FLG
102
Elementary German I
Fall 2003
NC
State University
Foreign Languages and Literatures
Dr. Helga
G. Braunbeck
Büro: 1911 Gebäude, Zimmer 224
Sprechstunden: Di 15.00 – 15.45 und Mi 11.00 – 11.45 und nach
Vereinbarung
Telefon: 515-9320
E-Mail: Helga_Braunbeck@ncsu.edu
Website: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~hgb
Catalog Description
The second in a four-course sequence to develop the language skills of listening,
speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis on the acquisition of everyday German
and cultural awareness. Active class participation, practice in the language
lab and computer lab, and written assignments.
Prerequisites
FLG 101 or a score of 18-25 (old) / 316 - 397 (new) on the NC State placement
test. The placement test is a computerized test taking about 15-25 minutes;
you will get your results immediately. The placement test can be taken anytime
the Foreign Language Technology Center is open. For more information on placement
consult http://sasw.chass.ncsu.edu/fl/place.htm.
You can also talk to your instructor or the German Section Coordinator, Helga
G. Braunbeck.
Learning Objectives
Successful students will be able to …
• understand simple German spoken at normal speed by the teacher, native
speakers on the audio tapes, CD-ROM audio files, and in-class videotapes when
based on previously studied material with approximately 80% accuracy as assessed
by the ability to answer questions in class, in workbook exercises, and in exams.
• speak German at the Novice Level using previously studied grammar and
vocabulary with approximately 80% accuracy as assessed by the ability to ask
and answer questions, participate effectively in group activities in class,
discuss readings, etc.
• read selected German cultural and literary selections at the Novice
Level with approximately 80% comprehension as assessed by oral and written questions
and in-class discussions.
• write German at the Novice Level using previously learned grammar and
vocabulary with approximately 80% accuracy as assessed by writing assignments,
exam questions, etc.
• discuss selected aspects of German, Austrian and Swiss cultures in English
based on previously learned material obtained from in-class presentations, videotapes,
websites, readings, etc.
Required Texts and Supplementary Materials
Widmaier and Widmaier, Treffpunkt Deutsch, 3rd edition 1999, with student cassette
tapes and CD-ROM.
---, Arbeitsbuch Treffpunkt Deutsch, 3rd edition 1999 (includes written exercises,
and listening comprehension exercises in last third of book).
---, Answer Key to Arbeitsbuch.
Recommended Materials
A German-English/English-German dictionary. Langenscheidt is an excellent dictionary
publisher. For FLG 102, the Langenscheidt’s Pocket Dictionary ($10-13)
may serve you well; a larger size is the Langenscheidt Standard German Dictionary
(about $14-20); if you plan to go on to the German Minor, it is recommended
you get the Langenscheidt New College German Dictionary (about $25-35).
You can also use online dictionaries: http://dict.leo.org,
http://www.langenscheidt.aol.de/,
http://www.linguadict.de and http://www.wordreference.com.
A folder for your class notes, homework assigments and tests.
Work with Multimedia Materials
The Foreign Language Technology Center (FLTC) is in the Laundry Building, LAU
214, on the corner of Stinson Dr. and Current Dr. It has many computer work
stations for word processing or your work with the Treffpunkt web site
or the CD-ROM. The tapes that go with the textbook and the chapter tapes that
go with the Arbeitsbuch are available at the FLTC, as well as the CD-ROM; ask
at the desk. If you bring your own 90 min. cassette, the tapes can be copied
for you. Work with the tapes, the CD-ROM, and the website may be done in the
lab or at home. Check http://fllab.chass.ncsu.edu
for opening hours and info on the FLTC.
Your individual work with the audio components is crucial for gradually building
your listening comprehension skills and proper pronunciation (each test and
the final exam includes a listening component). You may repeat the units as
often as you like; in fact, it is normal that you need to listen many times
before you can do the assignment. The exercises on the CD-ROM and the website
will help build your vocabulary and your confidence with grammar and spelling.
Two hours of practice per week with cassettes, CD-ROM and web site is highly
recommended; it provides excellent test preparation. Six hours of work per week
is the standard for receiving a C in the course. The web site for the 3rd edition
of Treffpunkt Deutsch is http://www.prenhall.com/treffpunkt
Workbook and Written Homework
Workbook exercises for each chapter from the Arbeitsbuch are due on
the day of the respective chapter test, both the written part in the front of
the workbook and the listening comprehension part in the last third of the workbook
(page numbers have an H in front of them). The listening comprehension part
of the workbook can only be completed by working with the chapter tapes available
from the FLTC. Complete all exercises, remove the pages from the workbook, staple
or paper-clip them, and put your name at the top. Do your best to carefully
complete any written assignments; write legibly. Place written homework and
the workbook exercises on the instructor’s desk before the beginning of
class.
Course Requirements and Evaluation
| Attendance | Impact on grade is defined below in “Class Attendance Policy” |
| Class Work | 10%, see below for details |
| Vocabulary Quizzes / WebCT Discussions | 10%, see below for details |
| Written Assignments | 15%, see below for details |
| Combined Test Grades | 40%, chapter tests |
| Final Exam | 25%, cumulative exam on material from whole semester |
For information on the NC State grading policy, consult http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_regulations/grading/reg.htm.
Grading scale for exams (in %)
| 100 – 97 A + | 89 – 87 B + | 79 – 77 C + | 69 – 67 D + | |
| 96 – 93 A | 86 – 83 B | 76 – 73 C | 66 – 63 D | |
| 92 – 90 A - | 82 – 80 B - | 72 – 70 C - | 62 – 60 D - | less than 60 F |
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.
If you miss more than 10 minutes of a class, it may count as an absence, but
it is still recommended that you attend the remainder of the class in order
to learn the material. If you accumulate 6 (for classes meeting twice per week)
or 9 (for classes meeting 3 times per week) or more unexcused absences, your
semester grade will be F. For more detailed information on attendance regulations
and on what constitutes an excused absence consult http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_regulations/attend/reg.htm.
Evaluation of Classwork: Preparation
and Participation
Preparation for class and participation in class are essential for success in
learning a foreign language. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis and
completion of the homework is required. Class participation will be graded using
the following rubric:
A - Student comes to class prepared, bringing proper materials, arriving on
time and staying the full length of the class. Student is attentive and frequently
volunteers to participate. Student is actively involved in all class activities
and stays on task in group work. Any questions or comments are pertinent.
B - Student is usually prepared. Student is always attentive, participates in
all activities and volunteers from time to time. Student asks only pertinent
questions.
C - Student shows evidence of being unprepared on occasion. Student may arrive
late or leave early in some instances. Student volunteers infrequently and may
ask questions that would not be necessary had the student prepared for class
more thoroughly.
D - Student is unprepared and/or inattentive. Student rarely volunteers and
demonstrates lack of involvement in class activities. Student may not stay on
task in group work and may ask unnecessary or inappropriate questions.
F - Student exhibits lack of concern for the class. His or her behavior may
have a negative effect on the class.
Vocabulary Quizzes / WebCT Discussions
Depending on your instructor's preferences
you will get vocabulary quizzes or will have to post contributions on the WebCT
Discussion Board, or both. Check with your instructor for details.
Written Assignments
You will regularly hand
in written assignments from the textbook and from the Arbeitsbuch,
which contains the workbook and the lab manual. Check the semester schedule
for due dates.
Tests
Make-up tests: test dates are noted on the syllabus. If you know in advance
that you will have an excused absence on a test day, you need to inform your
instructor at least one week prior to the test. If you miss a test because of
an emergency, you need to inform your instructor ASAP after the test. If you
miss a test because of an unexcused absence or you fail to inform your instructor
of an excused absence prior to the test, it will be up to your instructor to
give you a make-up test.
Final Exam
The dates for your oral and written final exams are listed on your syllabus.
The oral part of the final is usually given on the last day of class. All foreign
language written exams for levels 101-201 are given at a common time, which
can also be found at http://www.ncsu.edu/reg_records/regi_cal.html.
The university policies and procedures regarding final exams are outlined at
http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_regulations/exams/reg.htm.
Students with Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities.
You first need to register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student
Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information consult
http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to work within the letter and spirit of the NC State University
Code of Student Conduct. For more information please consult http://www.fis.ncsu.edu/ncsulegal/41.03-codeof.htm.
Academic integrity extends to all work done in a course, including homework,
class work, papers, projects, oral and written tests, lab work, and exams. The
use of internet translating programs is forbidden and will be considered cheating.
If you have any questions about what is permitted or forbidden, e.g. with regard
to getting help from tutors or friends, please consult your instructor.
Tutoring
Academic Support Services offers free tutoring. The Undergraduate Tutorial Center
is in 147 Leazar Hall, phone 515-3163. Availability of German tutors varies
every semester, but it is a good idea to let them know early in the semester
about your wish for a tutor. Also, please discuss any difficulties with your
instructor. For information consult http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center/forlang.html.
Semester Schedule
Class time will primarily be used for practice of the material you have prepared at home. Please read through the assigned pages and study the material. It will be very helpful to write out at least some of the exercises (definitely do the fill-ins), since this reinforces retention of the new words and grammatical patterns.
Th 8-21 Syllabus & Introduction,
Kapitel 5
Tu 8-26 Kapitel 5
Th 8-28 Kapitel 5 Vocabquiz
Tu 9-2 Kapitel 5
Th 9-4 Kapitel 5 Vocabquiz
Tu 9-9 Kapitel 5
Th 9-11 Test Kapitel 5
Tu 9-16 Kapitel 6
Th 9-18 Kapitel 6 Vocabquiz
Tu 9-23 Kapitel 6
Th 9-25 Kapitel 6 Vocabquiz
Tu 9-30 Kapitel 6
Th 10-2 Test Kapitel 6
Tu 10-7 Kapitel 7
Th 10-9 Fall break
Tu 10-14 Kapitel 7 Vocabquiz
Th 10-16 Kapitel 7
Tu 10-21 Kapitel 7 Vocabquiz
Th 10-23 Kapitel 7
Tu 10-28 Test Kapitel 7
Th 10-30 Kapitel 8
Tu 11-4 Kapitel 8 Vocabquiz
Th 11-6 Kapitel 8
Tu 11-11 Kapitel 8
Th 11-13 Kapitel 8 Vocabquiz
Tu 11-18 Kapitel 8
Th 11-20 Test Kapitel 8
Tu 11 25 Review
Th 11-27 Thanksgiving
Tu 12-2 Review
Th 12-4 Listening Comprehension for the Final
We 12-10 Final from 6-8 p.m., room to be announced
How to Succeed in German
Class
Languages are used for communication and foreign language learning works best
as a team effort. As part of the team, your instructor will do his or her best
to make the class atmosphere creative, lively, and accepting of your best efforts.
You have to do the other part:
1. Prepare all assigments for each class. The focus during class time is on
practicing what you studied at home. 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. Attend class regularly. Learning to speak a foreign language is an interactive
process and you must interact with your instructor and your classmates in order
to progress. Bring your book to class every day; it is essential that you have
your own book for partner or group activities.
3. Participate actively in each lesson. Mentally answer each and every question
whenever a classmate is responding. The more you participate, the better your
grade will be, and the better your German will become.
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:
| Wiederholen Sie, bitte! | Repeat, please. |
| Wie sagt man "…" auf deutsch? | How do you say "…" in German? |
| Was bedeutet "..."? | What does "..." mean? |
| Ich weiß nicht. | I don't know. |
| Ich habe eine Frage. | I have a question. |
5. 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.
6. Use memory tricks, songs, chants or other devices to learn new material.
Say the answers to homework exercises in addition to writing them. This will
train your mouth to form the right sounds and will also reinforce memorization
when you hear the sounds; it helps your brain connect the sounds with the words
on the page.
7. Take risks. Speak out. The more you speak, the more you will get out of the
class. Making mistakes is a necessary component of the learning process. Let
your instructor and your classmates assist you and make learning a joint and
cooperative experience.
8. 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.
9. Enjoy language learning and have fun with the language. You can create a
whole new persona for yourself in the foreign language. Be playful and creative
in ways that contribute to everyone’s pleasure and learning experience.
10. Stay in touch with other classmates by phone or e-mail and study together
outside of class. Students in study groups often do very well. Contact a fellow
student for information about a missed class, so you will be prepared when you
return.
11. See German movies in theaters or on video. Video stores have them and the
Media Center in D. H. Hill Library has a nice collection, a list of which is
posted at http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/colmgmt/aboutcolmgmt/Media_Center_Holdings.html.
You can watch them there, but not check them out. A few good ones to start with
are: Lola rennt/Run, Lola, run; Die weisse Rose/The White Rose; Das schreckliche
Mädchen/The Nasty Girl; Das Versprechen/The Promise, this one by director
Margarethe von Trotta. Ask your instructor for more suggestions.
12. Participate in a German Club. We have our own at NC State and then there
is one in the Triangle. The NC State German Club / DeutschKlub has weekly Stammtisch
(conversation) meetings; parties; film viewings; hikes; and other activities.
It is free and you can attend as many or as few events as you like. You’ll
meet other students of German and also usually a few exchange students from
the German-speaking countries. Check out their website at http://www4.ncsu.edu/%7Eclhinso2/ncsuDeutschKlub/.
Contact faculty advisor Sylvia A. Smith, 515-9304, sasmith7@social.chass.ncsu.edu,
for more information.
The German-Austrian-Swiss Club of the Triangle (GAST) can be checked out at
http://www.orgsites.com/nc/gast.
They have monthly meetings and other activities.
13. Consider going for a German Minor. You’ll need only five courses:
FLG 201, 202, and three courses at the FLG 300 level. For more details, see
the German Section Web Page at http://sasw.chass.ncsu.edu/fl/german/
or contact the German Section Coordinator, Helga G. Braunbeck, 515-9320, Helga_Braunbeck@ncsu.edu.
14. Transform yourself by studying abroad! International experience is an invaluable
asset in today’s global job market. NC-State has a large number of opportunities
available, some with stipends, ranging from a five week summer program to a
full year abroad. Your German does not have to be perfect for this. The Study
Abroad Office (2118 Pullen Hall, 515-2087, http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/stud_affairs/study_abroad/)
has more information. Check out their programs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
by using the links on the German Section webpage at http://sasw.chass.ncsu.edu/fl/german/
. Especially nice are NC-State’s summer program in Vienna, Austria, (see
http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/stud_affairs/study_abroad/vienna.htm)
and the exchange program between the UNC system and the state of Baden-Württemberg
in southern Germany for a semester or a year abroad (UNC-EP, http://www.uncep.org/bw.htm).
NC-State advisor for UNC-EP is the German Section Coordinator, Helga G. Braunbeck.
Also talk to your instructor, to fellow students who’ve been abroad, and
to students from the German Club to learn more!
Viel Glück
mit dem Deutschstudium!
We wish you a lot of luck with your German Studies!