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LAC2001 Language, Culture and Custom

Subject Cat-nbr Class Term Mode Description Units Campus
LAC 2001 87552 1, 2009 ONC Language, Culture and Custom 1.00 Toowoomba
Academic group: FOART
Academic org: FOA003
Student contribution band: 1
ASCED code: 091503

Contents


STAFFING

Examiner: Gabriela Pohl
Moderator: Brian Musgrove


REQUISITES

Pre-requisite: LAC1002 or for German strand GER1102 or for Chinese strand CHI2000


SYNOPSIS

Studying German or Chinese as part of an Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, Education, or IT degree, to a credible level of language competence, can provide graduates with an important competitive edge when entering and advancing their careers in increasingly global employment markets. This course begins to use language skills as a gateway to a more extensive study of the cultures and customs of Germany and China in both their more traditional and their contemporary aspects. It explores the practice of culture and custom in both their national and international contexts, surveying the ways in which German and Chinese communities view themselves and express their identities in the context of living at home or abroad. The course also explores the ways in which students may encounter the varied cultures and customs of Germany and China as travellers or temporary residents. LAC2001 builds on the skills and concepts acquired in LAC1001 and LAC1002 and is the recommended entry level for students who have successfully completed Year 12 German or Chinese (Mandarin) less than two years ago. Emphasis in class activities (3 hrs per week) is on the application of language and cultural concepts introduced in course materials and prepared by students in independent study and practice prior to attending class. Important: Students in this course must elect to enrol in either the German or Mandarin Chinese stream. New students with some previous knowledge of either German or Chinese will be given a placement test to determine their most suitable starting point in this major.



OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1.
Language: a. demonstrate developing speaking and listening skills in German/Chinese b. demonstarte developing reading and writing skills in German/Chinese c. show well-developed pronunciation skills in German/Chinese d. apply more complex rules of morphology, syntax and grammatical structures to express more elaborate or more specific meaning e. for German: demonstrate knowledge and application of up to 2250 words and phrases necessary for communicative competence equivalent to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. for Chinese: demonstrate knowledge and application of up to 1000 characters and phrases for communicative competence equivalent to Basic level required for HSK
2.
Culture: 1. knowledge of cultural traditions and associated (religious) beliefs, national holidays, and related social customs 2. knowledge of some significant national art forms and examples thereof 3. critically discuss national stereotypes 4. an understanding of culturally specific "morality" and values as expressed in film, song, poetry and/or children's literature 5. an appreciation of the variations of language and custom as determined by factors such as age, gender, region, and socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural background (i.e. immigration and integration)
3.
USQ Graduate Skills: 1. Ethical Research and Inquiry: discern quality sources from less reliable sources especially when accessing (foreign language) internet sites 2. Problem Solving: draw on an expanding range of language patterns to select from for appropriate application in some new contexts 3. Academic and Professional Literacy: (refer to Language and Culture objectives above) 4. Written and Oral Communication: (a) show developing abilities to adjust language use to meet the needs of target audiences in oral and writtem communcation; (b) demonstrate well developed presentation skills 5. Interpersonal Skills: demonstrate awareness of preferred or dominant communication styles in their own culture as compared to those in other relevant cultures 6. Teamwork: (a) verbalise and show willingness to share (language) learning tips with peers; (b) act responsibly towards the accomplishment of group tasks and objectives 7. Cultural Literacy: (a) demonstrate a heightened awareness of the idiosyncracies of their own culture (e.g. customs, value and belief systems, morality etc.) by comparing them to those of other relevant cultures; (b)critically exmaine national stereotypes 8. Management, Planning and Organisational Skills: (a) judge their own performance and suggest/implement corrective action where needed; (b) show increased independence in managing their individual leaarning journey through use of well developed planning, organisational and time-management skills 9. Creativity, Initiative and Enterprise: (a) take eductaed risks in experimenting with known structures and vocablulary to express more specific meanings; (b) draw on a variety of quality resources to support language and cultural learning


TOPICS


Description Weighting (%)
1. Language component of this course
1.1. Oral Communication (Speaking and Listening) 45%
1.2. Written Communication (Reading and Writing) 55%
 70.00
2. Culture component of this course
 30.00

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

,
([FOR GERMAN]: NOTE: Materials required for this course LAC2001 will also be used in the subsequent course LAC2002 in Semester 2. [FOR GERMAN])

[FOR CHINESE]: NOTE: Materials required for this course LAC2001 will also be used in the subsequent course LAC2002 in Semester 2.

New Practical Chinese Reader, Audio 4 CD Textbook 2, Beijing Language and Culture University Electronic & Audiovisual Press. [FOR CHINESE]

AufderstraBe, H et al Lagune-Kursbuch 2 deutsch als fremdsprache niveaustufe A2, Max Hueber Verlag, Deutschland.
([FOR GERMAN])

AufderstraBe, H et al 2006, Lagune-Arbeitsbuch 2 deutsch als fremdsprache niveaustufe A2, Max Hueber Verlag, Deutschland.
([FOR GERMAN])

AufderstraBe, H et al Lagune 2, 3 Audio-CDs, deutsch als fremdsprache niveaustufe A2, Max Hueber Verlag, Deutschland.
([FOR GERMAN])

AufderstraBe, H et al Lagune 2, glossar XXL german-english glossary, deutsch als fremdsprache niveaustufe A2, Max Hueber Verlag, Deutschland.
([FOR GERMAN])

Collins 2006, German dictionary plus grammar, 4th edn, Collins, Glasgow.
(OR another bilingual dictionary from a reputable publisher, e.g. Langenscheidt, Oxford, Pons or Collins, which incorporates the German spelling reform. [FOR GERMAN])

Liu Xun 2002, New practical Chinese reader, Textbook 2, Beijing Language and Culture University Press.
([FOR CHINESE])

Wu Jingrong 1999, Chinese-English dictionary, Commercial Press.
([FOR CHINESE])



REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Barber, SJ, Gschossmann-Hendershot, E, Feuerle, L, Weiss, E, Schmitt, CJ & ebrary Inc 2000, Schaum's Easy Outlines - German, McGraw-Hill (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=5004740).
([FOR GERMAN])

Barron, A & ebrary Inc 2003, Acquisition in interlanguage pragmatics learning how to do things with words in a study abroad context, J. Benjamins Pub Co (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=10032036).
([FOR GERMAN])

Berry, C & Farquhar, MA 2006, China on screen cinema and nation, Columbia University Press, New York, ebrary Inc (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=10183558).
([FOR CHINESE])

Brand, LM, Kresin-Murakami, J & Pechatscheck, K 1995, Die Schone ist angekommen: ein Grammatikkrimi, Klett Edition Deutsch, Munchen.
([FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Castles, S & Miller, MJ 1993, Age of Migration: international population movements in the modern world, MacMillan, Basingstoke.
([FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Collins 2005, German verbs, 1st edn, Harper Collins, Glasgow.
([FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Davison, GM & Reed, BE 1998, Culture and customs of Taiwan, Greenwood Press, Westport, Conn., ebrary Inc (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=5005093.).
([FOR CHINESE])

DuFon, MA, Churchill, E & ebrary Inc 2006, Language learners in study abroad contexts, Multilingual Matters (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=10120619).
([FOR GERMAN])

Fehringer, C 2002, German grammar in context: analysis and practice, Arnold, London.
([FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Fox, A 2005, The structure of German, 2nd edn, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
([FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Gunde, R 2001, Culture and customs of China, Greenwood Press, Westport.
([FOR CHINESE] Print Copy Reference)

Hachenburger, P, Jackson, P & ebrary Inc 2000, Topics, questions, keywords a handbook for students of German, Routledge (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=10094979).
([FOR GERMAN])

Intercultural Press 2000, Germany: unraveling an enigma (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://library.books24x7.com/library.asp?^B&bookid=14897).
([FOR GERMAN])

James, P & ebrary Inc 1998, Modern Germany politics, society and culture, Routledge (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=10099147).
([FOR GERMAN])

Kahlen, L 2005, German grammar made easy, Hodder Arnold, London.
([FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Kuhn, I & Lehker, M (eds) 2000, Deutsch in europa: muttersprache und fremdsprache, Wittenberger Beitrage zur deutschen Sprache und Ku, Bd 1, P Lang, Frankfurt am Main; New York.
([FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Lu, SH 2001, China, transnational visuality, global postmodernity, Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif., ebrary Inc (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=10040239).
([FOR CHINESE])

McGarty, C, Yzerbyt, V, Spears, R & ebrary Inc 2002, Stereotypes as explanations the formation of meaningful beliefs about social groups, Cambridge University Press (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=10023552).
([FOR GERMAN])

Penyeh, T 1998, Tradition and change in the performance of Chinese music, Harwood Academic, Newark, NJ, ebrary inc (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=10099058).
([FOR CHINESE])

Ross, C & Ma, J 2005, Modern Mandarin Chinese grammar: a practical guide, Routledge, London.
([FOR CHINESE] Print Copy Reference)

Spencer-Oatey, H 2000, Culturally speaking: managing rapport through talk across cultures, Cassell, New York.
(Open linguistics series [FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Starkman, RA & ebrary Inc 2006, Transformations of the new Germany, Palgrave MacMillan (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=10155130).
([FOR GERMAN])

Stief, C & Stang, C 2002, German grammar in a nutshell: deutsche grammatik - kurz und schmerzlos, Langenscheidt, Berlin.
([FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Wendt, HF 1992, Langenscheidts Grammatiktafel Deutsch, Langenscheidt, Berlin.
([FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Wendt, HF & Thurmair, M 2000, Verb-Tabellen Deutsch, Langenscheidt, Berlin.
([FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)

Wright, DC 2001, The history of China, Greenwood Press, Westport, Conn., ebrary Inc (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/unisouthernqld/Doc?id=10040736).
([FOR CHINESE])

Zinzius, B 2004, Doing business in the new China a handbook and guide, Praeger, Westport, Conn., Books24x7 (Available: http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login?url=http://library.books24x7.com/library.asp?^B&bookid=10292).
([FOR CHINESE])

Zorach, C & Melin, C English grammar for students of German: the study guide for those learning German, 3rd edn, Olivia and Hill Press, Ann Arbor.
(English grammar series [FOR GERMAN] Print Copy Reference)



STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ACTIVITY HOURS
Assessments 6.00
Private Study 120.00
Tutorials 39.00


ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date Objectives assessed Graduate skill Level assessed Notes
ASSIGNMENT 1 100.00 10.00 24 Mar 2009 All U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U9 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 (see note 1)
TEST 1 - SHORT WRITTEN 100.00 15.00 31 Mar 2009 All U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U9 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2  
ASSIGNMENT 2 100.00 15.00 28 Apr 2009 All U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U9 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2  
TEST 2 - SHORT WRITTEN 100.00 20.00 05 May 2009 All U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U9 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2  
TEST 3 - SPEAKING/LISTENING 100.00 20.00 09 Jun 2009 All U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U9 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2  
TEST 4 - SHORT WRITTEN 100.00 20.00 11 Jun 2009 All U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U9 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2  
NOTES
1.
All due dates are preliminary and will be confirmed when theteaching timetable is finalised.

GRADUATE QUALITIES AND SKILLS

Elements of the following Graduate Skills are associated with the successful completion of this course.

Graduate skill assessed

Level assessed
Ethical Research & Enquiry (Skill U1) Intermediate (Level 2)
Problem Solving (Skill U2) Intermediate (Level 2)
Academic & Professional Literacy (Skill U3) Intermediate (Level 2)
Written & Oral Communication (Skill U4) Intermediate (Level 2)
Interpersonal Skills (Skill U5) Intermediate (Level 2)
Teamwork (Skill U6) Intermediate (Level 2)
Cultural Literacy (Skill U7) Intermediate (Level 2)
Managmt, Planning & Org Skills (Skill U8) Intermediate (Level 2)
Creatvty, Initiative & Entrprse (Skill U9) Intermediate (Level 2)

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

  1. Attendance requirements:
    In order to achieve course objectives, attendance at and participation in all learning activities are strongly advised. These are important factors in the development of oral and aural skills and as such will be monitored regularly and cumulatively. Students absent from classes are responsible for obtaining and completing all work and homework covered during their absence and for informing themselves of announcements regarding course-related activities and administrative matters.
  2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
    To successfully complete an individual assessment item, a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C-. This statement must be read in conjunction with Statement 4 below.
  3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
    If students submit assignments after the due date without extenuating circumstances and without prior approval, then a penalty of a maximum of 5% of the assigned mark may apply for each working day late, up to a maximum of 10 working days, at which time a mark of zero can be recorded for that assignment.
  4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
    To be assured of receiving a passing grade, a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
  5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
    The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
  6. Examination information:
    The exam for this course is a CLOSED examination, and candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
  7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
    Any makeup/outstanding assessment must be completed by a date set by the examiner.
  8. University Regulations:
    Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6 Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm

ASSESSMENT NOTES

9. (a) The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must either submit online or despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. Online submission must be made by 12 midnight on the due date. (b) Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be despatched to USQ within 24 hours if requested by the Examiner. (c) In accordance with University's Assignment Extension Policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances such as documented ill-health. (d) In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, such as a Show holiday, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the examiner's convenience. (e) Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements. (f) Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in the course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of the course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded the temporary grade: IM (Incomplete-Makeup). An IM grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non-directed personal study. (g) Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or sit for an examination at the scheduled time, may apply to defer an assessment in the course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded: IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).
10. Students can expect that questions in assessment items in this course may draw upon knowledge and skills that they can reasonably be expected to have acquired before enrolling in the course. This includes knowledge contained in pre-requisite courses and appropriate communication, information literacy, analytical, critical thinking, problem solving or numeracy skills. Students who do not possess such knowledge and skills should not expect to achieve the same grades as those students who do possess them.
11. Students will require access to email and have internet access to USQConnect for this course.

This version produced 11 Dec 2009.
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