In this class, as we did last semester in German 1010, we use a communicative learning approach. Communication and interpersonal interaction are key components for success. You can expect to interact often with your instructor or in a group. Since German is the primary language used in class, it is highly recommended that students study the material, memorize vocabulary, and complete homework assignments thoroughly before class meetings. During the course sessions, we will work on multiple major skill areas for language learning: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Taking the time to complete the daily assignments is crucial for not only earning a desired grade, but also learning the language and keeping up with the class. Do not worry! Mistakes are a part of the learning process. Make sure to submit all assignments on the day and time outlined on Canvas.
Active Participation (Aktive Teilnahme):
A major factor in the steady progress of acquiring proficiency in a foreign language is sustained practice. It is therefore imperativethat you attend every class session and complete all reading and written assignments. Your participation in the class means that you arrive on time, are prepared for the day’s work, and contribute to a positive learning environment through your active participation.
Participation in this class means:
Active participation in group or partner work; effort to speak only German and to remain on task during group activities. Preparation for class including appropriate questions about the reading and possible pop quizzes. Please note that attendance is not the same as participation! In order to gain the maximum points for Participation, you must arrive on time, participate in activities actively and visibly, show a willingness to take risks with the language, both in terms of vocabulary and pronunciation, and make a fruitful contribution to the classroom atmosphere. If you feel that you will have trouble participating in class for any reason, please talk to me at the beginning of the semester.
Homework Assignments (Hausaufgaben):
Homework assignments are listed and explained on Canvas (under “Assignments”). The work you do outside of class becomes the basis for our in-class work and is therefore very important to the success of the course. To receive full credit, you must complete assignments with care by the beginning of class on the day they are assigned. Most homework assignments will be submitted via Canvas.
Recordings (Aufnahmen):
I will often ask you to record yourself speaking German and submit the recording to Canvas. You will receive a prompt (topic) and be asked to record yourself in brief segments. These assignments will help you track your development as a speaker of German. The Canvas recording function is simple to use. For the sake of time, you will not need to engage in lengthy editing, we just want to create as much linguistic output as possible!
Vocabulary & Grammar Quizzes:
To help you master the material we cover in manageable segments, you will take regular quizzes, graded on a percentage-of-points gained basis. Vocabulary is drawn from Kontakte and the website Deutsch im Blick.
Cultural Engagement Activities (Kulturelle Aktivitäten):
You are asked to engage with the German language and/or culture outside of class to enhance further your skills in German speaking, listening, writing, or reading. There are many ways to fulfill these assignments. More information TBA. Students need to submit a brief analysis in English (minimum of 100 words) of their experience for each engagement activity. Students need to complete two (2) activities in total. See Canvas for Cultural Engagement Activity due dates.
Writing Projects (Schreibprojekte):
You will be asked to compose short writing projects to practice your written German.
Chapter Tests & Final Exam (Prüfungen):
Tests will evaluate your control of the thematic and grammatical material. Tests may be missed only if cleared and re-scheduled with me ahead of time. Tests will be graded on a percentage-of-points gained basis. At the end of the semester, there will be a comprehensive exam during the assigned final exam session.