For information on the NC State grading policy, consult http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_regulations/grading/reg.htm.

Grading scale for exams (in %)

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. If you are absent it is your responsibility to get information on the missed material and any changes in the assignments from a class mate. 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.

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/policies/academic_affairs/pols_regs/REG205.00.24.php.

Classroom Etiquette

Show the members of this learning community respect by adhering to these rules: be on time; remove your hats; bring your book, a notepad, and a writing utensil to every class period; do not bring food into the classroom; turn off your cell phones and pagers.

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.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_discipline/POL11.35.1.php. Academic integrity extends to all work done in a course, including homework, class work, papers, projects, oral and written tests, lab work, and exams. You may study together with classmates, but everybody needs to turn in their individual homework assignment. The use of internet or CD-ROM 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/

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://www.ncsu.edu/studyabroad/places/europe/vienna.html) 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/). 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!