German 101: Elementary German I

Kenneth E. Larson, Wells College, Fall, 2009

MWF 11:30-12:20; Tuesday 12:30-1:20;  Stratton 102
Office Hours: Wednesday 1.30-4.30 Macmillan 109 and by appointment
Office Phone: 364-3305; Home Phone: 364-8484
Email: klarson@wells.edu; Course email list: german101@wells.edu

Syllabus:
 

Aug. 28 Introduction / Erste Kontakte

31 
Sept. 1
2 Kapitel 1
4 

7 [No class]
8 
9 
11 

14 
15
16 Test: Kapitel 1
18 Kapitel 2

21 
22
23
25

28
29
30 Test: Kapitel 2
Oct. 2 Kapitel 3

5 
6
7 
9 

12 [Fall Break]
13 [Fall Break] 
14 
16

 19
20
21 Test: Kapitel 3
23 [No class]

26 Kapitel 4
27
28
30

Nov. 2
3 
4
6 

9  Test: Kapitel 4
10 Kapitel 5
11
13

16
17
18
20 

23 Test: Kapitel 5
24 Kapitel 6
25 [Thanksgiving Break]
27 [Thanksgiving Break]

30 
Dec. 1 
2
4 

7
8
9  Test: Kapitel 6

Final exam: Tuesday, Dec. 15,  7-10pm

Goals: The Catalog description of German 101, 102 is: "Development of all four communication skills in German: speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. Essentials of grammar, basic vocabulary, practice speaking and writing German,. Information on current social and cultural issues of German-speaking countries."  German 101 and 102 are two halves of a single year-long course. By the end of 102 you should reach a basic level of competence in the language, one that will allow you to interact with native speakers on a simple level, to read simple texts and get the general meaning of more complex texts, and to make yourself understood in simple writing.You will also better appreciate the cultures of German-speaking countries and, by comparison, U.S. culture. In the same way, learning another language will provide a new perspective on your native language.

Textbook and online components:

Expectations of class attendance: This is an interactive, communicative course that is based heavily on classroom interaction and practice. Daily class attendance is essential. Make every effort to attend every class. If you have an athletic, musical, Model UN, or other engagement that prevents you from attending class please let me know in advance. If you miss class without having made prior arrangements be sure to get the assignment from another class member. It is always advisable (and fair to your fellow students) to come to class prepared. But even if for some reason you are not able to prepare as much as you want, just come to class. That alone will help. Note that this is a four-credit, four-day-a-week class. The Tuesday session is a regular class period like the Monday, Wednesday, Friday sessions.

Expectations of work outside class: Learning a language is like training for a sport or learning a musical instrument: all require intense daily practice. You should plan on spending two hours a day outside the classroom between each class (i.e. between Monday and Tuesday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Wednesday and Friday, Friday and Monday). Read that sentence again. Yes, two hours. If you find that you are spending less than two hours between classes on German you are probably not using all of the online and printed resources to full advantage or practicing listening and speaking as much as you should. Even though 101, 102 language classes are called "elementary" many students find that they are among the hardest classes they will ever take in college. Mark out study time between classes in advance and keep to it.

Study tip: Languages are social. Study with a friend. Read the dialogues together. Talk to each other. Do the exercises in the textbook together. Quiz each other on vocabulary.Study together for the chapter tests and final.

Tests and final exam: examine the syllabus closely at the beginning of the semester and plan accordingly. It is essential not to miss scheduled tests. If something comes up that will force you to miss a scheduled test be certain to contact me in advance.

Honor Code: Unlike class preparation and practice, where collaboration is encouraged, all quizzes and tests are to be done by yourself alone with no helps (books, notes, Internet, etc.). The Honor Code is fundamental to Wells College.

Students with disabilities: If you have a physical, sensory, health, cognitive, or mental health disability that could limit your ability to fully participate in this class, you are encouraged to contact the Coordinator of Learning Support Services, Chris Richardson, to discuss accommodations that will help you succeed. Your conversations with him are highly confidential, and he will not supply details of your disability to anyone without your permission. Do understand that Mr. Richardson will need to notify your faculty about accommodations that you might need and that are supported by your disability documentation. If you think you might have a disability that will affect your success at Wells, contact The Learning Support Services Coordinator, Mr. Richardson. He is reachable at the  Learning Support Services office, middle (main) floor of the library, near the Writing Center.  An appointment sign-up sheet is on the desk in the central reception area. Telephone x 3432, email crichardson@wells.edu.

Grades: Grades are based 10% on class attendance and participation, 20% on homework (assigned daily on Quia), 6% on vocabulary quizzes, 48% on chapter tests, and 16% on the final exam.

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Contact information:
Ken Larson, Professor of German, Manager: Computer and Network Operations, Webmaster
Wells College, Aurora, NY 13026
Voice: 315.364.3305; Fax: 315.364.3227; Email: klarson@wells.edu
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