Learning objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Work actively with various types of texts, using the main interpretative categories of text linguistics from a contrastive, intertextual, and intercultural perspective;
• Use appropriate terminology in explaining linguistic phenomena;
• Develop metalinguistic competence;
• Apply critical reflection to justify their translation choices, including comparing them with other translations and different versions of the same text.
And they will have acquired:
• Knowledge related to the history of the German language;
• Metalinguistic competence.
Prerequisites
• Proficiency in written and spoken Italian;
• Written and spoken proficiency in German at a level equivalent to at least B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Course unit content
Text linguistics, text analysis, translation, history of the German language.
Full programme
The German Language and Translation II course is designed for students of German in the Bachelor’s program in Modern Foreign Languages and Civilizations. The aim of the course is to provide a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts of text linguistics. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze and actively work with various types of texts, applying the main interpretative categories of text linguistics from a contrastive, intertextual, and intercultural perspective.
The course also covers aspects of the history of the German language and includes practical exercises to develop translation skills from German to Italian.
Bibliography
Hardarik Blühdorn - Marina Foschi Albert (2014), Leggere e comprendere il tedesco. Manuale per studenti e docenti in formazione. Pisa: Pisa University Press. ISBN: 978-88-6741-190-0
Maria Cristina Temperini - Silvana Vassilli (2008), Übersetzungskurs Deutsch-Italienisch. Mit Übungen zur Textanalyse. Hamburg: Buske. ISBN: 978-3875484830
Luisa Martinelli, Imparare a tradurre. Corso di base per tradurre dal tedesco all'italiano - Materiale online: https://www.luisamartinelli-tedesco.com/_files/ugd/3aa47b_d6deda11920b41d69a5bf20931bd8733.pdf
Teaching methods
• Lectures supported by audiovisual materials, including opportunities for dialogue and discussion;
• Practical exercises focused on translation and text analysis, conducted in plenary sessions, small groups, and individually;
• Additional materials and resources will be available on the course’s e-learning platform;
Students are encouraged to actively participate in the classes, which are conducted in both Italian and German.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final evaluation consists of two stages:
1. Two mandatory written exams, which are prerequisites for the oral exam:
o Lector's exam: This includes three sections—listening comprehension, reading comprehension, and written production—based on models provided by the lector. The duration is 3 hours, and the grading scale is 0-30.
o Translation exam: This involves translating a text from German to Italian, with the use of a dictionary permitted. The duration is 2 hours, and the grading scale is 0-30.
2. Oral Exam: During the oral exam, theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply it to the analysis of texts discussed in class will be assessed. Both theoretical knowledge and mastery of specific linguistic terminology will be evaluated. Students must present all texts analyzed and translated during the course, which will be discussed during the exam. The part of the oral exam dedicated to text discussion will be conducted in German.
The final grade, which combines the results of the written exams and the oral exam, will be communicated immediately after the oral exam. Online registration is mandatory for both the written and oral exams.
An insufficient grade reflects a lack of knowledge of the course's minimum content, including terminology. A passing grade (18-23/30) indicates an understanding of the fundamental content. Average scores (24-27/30) are assigned to students who demonstrate a more than sufficient (24-25/30) or good (26-27/30) level of the evaluation criteria. Higher scores (28/30 to 30/30 with honors) are awarded based on the demonstration of an excellent level of the evaluation criteria.
Further details on the final exam will be provided at the beginning of the course and available on the e-learning platform.
Other information
Students are required to attend the lectorial sessions, which include numerous practical exercises in comprehension and written and oral production. Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the instructor and the lector during office hours or via e-mail. Additional material used during the classes will be uploaded to the Elly platform and is considered an integral part of the exam syllabus unless otherwise specified.
Regular and active participation in the classes is highly recommended. Non-attending students should check the educational material and instructions provided by the instructor on the Elly platform. Non-attending students will take the final exam under the same conditions as attending students.
