German Ii and Mediation
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
This course aims to provide students with reception and production skills in German at a level close to B1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Notably, the course aims to develop mediation and metalinguistic skills, also from a contrastive perspective, in line with the objectives of the degree programme. The ultimate goal is to systematise students' theoretical and practical competencies in terms of morphosyntax and vocabulary (including phraseology). The course is both theoretical/descriptive and practical.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire proficiency in German at an intermediate level, enabling them to fluently exchange information on familiar topics, both orally and in writing, without taking too much effort. Along with reception, production and interaction, they will acquire skilfulness in mediation, which is cited as the fourth linguistic skill by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Students will be able to translate and summarise B1-level texts, also taking cultural differences into account. Moreover, they will also acquire metalinguistic skills, enabling them to identify, understand and adopt highly complex morphosyntactic and lexical structures. They will distinguish the different types of complements and subordinate clauses and learn how to use the Korrelate. Finally, they will enrich their vocabulary and learn how to systematise it from a theoretical perspective (according to the semantic relations between lexemes).
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
Unit 1: Lexicology and Lexicography
The aim of this module is a theoretical and practical introduction to lexicology (the branch of linguistics that studies the vocabulary of a language) and lexicography (the linguistic discipline that is concerned with the compilation, use and evaluation of dictionaries) of German. Starting from the fundamental concepts (lexeme, lemma, loan, calque etc.) the basic structures of the lexicon as well as the relationships between the lexemes of a language (synonymy, homonymy, polysemy etc.) will be illustrated. We will then analyse the different types of monolingual and bilingual dictionaries, their structure and their use in learning a foreign language.
Unit 2: Syntax II
The course is intended to be a deepening and widening of the acquired knowledge. It will give ample space to typical morphosyntactical phenomena of German, often a cause of insecurity in Italian-speaking learners. In particular the following topics will be covered: argument clauses, the different functions of the pronoun "es", Korrelatesubjective and objective use of modal verbs. In addition to theoretical reflection, practical exercises will also be offered to students. The phenomena will always be studied from a contrastive (German-Italian) perspective.
Unit 3 - Translation
This unit proposes a theoretical/practical study of translation as a dynamic process; it will be analysed in relation to the requirements, factors, possibilities and limits also dictated by cultural influences of German and Italian.
The various aspects mentioned are treated on the basis of German texts translated into Italian and applied to practical translation activities on texts belonging to various Textsorten.
There is no difference in the program between attending and non-attending students.
The aim of this module is a theoretical and practical introduction to lexicology (the branch of linguistics that studies the vocabulary of a language) and lexicography (the linguistic discipline that is concerned with the compilation, use and evaluation of dictionaries) of German. Starting from the fundamental concepts (lexeme, lemma, loan, calque etc.) the basic structures of the lexicon as well as the relationships between the lexemes of a language (synonymy, homonymy, polysemy etc.) will be illustrated. We will then analyse the different types of monolingual and bilingual dictionaries, their structure and their use in learning a foreign language.
Unit 2: Syntax II
The course is intended to be a deepening and widening of the acquired knowledge. It will give ample space to typical morphosyntactical phenomena of German, often a cause of insecurity in Italian-speaking learners. In particular the following topics will be covered: argument clauses, the different functions of the pronoun "es", Korrelatesubjective and objective use of modal verbs. In addition to theoretical reflection, practical exercises will also be offered to students. The phenomena will always be studied from a contrastive (German-Italian) perspective.
Unit 3 - Translation
This unit proposes a theoretical/practical study of translation as a dynamic process; it will be analysed in relation to the requirements, factors, possibilities and limits also dictated by cultural influences of German and Italian.
The various aspects mentioned are treated on the basis of German texts translated into Italian and applied to practical translation activities on texts belonging to various Textsorten.
There is no difference in the program between attending and non-attending students.
Prerequisites for admission
Receptive and productive German language skills at B2 level (Common Framework of Reference for Languages). Basic metalinguistic knowledge.
Teaching methods
In addition to the units of the official course (mainly classroom-based modules), there are language practice sessions with native-speaking experts. Attendance at the practice sessions is mandatory, while attendance at the courses is highly recommended. At the end of each semester, for the practice sessions, and at the end of each module, for the official courses, there are mid-term tests that replace the official oral and written exams. The mid-term tests are reserved for attending students.
The languages of instruction are Italian and German (depending on the complexity of the topics covered). For units 1 and 2 and the practice sessions, e-learning tools on Moodle will be used to support the learning process and will include models of the final exam.
The languages of instruction are Italian and German (depending on the complexity of the topics covered). For units 1 and 2 and the practice sessions, e-learning tools on Moodle will be used to support the learning process and will include models of the final exam.
Teaching Resources
Unità 1: Lessicologia e Lessicografia
Cotta Ramusino, Paola/Mollica, Fabio (2019): "Fraseologia in prospettiva multilingue: il continuum lessico-sintassi". In: Federica Casadei / Grazia Basile (a cura di): Lessico ed educazione linguistica. Roma: Carocci, 145-182.
Koesters Gensini, Sabine E. (2009): Le parole del tedesco. Tipi, struttura, relazioni, uso. Carocci: Roma
Twittmann, Christine (2008): "Falsche Freunde und ihre Verwandten". In: Ausgewählte Phänomene zur kontrastiven Linguistik Italienisch-Deutsch (a cura di Curcio Nied, Martina). Franco Angeli: Milano, 184-199.
Slides, materials, and exercises are published on Moodle
Unit 2: Syntax II
Bianco, Maria Teresa, Mollica, Fabio (2024): Sintassi del verbo tedesco. La prospettiva contrastiva. Carocci: Roma
Evalbu: http://hypermedia.ids-mannheim.de/evalbu/begriffe.html
ProGr@amm: http://hypermedia.ids-mannheim.de/programm/
Slide, materiale e esercizi sono pubblicati su Moodle
Unit 3: Translation (German-Italian)
Cinato, Lucia (2011): Mediazione linguistica tedesco-italiano. Aspetti teorici e applicativi, esempi di strategie traduttive, casi di testi tradotti. Hoepli.
Slide ed esercizi pubblicati sul portale Ariel.
Slides and exercises are published on the Ariel portal.
Esercitationi:
DaF Kompakt neu B1. Klett. ISBN: 9783126763158
Cotta Ramusino, Paola/Mollica, Fabio (2019): "Fraseologia in prospettiva multilingue: il continuum lessico-sintassi". In: Federica Casadei / Grazia Basile (a cura di): Lessico ed educazione linguistica. Roma: Carocci, 145-182.
Koesters Gensini, Sabine E. (2009): Le parole del tedesco. Tipi, struttura, relazioni, uso. Carocci: Roma
Twittmann, Christine (2008): "Falsche Freunde und ihre Verwandten". In: Ausgewählte Phänomene zur kontrastiven Linguistik Italienisch-Deutsch (a cura di Curcio Nied, Martina). Franco Angeli: Milano, 184-199.
Slides, materials, and exercises are published on Moodle
Unit 2: Syntax II
Bianco, Maria Teresa, Mollica, Fabio (2024): Sintassi del verbo tedesco. La prospettiva contrastiva. Carocci: Roma
Evalbu: http://hypermedia.ids-mannheim.de/evalbu/begriffe.html
ProGr@amm: http://hypermedia.ids-mannheim.de/programm/
Slide, materiale e esercizi sono pubblicati su Moodle
Unit 3: Translation (German-Italian)
Cinato, Lucia (2011): Mediazione linguistica tedesco-italiano. Aspetti teorici e applicativi, esempi di strategie traduttive, casi di testi tradotti. Hoepli.
Slide ed esercizi pubblicati sul portale Ariel.
Slides and exercises are published on the Ariel portal.
Esercitationi:
DaF Kompakt neu B1. Klett. ISBN: 9783126763158
Assessment methods and Criteria
The actual achievement of the expected learning outcomes will be assessed through a written and an oral exam.
Written Exam:
It is divided into two parts. In the first part, students will complete exercises in grammar, vocabulary, and cultural studies (fill-in-the-blank, reformulation, and multiple-choice) and listening comprehension, following the model of those proposed during practice sessions (45 minutes). In the second part, students must summarize a given text in 100-130 words (in their own words) (40 minutes). The use of monolingual and/or bilingual dictionaries is not permitted in either part.
Preparation for the written exam will take place during the practice sessions, which are mandatory.
The written exam is passed only if a grade of "sufficient" or higher is obtained in each part; otherwise, the entire exam must be retaken.
For units 1 and 2, the test is written (computer-based), and includes closed and fill-in-the-blank questions, both theoretical and practical (duration: 25 minutes per unit); the questions will be formulated in German.
For unit 3, students must complete a written translation from German to Italian with an accompanying oral discussion (which also includes a theoretical part). The use of monolingual and bilingual dictionaries is permitted. Time: 50 minutes.
Attending students will have the opportunity to take a test at the end of each semester. These tests will replace the corresponding exams.
The written exam - as well as the corresponding partial tests - and the exam for units 1 and 2 are computer-based and follow the same procedures as official exams.
Attendance means regular and active participation in the lessons. Additionally, to participate in the intermediate tests, students must:
- for units 1, 2, and practice sessions, achieve a passing grade on 80% of the exercises contained in the corresponding Moodle;
- for the translation course, actively participate in class by proposing translations and discussing them.
All students are also required to participate in a German-language interview during the official exams; students must demonstrate the ability to converse fluently in German and possess knowledge of cultural studies, covered during the practice sessions (and present in the textbook). Preparation for this test takes place during the practice sessions.
The oral exam can only be taken after passing the written exam. If end-of-module exams are not taken, the grades of the oral exams are only valid on the day the exam is taken and cannot be "carried over" to subsequent sessions. The grades of the written exam, partial exams, and individual programs are valid for the three sessions related to the 2024-2025 academic year.
Evaluation type: out of thirty.
For practice sessions, the evaluation will be based on the following grades: insufficient, sufficient, good, excellent. The formulated grade will influence the final evaluation.
Written Exam:
It is divided into two parts. In the first part, students will complete exercises in grammar, vocabulary, and cultural studies (fill-in-the-blank, reformulation, and multiple-choice) and listening comprehension, following the model of those proposed during practice sessions (45 minutes). In the second part, students must summarize a given text in 100-130 words (in their own words) (40 minutes). The use of monolingual and/or bilingual dictionaries is not permitted in either part.
Preparation for the written exam will take place during the practice sessions, which are mandatory.
The written exam is passed only if a grade of "sufficient" or higher is obtained in each part; otherwise, the entire exam must be retaken.
For units 1 and 2, the test is written (computer-based), and includes closed and fill-in-the-blank questions, both theoretical and practical (duration: 25 minutes per unit); the questions will be formulated in German.
For unit 3, students must complete a written translation from German to Italian with an accompanying oral discussion (which also includes a theoretical part). The use of monolingual and bilingual dictionaries is permitted. Time: 50 minutes.
Attending students will have the opportunity to take a test at the end of each semester. These tests will replace the corresponding exams.
The written exam - as well as the corresponding partial tests - and the exam for units 1 and 2 are computer-based and follow the same procedures as official exams.
Attendance means regular and active participation in the lessons. Additionally, to participate in the intermediate tests, students must:
- for units 1, 2, and practice sessions, achieve a passing grade on 80% of the exercises contained in the corresponding Moodle;
- for the translation course, actively participate in class by proposing translations and discussing them.
All students are also required to participate in a German-language interview during the official exams; students must demonstrate the ability to converse fluently in German and possess knowledge of cultural studies, covered during the practice sessions (and present in the textbook). Preparation for this test takes place during the practice sessions.
The oral exam can only be taken after passing the written exam. If end-of-module exams are not taken, the grades of the oral exams are only valid on the day the exam is taken and cannot be "carried over" to subsequent sessions. The grades of the written exam, partial exams, and individual programs are valid for the three sessions related to the 2024-2025 academic year.
Evaluation type: out of thirty.
For practice sessions, the evaluation will be based on the following grades: insufficient, sufficient, good, excellent. The formulated grade will influence the final evaluation.
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Corso Sara, Mollica Fabio
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)