Instructor:                                                                                                                                     Office:

Office Telephone:                                                                                                                         Office hours:
 

Course Goals: In this course you will read, discuss, and write about different types of authentic German texts that address various cultural issues. In addition, you will enhance your ability to communicate in German by building your vocabulary, and by deepening your understanding of German grammar. Thus, objectives of this course include the following:

            -learning to understand short German texts
            -increasing your active and passive vocabularies
            -developing an ability to communicate thought in German on topics of general interest, both orally and in writing
            -strengthening your knowledge of German grammar
            -developing an interest in some of the issues and problems of contemporary life in German-speaking countries

Required Texts:

            1) Terrell, et.al., Kontakte (3^rd ed.)(final chapter only)
            2) Baginski, Thomas, and John I. Liontas, Gesichtspunkte: Aktuelle Lesetexte von Gestern, Heute
            und Morgen (Boston: Heinle & Heinle, 1994)

Course Evaluation:

            Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10%
            Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15%
            Semester Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10%
            Quizzes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15%
            Oral Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5%
            Unit Tests (10% each). . . . . . . . . . . . . .30%
            Final . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15%

Participation: Your participation will be evaluated periodically by the instructor, and you will be assigned a grade for the class period according to the criteria listed at the end of this syllabus. As indicated there, excellent class participation requires thorough and conscientious preparation. It also requires attending class. Hence, excessive absences and tardiness will negatively effect this portion of your grade. Your instructor may also require you to attend several German-related activities outside of class. If so, this will be announced in class.

Homework: Homework assignments will usually be collected, and should always be done, since they help you learn the material and prepare for the exams. The assignments must be handed in on or before the due dates specified by the instructor. Even if you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for your work to be handed in on the due date and for informing yourself of the material covered in class during your absence.

Semester Project: Over the course of the semester you will research a German cultural topic approved by your instructor, and present your findings orally. Other requirements of this project, as well as due dates, will be discussed in class.

Quizzes: There will be frequent "pop" quizzes on the material covered in class, and no make-ups will be given. One to three of your lowest quiz scores (depending on the number of quizzes given) will be dropped, including zeros (0%) received for not having taken a quiz. To encourage attendance, the lowest score you will receive on a quiz will be 50%, provided you at least write your name on the paper.

Oral Proficiency: Besides attending to the German you regularly speak in class, your instructor will evaluate your oral proficiency based on the skills you demonstrate in group or individual presentations. More details about format, dates, and evaluative criteria will be provided in class.

Tests and Final:

            Test 1: February 4
            Test 2: February 25
            Test 3: March 22
            Final: Wednesday, May 3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

If you miss a regularly scheduled examination for a reason your instructor considers valid, an opportunity will be provided to make up the exam. In this instance, you must contact your instructor within two business days of the regularly scheduled exam. It is preferable that you make arrangements for a make-up exam before it is given to the class as a whole.

Note: A more detailed description of test contents will be provided by your instructor.

Incompletes will only be given if you have completed almost all of the course's work and extenuating circumstances at the very end of the semester (such as a death in the family or serious illness) prevent you from completing the final assignments. Documentation of the extenuating circumstances will be required.

Suggestions for Studying: Learning a language requires being actively engaged in the process. You need to study regularly--at least two hours outside of class for every hour spent in class--in order to retain and build on what you are learning. It is more effective to study for shorter periods than for longer ones; if you only cram for tests, you will quickly forget what you have learned. The sooner you study a point that has been introduced in class, the easier it will be for you to remember and understand it. Therefore you need to review what has been covered in class as soon as possible after class. You should also introduce new material to yourself, writing down questions about anything you do not understand, and asking about these points in class.

Criteria for Class Participation

Rating                                                                                                                                              Points

Superior                                                                                                                                          21-25

            -You greeted people and took leave using German expressions.
            -You used English only after asking for permission and after attempting to express yourself in German.
            -You listened attentively when others spoke and showed respect for your peers.
            -You actively participated in all activities and discussions and had a positive attitude.
            -You came prepared to class everyday.
            -Your presence made a positive impact on getting tasks done.

Average                                                                                                                                          16-20

            -You greeted people and took leave using German expressions.
            -You sometimes became distracted, did not pay attention when others spoke, and were occasionally disrespectful.
            -You occasionally used English, especially in pair and group work, or without attempting to express yourself
            in German first.
            -You showed interest in activities and participated, though sometimes passively rather than actively.
            -You generally came prepared to class.

Unsatisfactory                                                                                                                                 0-15

            -You used more English than German in class.
            -You did not pay attention during activities and explanations.
            -You sometimes slept, read the newspaper, did homework, etc., during activities or explanations.
            -You were often distracting and disrespectful toward your peers or your instructor.
            -Your presence in group work had little impact on accomplishing the tasks at hand.
            -You were frequently unprepared for class.

Please regard this syllabus as a contract. Make sure you have read and understood all of its components!

Mutual expectations: It is the intent of the instructor of this class to establish and maintain a positive learning environment based upon communication and mutual respect. Any suggestions as to how to further such an environment will be appreciated and given serious consideration. The class will be conducted in accordance with the University's commitment to social justice and academic honesty. Therefore, the policies and procedures of the WVU Student Handbook (The Mountie), are expected to apply throughout the course.