Language Modules

sron

Are they well managed? Is there any significant difference between the evening classes and the optional modules?

tabouli

As far as I know, earning credits for the classes is only available to some courses/years but anyone could actually go to the classes. So if you want to do one you'll potentially be in with people who are doing the class as a module for part of their course. IMO the structure of the class reflects that; you're expected to do quite a bit of extra work and other group things.

Personally I didn't like it at all, I did B2 level German for a few months and found the classes to be in general boring and badly organised. I found it hard to stay motivated and didn't stick with it after Christmas. I think that's the experience most people have with them to be honest.

-aboutagirl-

I agree with the poster above. Students who are doing it for 'fun' are mixed in with students taking it for credit. There is quite alot of continuous assessment in the form of group projects and class presentations which are tedious and boring.

The class themselves are badly organised. The 'teacher' was a masters student with no background in the language apart from having done the language modules herself as part of her undergrad. I can honestly say that many students in the class were more proficient in the language than she was. There was no lesson plan, we usually played stupid games or worked on our projects. I originally signed up hoping to significantly improve my ability but it was clear after a few weeks that that wasn't going to be happening.

I would strongly advise people against doing these classes. It's difficult to move out of them once you've signed up (if taking for credit) and they are at crap times, running from 6pm-8pm.

Bookmarked

I chose German B2 as a module (I'm doing Human Health & Disease) and after reading all the replies, I'm seriously regretting it. Is there still a chance of me moving out and doing another module?

LadyGaga!

How much are these classes?

almostnever

LadyGaga! wrote: »

How much are these classes?

They're free, AFAIK.

leinster2010

I chose B2 German as well but not liking the sounds of this.. Not doing it for credits though, just wanted to keep up German, so would it be too hard for me to drop out if I don't like it? I think I'll still give it a go though.

Fo Real

leinster2010 wrote: »

I chose B2 German as well but not liking the sounds of this.. Not doing it for credits though, just wanted to keep up German, so would it be too hard for me to drop out if I don't like it? I think I'll still give it a go though.

:rolleyes: You do realise the "teacher" isn't qualified to teach the language at all, don't you? He/she is just a masters student (so age ~22) who is looking for some extra cash.

Every year a small number of socially awkward first years turn up to these classes for the first week. By week 2 they usually will have copped on and stopped coming. Go to the pub instead and get to know your classmates. Be social.

tabouli

Well when I did it the teacher was a middle aged native German speaker... not that that made it any better leinster2010, by all means give it a go, if you're not taking it for credits there's no adverse consequences to dropping out after a few weeks.