Cultural Expression, Translation, Global Discourses: Novel Approaches to European Language Learning (LANG304)

This is a repeatable unit. However, topics/subjects are not repeatable and the unit cannot be undertaken more than once in any one teaching period. Enrolment is subject to unit coordinator (or delegate) approval.

Students must apply for permission to enrol at least three weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant Trimester.

Topics/subjects for French, German and Italian change biennually.

2027 topics/subjects

Trimester 1

• German

German Conversational Skills: Listening, Speaking and Pronunciation

As it is spoken by millions of people around the world, being able to communicate effectively in German is an increasingly practical way to ensure your relevance in a global economy. When travelling abroad, listening and speaking skills in the foreign language are crucial. However, it is a challenge to learn a language outside the country where it is spoken. In this topic/subject you will build a sound basis for conversing in German. You’ll focus on improving the conversational skills (listening, speaking, pronunciation) that are needed to participate more confidently in spoken discourse in German-speaking countries. When studying this topic/subject, you will also develop the capacity to engage appropriately, and with relative fluency, in oral discourse across a range of situations.

• Spanish:

Latin American Rhythms and Politics: From Tango to Rock

Musicians through the ages have always made reference to politics and the social issues of the day, and scholars often look to the music of a culture to analyse the values and beliefs of a society. In this topic/subject you will study modern Latin American music and its relationship to politics. Discussion of the music will consider such topics as the relationship between the music and the historical and sociological context which it portrays and in which it was produced. The music will also be discussed in terms of the way in which the musicians present their subject matter, that is with regard to issues such as style and rhythm. This topic/subject is only available to you if you have a background in Spanish language studies.

There are no French or Italian topics/subjects available in LANG304 in Trimester 1.

Trimester 2

• German:

"Es war einmal..." - German Children's Literature

Historically, the function of stories for children was to teach them about the world and caution them about physical or moral dangers. When children’s literature was first published in print, this tradition of cautionary tales was continued. In this topic/subject, you will read German literature for children and teenagers. The texts include fairy tales, picture books, and novels. The topic/subject will focus on developing your ability to examine a literary text critically and to relate it to the socio-cultural context of German-speaking countries. Your language skills will be enhanced through a detailed study of the texts and you will be expected to produce your own story for children in German.

• Spanish:

Theory and Practice of Translation

Translating texts enhances language acquisition because it allows you to clearly recognise the nuances in the language you are learning. You will notice patterns, and see similarities and differences between your native language and Spanish, further consolidating your learning of the language. In this topic/subject you will study the theory of translation, concentrating in particular on research into translation processes that has emerged from linguistic studies over the past 50 years. The focus of this study is the development of an understanding of the way(s) translation operates as a sociolinguistic process and the strategies that may be applied by translators in practical situations. This topic/subject is only available to you if you have a background in Spanish language studies.

There are no French or Italian topics/subjects available in LANG304 in Trimester 2.