ATS3100: German advanced 4

Language component: 4 vocabulary tests, oral presentation, mid-semester test, end-of-semester exam
Culture component: 1000-word essay (in English) worth 60%, end-of-semester exam worth 40%

Each component is worth 50% of your final German mark.

All German subjects at Monash come with a language component (including grammar, vocabulary work, reading/listening comprehension and speaking practice) and a culture component (varies from year to year but generally involves a study of various German literature, philosophy, history and film).

Language
Workload is medium-high. Every week you'll get homework to do in the textbook and workbook, which includes reading comprehension and grammar practice. Vocab tests derived from these homework chapters are every 2 or 3 weeks, so you can't afford to slack off.

There is not a lot of speaking practice within the tutorials but usually Heinz will organise optional speaking practice sessions during the week.

Not a lot of grammar since you are expected to basically know everything. Most of the "grammar" work is actually refining your expression.

Culture
To give an idea of what this component entails for later years (binders has already described it for first-year students above):
Semester 1: we studied a bunch of literature and film, such as The Earthquake in Chile, as well as dabbling in some philosophy - Kant and someone else I forget now.
Semester 2: we studied a bunch of random stuff including German class society in the 1800s, Nietzsche (specifically his views on religion), Schnitzler's Lieutenant Gustl, aestheticism and the history of photography.

General
I've found that the German department as a whole are quite relaxed and lenient, and will generally accommodate your needs as long as you prove yourself to be a hard-working student with a genuine interest in the subject. For example, I slept in on the day of my culture exam and didn't mention it because obviously I deserve a 0 for it, but Heinz emailed me a few days later offering me a re-sit (even when I told him the truth) because he didn't want it to affect my grades.
From German advanced 1 onwards, all classes are held in German.

Language component: Dr Heinz-Josef Kreutz for German Advanced 1-4
Culture component: Dr Franz-Josef Dieters, Dr Axel Fliethmann, and another Dr lady whose name I can't remember now

No. Not really a disadvantage in this subject as students are advised pretty thoroughly of what will be on the exam.

4 Out of 5

No.

A Practice Grammar of German (yellow book); excellent source for studying German grammar.
Textbook and workbook changes every few years. They are used every class so you'll need to buy them.

2-hour language tutorial + 2-hour culture seminar/lecture per week (total 4 hours)

2011 semester 2

Have no idea yet