Course Description

GERM 1300 Beginning German Conversation I

GERMAN 1300 is a conversational introduction to the German language. It is especially designed for students who have never studied a foreign language, those who have limited conversational objectives (for example: learning a little German for travel), and for those who want to begin their study of German very gradually. This course generally transfers to a university as, an elective, not in fulfillment of the foreign language requirement. The emphasis in this course will be on oral communication, that is, listening and speaking skills. Reading and writing will be done as an aid to language acquisition.

Prerequisites

No prerequisite

Course Goals (includes core competencies, incorporation of SCANS, etc.)

OBJECTIVES

1.  Understand the spoken language in the context of the everyday situations studied. To understand means to grasp the basic message, not necessarily to comprehend every word uttered.

2.  Speak using words, then phrases and simple sentences to give information, ask and answer questions, and participate in conversations in the contexts studied.

3.  Become aware of customs and attitudes of German-speaking countries which apply to the contexts studied.

4.  Comprehend simple written materials such as signs, menus, timetables, ads, short dialogues etc.

5. Write simple phrases and sentences related to the situations studied.

CORE CORRICULUM
German 1300 fulfills the six basic intellectual competencies of the Core Curriculum.

READING: Reading material at the college level means having the ability of analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials, books, articles, and documents.

WRITING: Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. In addition to knowing correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students should also become familiar with the writing process, including how to discover a topic, how to develop and organize it, and how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities are acquired through practice and reflection.

SPEAKING: Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.

LISTENING: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.

CRITICAL THINKING: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternatives strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking used to address an identified task.

COMPUTER LITERACY: Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computer based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of the technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies ad they become available.

Instructor Information

Textbook Information

Textbook: Trefflunkt Deutsch

Lab Requirements (if any)

No lab is required

Students with Disabilities

Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to the disability counselor to make necessary arrangements. Faculty are only authorized to provide accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to do their own work, unless an assignment is made specifically as a group assignment. Plagiarism (handing in another person's work as your own),  or cheating will result in a grade of F for the assignment, quiz, or test in question. For a second offense, the student may receive a grade of F for the course.

Attendance and Withdrawal Policies

Class will begin at the scheduled time. Please be on time, as coming and going is disruptive to the class. Attendance is essential and daily records will be kept. In accordance with HCCS official policy, a student may be dropped for excessive absences after missing more than two weeks of class (6 hours). Consult with the instructor in case of serious illness or business reasons for absence. Students will lose points on the participation grade for every class missed over two weeks. Absences will be counted from the first class day of the semester, no matter when the student registers or first attends.

Grading Policy

Course Requirements for example: Testing, Projects, Assignments, Portfolios, Service Learning, Internships, etc.

In class oral work
Short quizzes
Chapter quizzes and tests
Final Exam

Make-up policy

1. Students are responsible for material covered and announcements made during any absence. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the instructor about work missed and make-up assignments. Exchanging phone numbers with one or two other students for times when you miss a single class is a good idea.
   
2. Quizzes: Must be made up prior to the next class meeting following the quiz.
   Missing one quiz will not count against you. Missing several will count.
   
3. One major test during the semester may be made up if you have a legitimate reason for your absence. Contact your instructor as soon as you return to class or, preferably, by telephone beforehand.

Course Content

The emphasis in class is on oral communication: listening and speaking skills. It will include talking about topics covered in the chapters and role-playing everyday situations. There will be no systematic study of grammar. Only those structures needed to communicate in the situations presented will be introduced. Topics include home, school, family, work, shopping, getting around. You will learn to greet others, introduce yourself and ask about others, say what you want, ask where something is, say what you want or have to do, talk about the time, say what you are going to do, express likes and dislikes, make a purchase and order something to eat or drink.

Course Calendar with Due Dates for Assignments and Testing

Other Student Information (clubs, tutoring, web resources, student services, etc.)

Suggestions
Prepare the vocabulary and the text of each lesson before each class section.
Spend at least 6 hours outside the classroom studying German.

Treffpunkt Deutsch software is available in the language lab.