ATS3102 - German dialects and dialectology - 2017

This unit introduces German dialects and dialectology. The course will explore traditional methods (speech atlases, dialect maps) and structural dialectology, and provide students with a background in regional and historical dialectology. The students will also be introduced to contemporary dialectology: social dialects, dialect as a group identity marker (youth, age and gender), sociology of dialects with particular reference to dialect and central processes of societal change, dialect and standard language, and dialect and the education system.

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to read and interpret traditional dialect maps and to use traditional dialect atlases effectively; have an working knowledge of the geographical distribution of German dialects; have a basic understanding of the role the German language plays in modern German society; relate this understanding of variation in German to their language acquisition experience. They will acquire have a better understanding of the diversity of the German language as a result of having contrasted dialects with standard German, and be equipped with a base for further studies in the area of German linguistics.

Within semester assessment: 70% + Exam: 30%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Heinz Kreutz

German studies

ATS3096 or equivalent