Pilot project focusing on the integration of German into the Theology programme

Focus

There is a need for language-learning activities to support instruction in a foreign language context, not only when foreign languages are spoken, but also when written material has to be acquired in a foreign language, in this case German.

Reading proficiency in German is a major factor at the Faculty of Theology and can therefore not be neglected without jeopardizing academic standards. It is simply not possible to study original texts at the academic level required by research-based teaching without knowing German; nor is it possible to study major secondary literature sources or make sense of the most important research debates. 

Aim

This challenge serves as the basis for this subproject. The aim is to work towards instructional content and instructional practices on the BA in Theology programme (before the transition to graduate level, so students can benefit from this work in their postgraduate studies) that promote the learning of German to enable students to use the language confidently in their academic context. Thus, the project aims to develop methods and learning aids for the reading and acquiring of German texts on the Theology programme.

Dissemination and results

Spring/Fall 2014
Development of the concept behind the integration of German in the course European Church History from 1400 and onward. Including development of didactic material with a focus on how to read academically relevant texts in German.

Fall 2014
Implementation and evaluation of the first course, both beginner and experienced level. The course focused on how to read academically relevant texts in German, and was mainly based on material selected and prepared collectively by the language instructor and the programme instructor.  

Fall 2015
Implementation and evaluation of the second adapted course focussing on how to read academically relevant texts in German for the students taking the course Church History from 1400 and onward. A future final report based on these finished courses will include recommendations for the development of similar courses.

Working group

Anna Vind, Professor with Special Responsibilities (TEOL)
Henrik Laursen, Faculty Librarian (TEOL)
Henrik Rye Møller, part-time Lecturer of German (ENGEROM, HUM)
Ken Farø, Associate Professor (ENGEROM, HUM)