GR 403 - German Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad III

This course builds upon the skills introduced in the previous Emerging Competent Abroad level. Students who enter this course will have mastered the outcomes of the Independent Abroad level as defined by the IES Abroad MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication, as well as selected outcomes defined in Emerging Competent Abroad.  Among other characteristics, these students are able to converse at a rate of speed approaching normal conversation. They are creative, spontaneous and self-reliant as they solve problems, interpret texts, negotiate, and express their opinions, likes, and dislikes in the culture. Although they still make errors and experience communication breakdowns, these students tend to resolve these challenges on their own. Students who enter this level can already understand a variety of colloquial expressions and slang, and are also able to understand a wide variety of native speakers from different backgrounds.

Students entering this level can succeed in a range of moderately complex university courses designed for native speakers. Before registering, they should consult with the appropriate IES Abroad academic advisor on course selection.

By the end of this course, students will have started to acquire the subtlety of expression and control of complex structures that characterize Competent Abroad learners. However, Emerging Competent Abroad learners have partial mastery of these structures and often resort to simpler and more direct modes of expression, particularly when negotiating linguistically difficult or unfamiliar situations. Emerging Competent Abroad speakers understand local cultural attitudes, values, beliefs, and behavior patterns well enough to make an informed choice about which cultural features they would like to adopt or need to adopt in order to live harmoniously in the local culture. They lack some of the depth of understanding and sophistication of those who have spent more time living and working in the local context.