Course Description

German 1411, Beginning German 1, is the first semester of a comprehensive beginning German course in which you will listen to, speak, read, and write German. Vocabulary, language patterns, and grammar are introduced and applied in the context of practical communication. This course is a core curriculum course. It transfers to a university as language credit.

Prerequisites

No prerequisite.

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

By the end of the semester most students will achieve the following objectives:

Listening comprehension: The student will comprehend words, phrases, and sentences of the spoken language where the context is familiar. Comprehensible language will consist of mainly of simple sentences and conversations using high - frequency vocabulary and language patterns.

Speaking. The student will speak, using words, phrases, and some short sentences, mainly learned utterances, in a limited number of familiar contexts.

Reading: The student will read and interpret language focused on high - frequency and practical situations or subject matter. The language will consist mainly of vocabulary previously learned. The student may be able to understand materials at a higher level where the material is contextualized.

Writing: The student will write short sentences, using learned vocabulary and a limited number of grammatical structures, topics dealing with personal life and interests.

Cultural awareness: The student will acquire a basic knowledge of important aspects of everyday culture in German - speaking countries -  climate, geography, family life, school and university life, jobs, and urban life, Students will also develop awareness of differences and similarities between German - language culture and North American.

Core Curriculum
German 1411 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. (Houston Community College System 2000-2001 Catalog, 35)

Instructor Information

Textbook Information

Kontakte, Terrell et al, 4th ed., McGraw - Hill, and accompanying Arbeitbuch and audiotape

Lab Requirements (if any)

A laboratory period is incorporated into the class.

Students with Disabilities

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

Academic Honesty

A student is expected to do his/her own work unless an assignment is made specifically as a group, team, or partner effort. Plagiarism (handing in another person's work as one's own) or cheating will result in a grade of ?F? for the assignment quiz, or test in question. A second offense could result in a grade of 'F for the course and/or further disciplinary action. (See Student Handbook.)

Attendance and Withdrawal Policies

Because language-learning is developmental in nature, each new section depending on material
learned in previous class sessions, it essential that students maintain regular class attendance

It is much better to come late to class than to miss a class completely.

Some material missed through absence can be made up, but much of the class listening / speaking activity so critical to learning the language is simply lost, In a four semester - hour class meeting only three times per week it is obvious that, because of the sheer volume of material covered in each class, even one absence can be very detrimental.

A student encountering a problem with attendance should consult with the instructor personally as early as possible in person, by phone, or by email. In accordance with HCC official policy a student may be dropped from the course for excessive absences after missing two weeks (10 clock hours).

Grading Policy

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

Make-up policy

A student who must miss a class because of an emergency or unavoidable circumstance is expected to consult with instructor, in person or by phone or email, as soon as possible about making up tests or other graded assignments but no later than two weeks after the absence occurs unless other arrangements are made with the instructor.

Course Content

German vocabulary and structures and cultural information to enable the following: identify yourself, your situation, family, likes and dislikes, courses, work; get acquainted with others, describe the weather, talk about your activities, go shopping. The class includes dialogs, audio and video tapes, oral and written exercises, role-playing, team or partner activities, and laboratory exercises.

Course Calendar with Due Dates for Assignments and Testing

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