Course description

A good way of extending your range of languages, or of gaining a qualification in an A level language you have dropped for Part 1A, is provided by the Diploma courses offered by our Faculty.

The Diploma in German is available on a regular basis to any suitably qualified (see below) member of the University in any year. The linguistic standard is the same as for Part 1A of the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos and the workload is also the same. Teaching for the Diploma follows the pattern for Part 1A teaching. Teaching is largely based on Departmental classes, supplemented by College supervisions (usually a minimum of four hours a week, plus written work). The Diploma examinations are taken in May.

The course is designed to develop an existing knowledge of the language to a high level of proficiency. The content of the course focuses on developing the ability to use the language appropriately in a variety of contexts. Both written and oral varieties of the language are analysed and both comprehension and production skills are developed through familiarity with and the manipulation - including translation - of a wide range of texts.

Use of German component

The particular focus of the use of German work is the analysis of idiom and sensitivity to style and register, requiring broad vocabulary, command of the basic rules of the grammar and of German structures and idiom, skills in analysing a text - evaluation of the language used, explanation of the content or summary requiring a synthesis - and the ability to react to a text and to produce a personal coherent response to it.

Translation component

The aim of the translation course is to expand reading experience and to develop the ability to translate from prose, and in some cases verse, written in a range of styles and genres. In-depth understanding of the contrast between the two languages is given priority. However, it must be noted that the course does not aim to teach students professional translation skills.

Oral component

Reading comprehension is integrated in the oral where an unseen passage is used to provide material for reading aloud and discussion. The course is intended to develop the ability to speak fluently and accurately in an appropriate register and the ability to engage interestingly in German on an intellectual level.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT BE RUNNING THIS COURSE IN 2011-12.

All those wishing to attend courses leading to the Certificate or the Diploma Examinations should complete an application form, available from the MML Faculty Office on the Sidgwick Site, and obtain the approval of the Director of Studies in Modern Languages in their College. Candidates who are not students of the University must pay the appropriate Composition Fee for each term of study. Please note that admission to the Diploma course in German cannot be guaranteed. The Head of Department has discretion in admitting candidates.

The Department of German's Liaison Officer for the Diploma is Mrs A Künzl-Snodgrass. Her job is to give advice about all aspects of the Diploma Course.