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West Virginia University

Department of Foreign Languages


GERMAN 101
Fall 2007

Time:
Text book:

Instructor:
Office:
Office Telephone:
E-mail:

Deutsch Na Klar! (5th ed.)


(DiDonato)
Arbeitsbuch & Lab Manual to accompany
Deutsch Na Klar (online)

Office hours:
M
______________
T
______________
W
______________
R
______________
F
______________

*A dictionary is not required for this course. If you plan to buy one, we recommend Langenscheidts
Compact Dictionary: German/English English/German (used in German 203-204)
Course Objectives:
German 101 is an introduction to the German language and German-speaking cultures. This course is
designed to give you a balance of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, writing, and cultural awareness
skills. At the end of the semester, you should be able to listen to simple conversations or stories and
comprehend them, read and understand short texts, engage in brief conversations on everyday topics, and
write short essays on familiar topics using the structures and vocabulary you have learned. In addition you will
learn about life and culture in the German-speaking countries. We will complete Einfhrung through Chapter
4 in Deutsch Na Klar!.
Recommendations for Success
Becoming proficient in German means developing skills in addition to understanding how the language works.
Language skills are developed through continuous and meaningful practice, including practice in using the
language to communicate with others. In class we will use a variety of activities and language tasks that require
you to interact with others and to be an active participant in class. These activities are designed to supplement
the individual study and preparation that you do at home. You will find that regular rather than sporadic
preparation is essential for steady progress and good performance. Timely completion of homework reinforces
your learning and keeps you up to date in class. Regular attendance gives you the opportunity to practice
using the language with others and to receive feedback from your instructor; it is also a courtesy to your
instructor and the other learners when you attend class regularly, are fully prepared, and motivated to work and
learn. Repeated and/or lengthy unexcused absences are not acceptable and will lower your class
participation grade.
Regular work with the online materials (http://www.books.quia.com) will greatly help you to understand,
pronounce, and speak German. If you work with these materials on a consistent basis, you will have a distinct
advantage in the classroom and on the listening comprehension portion of each test. You should also visit the
Deutsch Na Klar! website (http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/german/dnk/) for extra online practice.

Course Evaluation:
Final
Chapter Tests (3)
Quizzes
In-class roleplays (2 for grade)
Class Participation
Homework

25%
25%
15%
15%
10%
10%

(25% of final exam = oral interview)

Grading Scale:
A=
A- =
B+ =
B=
B- =

93-100
90-92
88-89
83-87
80-82

C+ =
C=
C- =

78-79
73-77
70-72

D+ =
D=
D- =

68-69
63-67
60-62

Class Participation
Daily attendance and active participation are necessary for you to succeed in this course. Your class
participation will be evaluated three times throughout the semester (in the sixth and twelfth weeks and at the
end of the semester). Grading criteria are outlined on the participation scale at the end of this syllabus. Your
participation grade will consist of your participation in class (5%) and your attendance (5%). Since attendance
is half of your participation grade, excessive absences and tardiness will negatively affect this portion of your
class performance and significantly lower your overall course grade. If you have extenuating circumstances,
please see Cynthia Chalupa, the Basic Language Program Director, as soon as possible. No special
arrangements can be made for you after the 12th week of the semester.
Homework
The homework assignments will involve a combination of listening activities and pronunciation exercises as
well as written work in vocabulary, grammar structures, and cultural information. Doing the assigned homework
is essential for your successful acquisition of the language. You will receive credit for homework assignments
only if they are handed in on time and completed in their entirety. Even if you are absent from class, it is your
responsibility to find out about the material that was covered in class during your absence and to complete the
appropriate homework assignments.
Other Activities
One of the best ways to improve your language skills is by exposing yourself to authentic German language.
You can do so by attending co-curricular events held regularly by the department.
Filme. German-speaking films will expose you to authentic cultural products made for a German-speaking
audience. To improve your language skills and cultural awareness, we recommend that you attend as many
films as possible. You may receive extra credit points for films (two points per film, up to a total of ten points)
by watching the film and writing a one-page summary about it (101 students in English, all others in German).
Attendance will be taken. Films will be shown every other Wednesday evening from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the
Main Library Rm. 104.
Other co-curricular activities include: German Club meetings and activities (see course website for more
information), Stammtisch (Thursdays beginning at 6:00 at the Brew Pub) during which you can meet and
speak with GTAs, faculty, and German speakers in an informal setting), Spieleabende, where games will be
played in German, and the childrens Kinderstunde, among other events. German-speaking friends or friends
interested in German-speaking cultures are welcome to attend. Information regarding these gatherings will be
distributed to you at the beginning of the semester, and you can also visit our website.
Quizzes: There will be several quizzes (7-10) during the semester on material covered in class. In general, no
make-ups will be given, and quizzes may or may not be announced. Please be aware that a missed or low quiz
grade can significantly lower your overall course grade.
Oral Assessments
In order to develop your speaking skills and practice your ability to discuss a particular topic in German, you will
do several role-plays throughout the semester. These role-plays will either be presented in front of the class or
done in small groups while other members of the class are working on other activities. These role-plays will be
done spontaneously and without notes. Of the graded role-plays you do, the two highest grades will be
recorded. You will be assessed using the speaking rubric or roleplay rubrics at the end of this syllabus. While
grammatical accuracy will be checked, your performance will also be graded for creativity and fluidity. Most
importantly, you should have fun while doing these role-plays.

Your spoken competency will also be assessed in the form of a final oral assessment (25% of the final exam
grade) that will be given at the end of the semester and during which you could be tested by a teacher from
another course section.
Tests and Final Exam
There will be a comprehensive departmental final that will count 25% of your course grade. The exam will be
designed by all of the instructors teaching the course. The date of your final exam is Wednesday, December
12 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This date is determined by the university and cannot be changed. The room number
will be announced in class and posted on the language program directors door during the last two week of
classes. The listening portion of the final will be given on the final day of class. No make-ups will be allowed.
Written chapter tests will be given for the following chapters: Einfhrung-Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and Chapter
3. Chapter 4 will be covered on the final. In order to maintain course flexibility, dates for chapter tests will be
announced.
Incompletes will only be given if you have finished almost all of the work in the course and there are
extenuating circumstances at the end of the semester (such as a death in the family or serious illness) that
prevent you from doing the final assignments. Documentation of the extenuating circumstances will be
required. If you have missed or plan to miss a significant number of class sessions, please contact your
instructor and Dr. Chalupa, Basic Language Program Director, as soon as possible. Adjustments concerning
your attendance or participation in class cannot be made at the end of the semester.
Considering a Major or Minor
German is currently one of the most important languages in the European Union and the international business
world; it is often taught as the first foreign language in eastern European countries. A major or minor in German
is an excellent complement to majors in all areas of study and can improve your success rate on the job market
and in your future profession. Completing a major or minor in German is not hard to do and can provide you
with opportunities to travel, study, and work abroad. If you are interested in a major or minor in German, please
speak with Dr. Cynthia Chalupa.
Academic Misconduct Policy
Students enrolled in courses at WVU are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic conduct.
The instructor will be alert to any kind of inappropriate conduct in the course. Suspicion of misconduct will be
addressed according to official rules and policies of WVU.
Social Justice Statement
West Virginia University is committed to social justice. In this class we will try to foster together a nurturing
learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. The University
does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color
or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will
be appreciated and given serious consideration.
If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in
this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).
If you have any concerns or comments about the course or have questions about course policies, please see
the Director of the Basic German Language Program, Dr. Cynthia Chalupa, in 116 Chitwood Hall. You can also
e-mail her at cynthia.chalupa@mail.wvu.edu.
Please regard this syllabus as a contract. Make sure you have read and understood all of its parts!

Instructions for Activating Online Account


Please activate your account by Friday, August 24, 2007!
Assigments from the workbook and lab manual will not be accepted late!
Welcome to Quia! Quia provides a fun and dynamic environment where you can complete your
out-of-class work. Instead of doing your workbook with paper and pen, Quia allows you to
complete your work electronically. You get instant feedback to the questions you answer in a
variety of activity and game formats only Quia provides.
Your instructor invites you to enroll in the following Quia course.
Course:
Code:
Book(s):

German 101
GGF673
Deutsch: Na klar! Online Workbook (5th Ed.)
Deutsch: Na klar! Online Laboratory Manual (5th Ed.)
To enroll in this course, please do the following:
Step 1. Log in to your Quia account
If you already have a Quia account:
1. Go to http://books.quia.com
2. Go to Students and click Log in.
If you do not have a Quia account:
1. Go to http://books.quia.com
2. Go to Students and click Create new account.
3. Fill out and submit the form. Remember to write down your username and password.
Step 2. Purchase book or enter book key
To enroll in this course, you must obtain a book key. You may have already purchased a book key as either
part of the textbook package, or as a separate product. If you have an active Quia book from last semester and
need to transfer to a new instructor's course, you only need the instructor's course code: GGF673
If you already have a book key:
1. Go to http://books.quia.com
2. Go to Students.
3. Enter your book key in the field labeled Enter a book key. The book will be added to your account. Note that
book keys may only be used once; your book key will become invalid after you use it.
4. Enter your instructor's course code, GGF673, in the field labeled Enter Course Code (next to your book).
To add additional books to your account, enter the book key in the field labeled Enter a book key.
If you do not have a book key, you can purchase one using a credit card:
1. Go to http://books.quia.com/books/bookstore.html
2. Find your book and click Buy. When prompted, enter your instructor's course code: GGF673
If
1.
2.
3.
4.

you already have an active book in your account from a previous term:
Go to http://books.quia.com
Go to Students. (You should already be logged in. If not, log in.)
Find the book and click Enroll.
Enter your instructor's course code: GGF673

You are now enrolled in your instructor's course. To access your Student Workstation in the future, go to
http://books.quia.com and log in to your account. You will be able to open your book, submit activities, view
your results, and view your instructor's feedback. If you have any questions about these directions or about
any other topic, please contact bookhelp@quia.com for a quick response.

NAME: __________________________

DATE:__________________________

Class Participation Scale for German Language Program


Active class participation is important to your skill development and to the success of the course. Your
class participation grade is an average of two components: a) your availability to participate (when you
are not here, you are not participating), and b) your degree of preparation and participation when you
are in class. Your final score will be expressed in percentage form. If you have questions about how to
improve your class participation grade, please see your instructor as soon as possible.
A) Availability for Participation
Number of unexcused absences/ Number of days in this period x 100 = % of days missed
________/________ x 100 = ________ (% days missed)
Subtract the % days missed from 100 to get percent attended:
100 - _______= Percent attended

B) Preparation/Participation
0-60

Not prepared for class; does not participate.

Rarely prepared; rarely able to answer when called on; rarely


volunteers.
Usually prepared, but preparation inconsistent; answers when
80 called on; uses German when required; willingly participates in
class activities; stays on task during partner/group work.
Regularly prepared; answers when called on; willingly
participates in class activities; stays on task during partner/group
90 work; makes a conscious effort to use as much German as
possible; volunteers answers to open questions (not directed at
anyone).
High level of preparation; answers when called on; willingly
participates in class activities; stays on task during partner/group
work; uses German almost exclusively; volunteers answers to
100
open questions (not directed at anyone). Shares pertinent
information. Asks questions or volunteers information that is
relevant to the class.
70

Overall Participation Grade:


(A: Percent attended __________ + B: Participation __________ )/ 2 = __________%

Comments/suggestions for improvement:

Global Assessment Guide for Speaking


9-8
9=98%

98=94%

8=90%
7-6
7=87%

78=84%

6=80%

5-4
5=79%

54=75%

4=71%
3-2
3=69%

32=66%

2=63%
1
1=6040%

Demonstrates High Proficiency


Message clear: Would be fully accepted and understood by native speakers not used to dealing with
language learners
Appropriate response to task/situation
Consistently takes an active role in conversation by asking appropriate questions; Initiates conversation
Consistently demonstrates understanding with appropriate responses to the interviewers speech
Responds with thorough, thoughtful answers
Fluent, with few or no breaks or hesitations
Very few grammatical or lexical errors
Excellent range of vocabulary and structure appropriate to level and task
Pronunciation free of major errors; intonation accurate
Uses language creatively

Demonstrates Above Average Proficiency


Message fairly clear; Parts of message might be misunderstood by native speakers who arent used to
dealing with language learners
Appropriate response to task/situation
Sometimes takes an active role in conversation by asking appropriate questions; sometimes initiates
conversation
Usually demonstrates understanding with appropriate response to the interviewers speech; asks for
clarification of details in German
Responds with sufficient detail
Fairly fluent; minor breaks or hesitations
Some grammatical or lexical errors
Vocabulary range adequate for level and task; variety of structures appropriate for level and task, but more
limited
Pronunciation shows some major errors, but is generally intelligible; Intonation acceptable
Uses language in a more conservative manner

Demonstrates Progress Toward Proficiency


Parts of message unclear; can be understood by speakers who are used to dealing with language learners
and the task at hand
Response to task/situation may not be totally appropriate
Takes a limited role in the conversation
Demonstrates some miscomprehension of the interviewers speech; asks for clarification of details in
German or English
Responds with sufficient detail
Performance characterized by hesitations and breaks
Errors on major structures; patterned errors
Word choice and/or variety of structures are limited; relies on simple vocabulary and structures; some
anglicisms
Pronunciation or intonation errors compromise understanding
Pronunciation or intonation errors compromise understanding
Uses language in a conservative manner

Demonstrates Need for Intervention


Attempt made to communicate, but message is severely compromised
Response to task/situation inappropriate
Takes a limited role in the conversation
Frequently does not understand interviewers speech; asks for clarification of major points in English; some
of message not understood even after repetition or reiteration
Gives general, narrow response
Performance characterized by major hesitations and breaks
Word choice/variety of structures inadequate for task or level
Pronunciation/intonation errors compromise meaning
Avoids using the target language; resorts to English

Demonstrates Strong Need for Intervention


Communication breakdown; response to task/situation inappropriate
Does not take an active role in the conversation
Does not understand the interviewers speech; little comprehension of major points or questions
Hesitations and breaks predominate; too little production to evaluate
Word choice/variety of structures inadequate for task or level
Pronunciation/intonation errors predominate, block meaning

Global Assessment Guide for Writing


9-8

DEMONSTRATES HIGH PROFICIENCY: Excellent command of the language:

9=98%
9-8=94%
8=90%

Well organized; ideas presented clearly and logically


Thorough response to the writing prompt
Wide variety of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures
Good transitions
Word order is accurate most of the time
Subject-verb agreement is accurate most of the time, minor slips
Writing is appropriate to current level
Length is appropriate
Spelling and punctuation are accurate
CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES PROFICIENCY: Good command of the language:

7-6
7=87%
7-6=84%
6=80%

5-4
5=79%
5-4=75%
4=71%

3-2
3=69%
3-2=66%
2=63%

Organization acceptable, main ideas present


Generally thorough response to the writing prompt
Some variety of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures
Some use of transitions
Some word order errors (inversions, subordinations)
Subject-verb agreement is inconsistent
Most of writing is appropriate to current level
Length is appropriate
Some spelling and punctuation errors
DEMONSTRATES PROGRESS TOWARD PROFICIENCY: Comprehensible expression
Some attempts at organization, but with confused sequencing
Partial response to the writing prompt
Limited variety of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures
Some use of transitions
Some word order errors (inversions, subordinations, basic word order)
Subject-verb agreement is inconsistent
Writing is below current level
Length is adequate, but brief
Noticeable spelling and punctuation errors
DEMONSTRATES STRONG NEED FOR INTERVENTION: Limited command of the language

Lack of organization
Insufficient response to the writing prompt
Little variety of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures
Few or inadequate transitions
Word order errors predominate
Subject-verb agreement errors predominate
Writing is well below current level
Length is inadequate
Predominance of spelling and punctuation errors
UNACCEPTABLE

40-60%

Response falls below the above descriptions or is inappropriate

WORK NOT TURNED IN

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