Texts
Widmaier and Widmaier, Treffpunkt Deutsch, 3rd edition 1999, with student cassette tapes.
---, Arbeitsbuch Treffpunkt Deutsch, 3rd edition 1999 (includes workbook and listening comprehension).
---, Answer Key to Arbeitsbuch.

Audio & Computer Lab
The Audio Lab (for the tapes that go with the Arbeitsbuch) is located in HA 302. The old computer lab is in adjacent HA 362. The new Foreign Language Technology Center (FLTC), which has only computers, is in the Laundry Building on the corner of Stinson Dr. and Current Dr.

Lab hours for all labs: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.; in addition, the FLTC is open Saturdays 12.00 noon – 4 p.m.

The tapes are designed to help you improve your pronunciation and comprehension of spoken German.  You may work with the tapes in the Audio Lab or take advantage of the Cassette Pool and work with them at home. You must request the tapes by call numbers. For the tapes accompanying Treffpunkt Deutsch, 3rd edition, the tape numbers are: 3E/01 for Erste Kontakte, 3E/02 for Kapitel 1, etc.

The computerized exercises are intended to help you with vocabulary, structure, and spelling. You may repeat the units as often as you like. Two hours of practice per week with tapes and computer exercises is highly recommended; it provides excellent test preparation. For additional exercises and fun, check out the website for the new, 3rd edition of Treffpunkt Deutsch at http://www.prenhall.com/treffpunkt

Grade Breakdown
Combined test grades  50%
Assigned homework, workbook, audio-labwork, class participation & attendance  25%
Final exam  25%
 For the final grade +/- will be used.

Attendance
Regular attendance is a university requirement. For every unexcused absence in excess of two (2) for classes meeting twice per week, and three (3) for classes meeting three times per week, the semester grade will be reduced by 1 point.

Make-ups
Test dates are noted on the syllabus.  Make-ups for missed tests are not routinely given.

Lehrerin: Dr. Helga G. Braunbeck
Büro: 1911 Gebäude, Zimmer 224
Sprechstunden: Di 16.15 – 17.00 und Do 13.00 - 13.45, und nach Vereinbarung
Telefon: 515-9320
E-Mail: braunbeck@social.chass.ncsu.edu
 

Di  17. Aug. Erste Kontakte
Do  19. Aug. Erste Kontakte
Di  24. Aug. Kapitel 1
Do  26. Aug. Kapitel 1
Di   31. Aug. Kapitel 1
Do   2. Sept. Kapitel 1
Di   7. Sept. Kapitel 1
Do   9. Sept. Test Erste Kontakte und Kapitel 1; Kapitel 2

Di  14. Sept. Kapitel 2
Do  16. Sept. Kapitel 2
Di  21. Sept. Kapitel 2
Do  23. Sept. Kapitel 2
Di  28. Sept. Kapitel 2
Do  30. Sept. Test Kapitel 2; Kapitel 3

Di   5. Okt. Kapitel 3
Do  7. Okt. Kapitel 3
Di  12. Okt. Herbstferien
Do  14. Okt. Kapitel 3
Di  19. Okt. Kapitel 3
Do  21. Okt. Kapitel 3
Di  26. Okt. Test Kapitel 3; Kapitel 4

Do  28. Okt. Kapitel 4
Di   2. Nov. Kapitel 4
Do   4. Nov. Kapitel 4
Di   9. Nov. Kapitel 4
Do  11. Nov. Kapitel 4
Di  16. Nov. Test Kapitel 4

Do  18. Nov. Video mit Diskussion
Di  23. Nov. Wiederholung
Do  25. Nov. Erntedankfest, frei
Di   30. Nov. Wiederholung
Do   2. Dez. Hörverständnis-Schlußexamen; Wiederholung

Mi   8. Dez. 18.00 Uhr - 20.00 Uhr: Schlußexamen

Languages are used for communication and foreign language learning works best as a team effort. As part of the team, I have certain responsibilities: I will do my best to make the class atmosphere creative, lively, and accepting of your best efforts. In turn, you too have some reponsibilities:

1. Prepare assignments before coming to class so we can get the most out of our classtime together (the focus is on practicing what has been learned at home). Assignments are given out each class period and are usually due the next time we meet. Workbook and language lab exercises are due on the day of the test for each chapter. It is nearly impossible to "cram" for this course and do well. Learning a language is like building a house of cards: each one must be well in place before adding the next. Spend at least 30 minutes on German per day, rather than studying all at once before exams. Regular repetition of small quantities of information is the most successful method for learning a foreign language.

2. Participate actively in each lesson. Mentally answer each and every question when a classmate is responding. Class participation and homework make up 25% of your grade. The more you participate, the better your grade will be, and the better your German will become. Your class grade reflects your performance in class (attendance, knowledge of daily lesson, volunteering answers, asking questions). You should work constantly with the tapes, both the student tape and the language lab tape for each chapter. Play them on your car or home stereo; even if you're not always actively listening, it will help your proficiency. You will often have to listen to the tapes more than once, so don't get discouraged if you cannot understand every word the first time. The tape exercises will get easier as the semester progresses, if you make the effort. Take the tape work seriously--it will help both your proficiency and your grade (there is a listening component on quizzes and exams).

3. Take risks. Speak out. Don't be afraid to make mistakes (they are a necessary component of the learning process). I am here to help. The more you speak, the more you will get out of the class.

4. Speak German as much as possible in the classroom, even before class when chatting with classmates. If you should need clarification in the classroom, the following expressions will be helpful:
 
 

 
5. Bring your book to class every day. This is essential. You should also purchase a German/English-English/German pocket dictionary. While not required, it will help you find words not explained in the textbook.

6. Be a good team partner in partner work or group activities. Turn your chair to create an easy setting for interaction with your partner(s). Volunteer information, keep the work moving along, but don't dominate. Help your partners, if they are having a more difficult time (helping others is an excellent way to learn for yourself!). In order to be a good team player you need to be well prepared for class. Stick to German whenever possible.

7. Enjoy language learning. Be playful and participate in games, songs, skits, and conversations.

8. Take notes in class whenever appropriate. A lot of us are "visual" learners. By writing things down you will remember them much more easily and also give yourself a chance to review them after class.

9. Stay in touch with other classmates by phone or e-mail and study together outside of class. Students in study groups often do well.

10. Use German outside of class. See German movies in theaters or on video (Blockbuster has some; the Media Center in D. H. Hill Library has a nice collection). Go to cultural events sponsored by organizations such as GAST, the German-Austrian-Swiss Club of the Triangle (their website: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~hemeissn) and the NC-State German Club (Faculty advisor: Ingrid Hartwig, 515-9304). I will announce their events in class. Join the NC-State German Club at any time during the academic year (it is free)--they get together every week for conversation at Mitch's Tavern and have other events. You are welcome to attend whenever it fits your schedule. These are great opportunities to get extra exposure to the language outside of class, and to meet German students and German native speakers.

11. Tutoring: Academic Support Services offers free tutoring (Room 126 in Nelson Hall, 515-3163) whenever they have German tutors available. Please also come and talk to me if you are experiencing problems or would like to improve your skills in any way. I will make every effort to be available to you.

12. Consider going further with your German: study abroad or take a German Minor. Both might give you an edge when applying for jobs (in almost any field). The German Section Web Page has detailed information: http://sasw.chass.ncsu.edu/fl/german.htm. For a German Minor, you'll need FLG 201, 202, and essentailly three German courses at the 300 level (quite manageable). I'll gladly provide you with more detailed information. For studying abroad over the summer or during the semester, NC-State has a large number of opportunities available, some with stipends. Your German does not have to be perfect for this. The Study Abroad Office (2118 Pullen Hall, 515-2087) has more information and I can provide some, too, and help you with applications.