German 202, Spring 2017
German 202, Spring 2017
This is a dual credit course.
Class meets four times the week, MTWF 12:00-12:50 in BU119
Instructor Dr. Gislind E. Pentecost
Office Elliott basement, B008F,work phone 765-285-7460
Office hoursM, T, W, F 10:00 AM
M, T, W, F4:00-5:00 PM and by appointment
Material
Augustyn, Prisca&Nokolas Euba
Stationen: Ein Kursbuch für die Mittelstufe, book and workbook
Boston: Thomson Heinle, 2008
Supplementary material: magazines, songs, videos, etc.
Objectives
- Communication/Language Learning
Communicate in German;
Practice and improve all four-language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing;
Review and expand on German grammar and vocabulary.
- Culture
Gain knowledge and understanding of the cultures of German speaking countries (customs, history, geography, etc.) and get informed about current events.
- Connections and Comparisons
The knowledge and understanding gained through foreign language learning provides opportunities for interdisciplinary experiences by connecting to other subject areas: English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Through comparisons students develop insight into own language and culture.
- Personal growth
Students are encouraged to express own thoughts and experiences by relating the learned material to personal situations. The foreign language class promotes multicultural understanding and critical thinking by asking students to interpret texts and formulate opinions.
The focus in this textbook is on important cities in German speaking countries. We will cover at least 5 chapters in the textbook, starting with Chapter 6, studying Frankfurt, Köln and Dresden, which are famous cities in Germany, then Salzburg and Wien, two Austrian cities, and Zürich, located in Switzerland. Chapter 12 deals with Germans as tourists and immigrants to other countries, especially the USA.
The textbook comes with a DVD and some listening comprehension exercises. Vocabulary study is a very important aspect of learning about the characteristics of each city. Each city is associated with famous people. Students will have opportunities to give power point presentations elaborating on the lives and contributions of these individuals. Each chapter also reviews or expands on German grammar.
Work in the classroom is supported by homework assigned to master the reading, vocabulary, and grammar of each chapter. Students are advised to review the appropriate section in the textbook before doing the homework. Students should not work together since it will not facilitate learning. If there are any questions about certain exercises, students are welcomed to see the teacher. Chapter tests and quizzes are closely matched with the exercises assigned for homework. Some homework assignments are from the workbook. Do notwrite into the workbook but on a separate piece of paper.The workbook, just like the textbook, has to be returned at the end of the semester for further use by another student.
There will be vocabulary and grammar quizzes and a comprehensive test at the end of each chapter.
Students will take the National German Exam of the American Association of Teachers of German in January. They have the opportunity to do two practice exams. The content deals with everyday situations of young people. Some homework will be assigned to improve students’ skills in that area. Students take the exam on January 24 and 25..
Course requirements and policies
Students need a notebook for note taking in class, a steno pad to write down vocabulary, a folder in which to collect homework and handouts. Note taking is very important as an initial learning exercise!
Homework is an important part of the learning process! In general, homework is assigned every class period. It should be put on the teacher's desk at the beginning of the class on the due date. Late homework will only be accepted in emergency situations.
Quizzes and test Quizzes and tests are announced. Grammar, vocabulary, and reading material are tested.
Class starts on the hour. The clock in the classroom is considered the correct time. Please, be in the classroom a few minutes before class starts. Tardiness is very disruptive.
Class participation is very important for improving language skills. Doing the homework is a prerequisite for good class participation.
Absences It is the students’ responsibility to find out what they missed.Quizzes and tests should be made up as soon as possible. The same applies to homework. If possible, teacher should be notified if students will not be in class. Unexcused absences result in 0 credits.
Academic dishonesty Your student handbook outlines policies.Since homework is part of your grade, copying other students’ homework most certainly violates the rules of academic honesty and integrity. If students have questions about the homework, they should see the teacher. Working with another student is also considered copying homework. It also is very counterproductive. Homework is assigned to help students master the material. Homework should notbe done in class. Students should not use translators in preparing the text for their presentations.
Computer in the classroom. The days when the computer should be used in the classroom will be announced.
Peer Tutoring Anyone with a Fall semester grade below 75% should sign up for peer tutoring right away and meet at least once a week to help secure a passing grade for the Spring class.
GradeGrade scale
15% homework69 and below D*
40%tests, quizzes70-72 C-, 73-76 C, 77-79 C+
10%presentations80-82 B-, 83-86 B, 87-89 B+
10%National German Exam90-92 A-, 93-100 A
25% Final