Deutsch 1201: Herbst 2008

SYLLABUS

Section 1: Call # 45799 MO, DI, DO, FR  H464 @08:00-08:50 4 credits

Section 2: Call # 45801 MO, DI, DO, FR  Engr 118 @14.00-14.50 4 credits

German 1201 is designed for graduates of German 1102 (Beginning German second semester), or an equivalent. Students who have done well in three years or four years at the high school level should also do well in this course. If you have received credit for fifth year College in the Schools you will not receive credit for Intermediate German (this course). The main focus of this course is communication, in all four modalities, with an emphasis on speaking. However, we will be reading short texts and two- approx. 40 page fiction texts. You will also be expected to improve your writing skills by completing a writing journal all in German. You are expected to have three 1/2 page entries weekly. German 1201 is included in Liberal education new category 3 (p. 53 in the 2003-'05 UMD Catalog), because it develops the ability to use and analyze human languages, stressing both theory and practice.

Instructor: Michael Mullins

E-mail: mmullins@d.umn.edu

Internet: http://www.d.umn.edu/~mmullins

Office: Humanities 453 Tel & Voice Mail: 726-6155

Office Hours: Mondays 10-10:50 and Thursdays 15-15:50 H 453 and by appointment. I grately enjoy meeting with students one-on-one and encourage you to come see me earlier in the semester with questions rather than waiting.

             COURSE MATERIALS NEEDED:

Textbook: Moeller, Adolph, Mabee and Berger, "KALEIDOSKOP", 7th edition, copyright 2007

Workbook: Moeller, Adolph,Mabee and Berger, 7th edition, copyright 2007

Audio CDs are included in the course workbook/textbook packet. I strongly advise you to listen to them at home on a CD playing device or either on an MP3 or iPod.

Readers: Langenscheidt, 1) Heidelberger Herbst 2) Oktoberfest

Langenscheidts Grammatiktafel

Electronic Reserve   (possibly)

How much will we cover?

Moving at a rate of approximately one chapter every three weeks, we will cover the first five chapters in KALEIDOSKOP, incorporate components of business German and read two fiction texts. The business component is a collaboration I have with the Business School and the German Program. We will be learning about the geography of the German-speaking countries and all of Europe as well acquiring an historical overview of the European Union.

Each student is responsible for completing all activities even when I don't "collect" them. The workbook is divided into four components assessing all four language modalities: component #1 written activities, #2 listening activities, #3spoken activities and #4 video activities. I will not assign all activities, but it is highly recommeded that you complete them all. Especially if you are struggling learning the language. We will have at least one tutor this term who may assist you and I hold regular office hours and by appointment.

Quizzes, Tests and how your grade is computed:

There will be assessments at the end of each chapter covering all the material learned in that chapter. These assessments will be individual and/or partner; and include reading, writing and listening portions.

Final Exam: UMD Registrar - fall semester regular exam

There will be an oral assessment scheduled out of class time the week before finals.

I will also give Friday quizzes on those days when we have no exams. You may not make-up a quiz ( unless you have some documented excuss) but I will toss out the lowest quiz score. These quizzes will assess your knowledge of grammar. Most of the other major assessments will not be strictly grammatically focused.

Finally, I will have you write in a "Tagebuch." I expect you to have three entries weekly of at least one-half page in length.

Grade Calculation:

As you see the entire course has 4 components. YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE EACH OF THESE 4 COMPONENTS IN ORDER TO PASS THE COURSE AND RECEIVE CREDIT FOR IT.

What you need to do to succeed in German 1201:

Intermediate German is more of an "Arbeitsgemeinschaft", a working group, or team effort, than a routine class. You benefit simply from being present and the group benefits from your presence. That is why class participation, together with your class preparation, accounts for 40% of your grade. That is why absences cannot be ignored. If you miss more than 5 of the 59 class sessions, you cannot earn an A in this course. You should save your 5 free "passes" for illness and other unexpected difficulties. If you miss more than 8 classes, you cannot earn a B. If you miss more than 11 classes, you cannot earn a C. Beyond 11 classes we must candidly talk with one another.

Access:

The Language Department is committed to making its courses available to all students who are adequately prepared and willing to participate. If there is any reason why you may have trouble meeting any of the expectations as they are outlined above, please contact me right away, and we will try to work out an accommodation.

With suggestions and any questions about the class, your performance, make-up work etc., see, call or email your friendly instructor immediately!!

Tentative class schedule and assignments: ( Syllabus is still  a "work-in-progress" )

Links, die euch in diesem Kurs helfen könnten:

Das Deutschland-Portal > Startseite

Europa - The European Union On-Line

www.goethe

german