I. TITLE: ELEMENTARY GERMAN 101

II. . TEXT AND REFERENCES:
      --Alles klar?   Textbook and Workbook/Lab Manual;
        --Recommended but not required for 101: Die deutsche Grammatik klar gemacht
      --One Laser XL 90 Minute Tape (so you can have the listening comprehension of each chapter duplicated)
      --the Internet & German 101 Web page: http://campus.murraystate.edu/academic/faculty/meg.brown/ger101.htm

III. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: A thorough study of the sounds and basic structural patterns of the German language with emphasis placed upon pronunciations, pattern practice, and the reading of simple texts.

IV. PURPOSE: To equip students with a basic knowledge and communicative competency in German.

V. COURSE OBJECTIVES: The objectives for the first year of German language study are:
a) to have a solid foundation in the elementary grammatical structures of the German language,
b) to possess an active vocabulary for basic speech production in real-life situations as well as passive knowledge of additional vocabulary;
c) to be able to understand simple spoken German;
d) to be able to express him/herself in writing simple sentences in German;
e) to be able to read a variety of simplified elementary texts in German;
f) to be able to speak with appropriate pronunciation and intonation for the Novice Level;
g) to improve students' understanding of the grammar, structure, and vocabulary of English;
h) to improve all interpersonal communication skills, whether in English or German.
i) to acquire an understanding and appreciation of German speaking peoples and their cultures.

VI. CONTENT OUTLINE: In Elementary German 101 we shall cover Chapters 1-5 in the textbook.

VII. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES: The conversational and grammar exercises will be based on the textbook. Expect that you will spend at least two hours preparing for every class period. In doing so, please review the material we covered the previous class, and read and study the assigned (grammar) exercises. Any grammar explanations given in class will be very brief so that we can use the class time for actual practice. For your written homework assignments, please write full sentences and be prepared to hand them in at the beginning of the class. You will earn credit for your homework if it is complete and on time.
Compositions should reflect your best effort in using your language skills. I will mark errors in the text and will return your first draft for you to revise it. Please write your essays double-spaced and use a word processor.
During the last full week of classes, each student will schedule a graded oral interview with a professor. This conversation is intended as an opportunity to utilize your language skills in a general conversational situation.

VIII. FIELD, CLINICAL, AND LABORATORY EXPERIENCES: See IX. Resources.

IX. RESOURCES: Audio tapes accompany each chapter in the lab manual section of the workbook and text and are to be duplicated in the Language/Culture Lab, FH 403. Students are expected to obtain a copy of each listening section as assigned.  Listen to the tapes often and practice aloud.
         Students are strongly urged to attend German and other foreign films shown in the course of the semester by Cinema International.  Students should consider joining the Foreign Language Club and participating in other cultural activities that may be planned from time to time.
         Students are also encouraged to come to the German Table for informal conversation.  It will be held Tuesdays at 12:30 in the T-Room with Dr. Reika Ebert.
 

X. GRADING PROCEDURES: In German 101 the course grade will be comprised of:
         450 pts./45%  3 Exams (150 pts. each)
         150 pts./15%   Homework, Workbook/Lab Manual, Participation; two cultural experiences (see below)
         100 pts./10% Creative writing assignments
         100 pts./10%  Quizzes
         200 pts./20%   Final/Oral, Written, Listening, and Reading Proficiency Exams

       The oral exam will be given as an individual interview outside of the normal class/exam period. It will be given by an instructor other than your own.
        Participation on the student’s part is assumed to be an integral component of a language course and consists of completing homework assignments and workbook/lab manual on time and evidence of preparedness and willingness to take part in class activities.  E-mail can used to get missed assignments. It is a good idea to exchange phone numbers with several other students.  Participation points will be deducted for every absence.  An absence is not an excuse for coming to class unprepared.
        Students will be required to participate in and write a report in English on two approved cultural experi-ences.  These reports will count as part of the assignments and participation grade.  The report must include a summary as well as a reflection or opinions upon how the activity affected the student’s way of thinking.
        There will be no makeups of quizzes. There will also be no make-ups of exams except in most extreme cases and only at the instructor’s discretion; if consent is given, the make-up must be arranged in advance of the regularly scheduled exam.
        Creative writing assignments are due on the date noted in the schedule. Mistakes and areas of weakness will be marked, but not corrected, and then returned to the student for revision.  The quality of both the original and the revision will contribute to the final composition grade. Since your grade will be based on the quality of the original composition and your efforts to improve it in the revision, it is crucial that you turn in both your original and your revision together in order to receive the composition grade.

XI. ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is mandatory.  Absences will affect your grade. Up to three absences are allowed for illness and family emergencies only.  Furthermore, if you miss one fourth of the class meetings for any reason (excused or unexcused), you will not pass this course.
          If you are late or must be absent, it is your responsibility to find out and do the homework assignment before the next class period and to come to my office to get any handouts.  Note: I urge you to meet and confer with me often to determine just how you are doing. I am here to help you as much as I can.

XII. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY:
1. It is the responsibility of every student to be informed about the collegiate Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating in whatever form constitutes academic dishonesty.
2. Copies of the policy are available in: CIV Student Guide, classroom bulletin boards, Dept. of Modern Lang. Office, Dean of Humanities & Fine Arts Office, and College of Humanities & Fine Arts Home Page.
3. Your signature on every assignment, quiz, and exam represents a pledge that you adhere to this policy.
4. In order for the instructor to be able to evaluate your work, you should avoid assistance or correction by an upper level student or native speaker.  In rare and isolated circumstances, you may ask a specific question of someone more proficient in German; but in these instances, you must document by use of a footnote the word or phrase you received from that person.
5. I expect students to abide by the highest ethical standards.

XIII. PREREQUISITES: Placement exam if you have taken German before.

• Dr. Meg H. Brown  Office: Faculty Hall 4A5    Tel. 762-4526   e-mail:meg.brown@murraystate.edu

• Mr. John Griffin  Office: Sparks Hall, 3rd Floor; Office Phone: 762 2160   e-mail:John.griffin@murraystate.edu

• Dr. Reika Ebert  Office: Faculty Hall 4A 10; Office Phone: 762 4522   e-mail:reika.ebert@murraystate.edu

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last updated: August 14, 2000