LAC2001 Language, Culture and Custom

Requisites

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

Other requisites

Students will require access to e-mail and have internet access to UConnect for this course.

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 by signing up for the correct lecture for their chosen language. New students with some previous knowledge of either German or Chinese are asked to contact the lecturer in the relevant language for a a placement test to determine their most suitable starting point in this major.

Course offers