Deutsch 102
Elementary German, continued
CRN: 5290
MWF:10:10-11:00
Klassenzimmer: Vulgamore 102
Büro: Vulgamore 107
Telefon: 0269Sprechstunden/office hours: MWF 11-12 (und nach Vereinbarung/and by appointment)
Email: cgrimm@albion.edu
Welcome to German 102!
This is the second semester of a beginning German course. The main goal of this class will be to strengthen your ability to communicate effectively in German. We will therefore concentrate on improving your understanding of basic German language structures as well as your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in German. You will also learn more about German culture and society by exploring different themes and topics. If you work diligently for this class you will increase what you know about German life, language, culture and history. The more enthusiastic and committed you are about your German language studies the more you will "get out of" this class.
My hope is that many, if not all of you, will all decide to continue your German language and culture studies here at Albion College, either in the form of a major, a minor or the new minor in German Language & Culture Studies for Special Purposes. Studying a foreign language and culture has many benefits, especially in our increasingly globalized environment. If you would like to find out more about what opportunities you will have if you continue your German studies, including the many options for study abroad in a German-speaking country, please come and see me during my office hours, MWF from 11-12 or by appointment.
In this class you will be introduced to basic German grammar topics, as well as different vocabulary and culture components of several different chapters of our introductory German textbook Deutsch Na klar!. We will devote about six or seven classes to each chapter after which there will be an exam on the material from that chapter. Please purchase the textbook and the workbook at the bookstore.
Our class only meets for 50 minutes three times a week, plus once more for a 50 minute tutorial with a German Language Teaching Assistant. What this means is that class time is valuable (and limited) and so we need to make the most of it. Consequently we will spend most of our class time on tasks that emphasize interaction, communication, and supervised language practice as opposed to tasks that can be as effectively accomplished individually at home such as learning grammar rules, memorizing vocabulary, and doing practice exercises.
I see my role both in and outside the classroom not primarily as a "fountain of knowledge" but more as your German language coach or advisor. I am the person who will organize your language learning experience, keep track of your improvement and facilitate your learning. I along with the T.A.'s as well as your German textbook and workbook are valuable resources that are meant to help you as you work on your German language skills. Learning how to make the best use of these resources is a key component in the overall success of your language learning experience.
In class I will try and speak as much German in class as possible and I strongly encourage you to do the same--please try and formulate your question in German first and if it just isn't happening you may switch to English--just don't automatically start out in English. In class you will probably not understand every single word being said but I want you to realize that that is perfectly ok-you will get more and more used to hearing German and this will greatly enhance your learning experience. On occasion we may have brief time-outs in English to address specific issues.
Understanding the importance of homework in the German language classroom:
In this class you will receive a homework assignment almost every day. This has to do with the nature of the foreign language learning at the college level--precisely because we do not have a lot of face-to-face time for the introduction and drilling of new grammar and vocabulary topics, these important tasks need to be primarily accomplished outside of the classroom in the form of homework. Sometimes I will assign homework that involves reading about (and trying to understand) a new grammar issue, as opposed to actually writing something. Such assignments are just as important as ones where you are supposed to write something, because only by actually reading and trying to understand a grammar point will you be able to start to fully incorporate it into your everyday language usage. I encourage you to read, reflect and come up with questions for me when such an assignment appears on the syllabus.
Other important procedures and guidelines:
Class participation (which includes tutorials) is a crucial component of this course. In order to be able to participate fully in each class, you will have to have completed all the homework activities assigned for that particular day.
Meticulous completion of each and every homework assignment is the key to success in this class. Class participation and homework preparation are inextricably linked, which is why late homework will not be accepted. In class you will work with your peers on different types exercises, related to the readings, themes or grammar issues.
More than three unexcused absences (including from tutorials) will affect your grade.
Please tell me before hand if you are not going to make it to class and for what reason. If you can, please provide a note from Health Services.
If you do miss a class please don't expect or rely primarily on me to go over the material that you missed. I encourage you to get to know a couple of your classmates that you can get this info from, if and when you need it!
I do encourage people to stop by my office hours even if it is really just to chat--office hours are when I am officially "at your service" and so I encourage you to take advantage of that!! If you can't make it to my official office hours, MWF 11-12, please contact me about setting up an appointment at a more convenient time.
Summary of how to be a successful German 102 student: In order to be successful in this class:
do all the assigned homework carefully and thoroughly
come to class ready and willing to speak and interact in German
regularly attend and actively participate in the weekly German tutorial
come to class prepared to ask the professor questions about the material if something is unclear
figure out a way to learn vocabulary that works for you - be it in the form of flash-cards or writing out words in a list, whatever system works, use and stick to that system
practice and study in short daily segments and prepare for quizzes accordingly!
Attend two Sprachtische and two German cultural events over the course of the Semester--more info to follow.
Your active participation in class will be an important assessment tool, by which I will be able to gauge your progress in the class.
There will also be a certain number of chapter tests that will evaluate your progress.
You will also attend a one hour weekly tutorial with a German language teaching assistant and you will be asked to go to the "Sprachtisch"= the German language lunch table in Upper Baldwin at least two times during the semester.
You should also be prepared to attend at least a couple of the German I-House activities throughout the semester.
Grades will be calculated based on in-class participation, homework assignments, and the exams. The homework assignments might also include short written essays on a pre-set theme or topic.
Grade breakdown:
??? Chapter tests: = 50%
Class participation (Includes attendance in class, at tutorial and at two Sprachtische, as well as at two German cultural activities. It also will be based on the quantity and quality of your in-class participation) = 25%
Homework including essays, and journal entries: = 25%
Montag: 25. 02: Kapitel 5 review day
Mittwoch: 27.02.: Kapitel 5 Prüfung
Freitag: 29. 02.: SKIT DAY!!!
Montag: 03.03.: Kapitel 6 anfangen bis/until
Mittwoch: 26.03: Kapitel 6 Prüfung
Freitag: 28.03: Kapitel 7 anfangen bis/until
Montag: 14.04: Kapitel 7 Prüfung
Mittwoch: 16.04: Kapitel 8 anfangen
Freitag: 30.04: Kapitel 8: final quiz