The acquisition of language skills at C1 level (Common European Framework of Reference):
C1 will help you understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, including implicit meaning. You can express yourself spontaneously and fluently without often having to search for words clearly.
You can use the language effectively and flexibly in social and professional life or in training and studies. You can produce text on complex subjects in a clear, structured and detailed manner, using
various means of textual linking appropriately.

As part of this course, we want to develop language skills towards C1 level. We will cover topics related to language, work, art and culture.

We also want to deal with current German literature, more precisely with entertainment and popular literature. Why and what for? Cultural positions are particularly compressed in the (supposedly) banal. We don't want to study cultural and geographical studies, but the mental matter of course, generalities, stereotypes and clichés. Which stereotypes do we find in the literature, how are they described and constructed. Why are they used in the stories, what functions do they fulfill? For this purpose we cover texts from different authors: Wolfgang Herrendorf, Marc-Uwe Kling, Sybille Berg and Juli Zeh. Using these literary examples in conjunction with additional secondary literature, we will clarify the term `stereotype`, to become aware of existing stereotypes, examine them critically and try to discover cultural similarities and differences. Stereotypes are both a linguistic and a cultural issue.

To prepare for the exam, students are expected to submit a written task (500 words) (essay, discussion or opinion piece) and give a 10-15 minute presentation (supported by a Power Point presentation). You are free to choose your topic for both the writing and the presentation task. Your own (book) suggestions and research topics are welcome so that you can work according to your interests.

We begin with the bestseller for young adults 'Tschick' by Wolfgang Herrendorf and will also deal with the film adaptation of the novel by director Fatih Akin (1st semester).

Then we get to know the cabaret artist/comedian and author Marc-Uwe Kling and his best-selling novel `Die Känguru-Chroniken` (1st semester).

We will read the play `Das wird schon. Nie mehr lieben!` (2nd semester).

Finally we will deal with the novel `Unterleuten` by Juli Zeh (2nd semester).

In addition to the cultural and linguistic question of cultural and social stereotypes, dealing with literature offers the opportunity to reflect on its use in the classroom in the sense of didactic use and to use it in a targeted manner.

During the course we hope you will realize that language is not only used as a lingua franca, but also has a high aesthetic and cultural value.

The teaching material prepared by the language assistant in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the language assistant specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Course books

The list of recommended textbooks can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it