FLG 212
German Language, Culture, Science, and Technology
Foreign Languages and Literatures
Fall 2007
Section
1: MWF 11:20 - 12:10, in HA 136
Sabine Bridges
Room 304, Withers, 515-9304
sjbridge@unity.ncsu.edu
Course web site for enrolled
students: http://vista.ncsu.edu
Important: before logging in at the Vista site with your unity ID, please
click in the top right corner "New to WebCT Vista? Start here!",
then work through the student section. In particular, make sure your browser
is configured correctly, i.e. do the browser check from the link there or
from here: http://vista.ncsu.edu/help/browser/index.php
Also, you need to have your pop-ups enabled (in your browser
go to tools, pop-up blocker and either enable it there or enter vista.ncsu.edu
into the list of permitted sites in "pop-up blocker settings".
Catalog Description
The third of four consecutive courses in German, with a special focus on the
language of technology and the topics of science, technology and society in
the German-speaking countries. Intensive conversational practice to develop
proficiency in speaking and listening, advanced reading and writing skills by
learning complex grammatical structures and through the use of authentic texts.
Acquisition of general cultural knowledge and
of selected issues of science and technology in the German-speaking countries.
Prerequisites
FLG 102 or a score of 26 - 34 (old) / 398 - 501 (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 hours and location see http://fltc.chass.ncsu.edu/staticpages/index.php?page=20040406151443578.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Successful students will be able to …
• understand German spoken at normal speed by the teacher, native speakers
on audio files and in-class videos 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 Intermediate Level using previously studied grammar
and vocabulary, including some vocabulary of technology, 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 text selections, especially about issues of science
and technology, at the Intermediate Level with approximately 80% comprehension
as assessed by oral and written questions and in-class discussions.
• write German at the Intermediate Level using previously learned grammar
and vocabulary with approximately 80% accuracy as assessed by writing assignments,
exam questions, etc., especially on topics of science and technology
• discuss selected aspects of German, Austrian and Swiss cultures based
on previously learned material obtained from in-class presentations, videos,
websites, readings, etc., about German science, technology, inventions, discoveries,
and technological challenges of the past, present and the future
• use their intermediate German skills in professional settings in the
area of technology
• demonstrate their understanding of the interconnections between science
or technology and society
Required Texts and Supplementary Materials
Moeller, Jack, and Winnifred R. Adolph, Gisela Hoecherl-Alden, Simone Berger,
John F. Lalande II, Deutsch heute: Introductory German, 8th edition
(Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2005). Textbook, Workbook, Lab and Video
Manual (combined in the “Arbeitsheft”), Answer Keys for Workbook
and Lab Manual, Set of Audio-CDs, and “Einfach toll” CD-ROM: all
combined in one package (ISBN 0-618-62567-4), $151.10. You will need ALL the
components for this class. Purchase your textbook only where you can get the
whole package (this will save you money as opposed to buying separate components,
and the trouble of hunting down separate components).
Fischer-Appelt, Andreas, ed., Deutsche Stars: 50 Innovationen, die jeder
kennen sollte. (Berlin, no year). Available for free
as a pdf file from http://www.innovationen-fuer-deutschland.de/,
including audio files for some of the texts.
Materials from selected internet sites.
Recommended Materials
A German-English/English-German dictionary. Langenscheidt is an excellent dictionary
publisher. If you plan to go on to the German Minor, it is recommended you get
the Langenscheidt New College German Dictionary (about $25-35); a smaller size
is the Langenscheidt Standard German Dictionary (about $14-20); for FLG 201
only, the Langenscheidt’s Pocket Dictionary ($10-13) may serve you well.
You can also use online dictionaries: http://dict.leo.org
and http://www.linguadict.de. However,
the use of electronic (online or CD-ROM) translation programs is NOT allowed
and will violate academic integrity, i.e. be considered cheating (see below
for details).
A folder for your class notes, homework assigments and tests will also be helpful.
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 Deutsch heute web
site or the CD-ROM. Check http://fltc.chass.ncsu.edu
for opening hours and info on the FLTC. You will have to work in this lab with
the video Unterwegs.
Your individual work with the audio components on the CDs of Deutsch heute
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 web site will help build your vocabulary and your confidence
with grammar and spelling. At least two hours of practice per week with CDs,
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 a 3-credit course.
If you'd like to aspire for a better grade, plan on investing more study time.
The web site for the 7th edition of Deutsch heute is http://college.hmco.com/languages/german/moeller/deutsch_heute/7e/students/index.html.
Workbook and Written Homework
Workbook exercises for each chapter from the Arbeitsheft 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 second half of the workbook. 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. Video workbook
assignments are due as noted on the schedule. If you're using the online Quia
workbook, submit your work at the same time, i.e. before the start of the class
when it is due.
You should be using the proper German
characters whenever you type your work. Instructions for producing them on the
computer can be found here: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~hgb/flg201/201umlaute_fa05.htm.
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 | 30%, chapter tests |
| Presentation and Final Project | 10%, see below for details |
| 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. If you miss three (3) consecutive weeks without contacting
your instructor, you may be dropped from the class roll or receive an F for
the semester. 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/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.3.php.
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 Vista
Discussions
Depending on your instructor's preferences
you will get vocabulary quizzes or will have to post contributions on the WebCT
Vista Discussion Board, or a combination of these tasks. All of these tasks
will be focused on issues of science and technology. Check with your instructor
for details. Remember to use the proper German characters in your typed work,
too. Instructions for producing them on the computer can be found here: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~hgb/flg201/201umlaute_fa05.htm.
Written Assignments
You will regularly hand
in written assignments. Check the semester schedule for due dates. Typed work
is welcome, but nicely handwritten work will be accepted. Double space everything,
whether typing or writing by hand. Remember to use the proper German characters
in your typed work, too. Instructions for producing them on the computer can
be found here: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~hgb/flg201/201umlaute_fa05.htm.
There are 12 opportunities for graded assignments: the 10 best of these will
be counted and carry a maximum of 10 points of your semester grade. In addition,
there are 4 opportunities for assignments I only check (the workbook and lab
work due on the test dates - you will check them yourself with the answer key;
you get your check mark only if you complete all pages and all exercises). These
will give you 4 points. You can get the remaining 1 point to make 15 points
total for the written assignments as a bonus point for completing ALL the workbook
and labwork assignments.
Late assignments will only be accepted if they were caused by an unforeseen
(unplanned) excused absence.
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. Make-up
tests will not be given for unexcused absences. You may not use any
electronic devices or any print materials or notes during tests.
Presentation and Final Project
You will present a German/Austrian/Swiss
technology company profile to the class with the help of visuals. Present information
about the company and its products, and discuss their impact on people's lifes,
on society at large, and on the history of technology. Include critical views
of the company and its products. You will also write up your presentation as
a final paper (4-5 pages). There are many German/Austrian/Swiss companies you
can choose, some of the biggest and most well-known ones are: Siemens, BASF,
DaimlerChrysler AG, VW, BMW, Porsche, Mannesmann, Bosch, SAP, Swatch, Infineon,
Deutsche Telekom, or Miele.
Final Exam
The date for your final exam is listed on your syllabus. The university policies
and procedures regarding final exams are outlined at http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_regulations/exams/reg.htm.
Incompletes
Incompletes (IN) will be
assigned at the instructor's discretion in line with university policies on
grading: http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/grades_undergrad/REG02.50.3.php
Auditors
If you are auditing this course, please contact your instructor about the requirements.
You should expect to get an "audit" only if you attend at least 2/3
of all classes and stay until the end of the semester. It is generally not required
to do the written assignments, write the tests and exams, or complete the projects
(but you may voluntarily do so). However, you should prepare the material to
be covered so you can participate actively in class and in the pair and group
work; this way you and your classmates around you will benefit.
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; do not chew gum; turn off and put away all
cell phones, pagers, PDAs, laptops and other electronic devices. Class time
will mostly be used for interactive practice of material you have studied at
home, so you need to be focused on oral communication, with some note-taking
by hand.
Class Email List
On occassion, announcements will be made through email messages. The
University has an official email address on file for each of you. It is your
responsibility to make sure that you receive email from this account.
Either make sure the university has the email account on file which
you actually check, or set up forwarding from the unity account to the private
account you regularly check.
Students
with Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations
will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage
of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services
for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653, for information
see http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/.
For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities,
please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation
(REG02.20.1) at: http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.1.php.
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 an academic integrity
violation is detected, your assignment or test carries an automatic F and the
incident will be reported to the NC State Office of Student Conduct. 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/.
Semester Schedule
Chapter numbers refer to the Deutsch heute textbook. Texts about the inventions can be found in Deutsche Stars, as indicated (S + page number), and on the internet (check your WebCT VISTA course site).
Week 1: Introduction to the Class, and to Chapter 9; Gutenberg's printing press: how it worked and its impact on society (S 16)
Week 2: Chapter 9 continued; Heinrich Göbel's light bulb (S 40): how it worked and the impact of electrical lighting and electricity on society
Week 3: Chapter 9 continued and test on Chapter 9; Philipp Reis' telephone (S 92), how it worked and the impact of modern communication technologies on the world
Week 4: Chapter 10; Audio recording technology: Emil Berliner's record player (S 74), Fritz Pfeumer's tape recorder (S 96)
Week 5: Chapter 10 continued; Daimler and Benz, the invention of the gasoline motor and the development of individual traffic (S 26)
Week 6: Chapter 10 continued and test on Chapter 10; Aerospace technology: Otto Lilienthal's plane (S 38), Heinrich Focke's helicopter (S 46), Hans von Ohaim's jet engine (S 30)
Week 7: Chapter 11; Otto Hahn, nuclear technology and its impact on the world (S 52)
Week 8: Chapter 11 continued; Manfred von Ardenne: TV: its invention and development to the present (S 34)
Week 9: Chapter 11 continued and test on Chapter 11; Konrad Zuse's computer (S 22), Jürgen Dethloff's computer chip (S 20), the Fraunhofer Institut's MP3 technology (S 64) and other recent inventions in communication technology, and how they changed the world
Week 10: Chapter 12; student project (company profile) presentations; German/Austrian/Swiss environmental technology: solar energy, wind energy, etc.
Week 11: Chapter 12 continued; student project presentations; German/Austrian/Swiss environmental technology: biotechnology, nanotechnology, etc.
Week 12: Chapter 12 continued; student project presentations; the most recent German/Austrian/Swiss inventions
Week 13: Chapter 12 continued and test on Chapter 12
Week 14: Review of grammar and vocabulary; final class discussion on German/Austrian/Swiss contributions to technology and their impact on the world
Finals week: final exam.
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. 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/%7Enbuch/dk/.
Contact faculty advisor Ralph Jones, re35rjje@us.ibm.com
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!
Viel Glück
mit dem Deutschstudium!
We wish you a lot of luck with your German Studies!