of phraseology. 

The theory proposed in the course is complemented by many exercises related to Modules 1 and 3. In addition, the teaching assistant and the teaching assistant ensure that students have the opportunity to further train the skills acquired in the first year.

Exercises description

One part of the exercises is devoted to the application of grammar and the reading of the book Sprachkontaktforschung, a book by Claudia Riehl that accompanies the course "Linguistique générale (LALLB206).

Another part of the exercises is devoted to phraseology and to the paper on language and advertising that has to be submitted in the second semester.