FLG 101
Elementary German I
Instructor: Silke Groder (sections 001,
002)
Office:
Withers,
Room
306
Office hours: W, F
Phone:
515-
9311
Email: szgroder@unity.ncsu.edu
Catalog Description
The first 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
This is a course for
beginners, so there are no prerequisites. If you have had one or more years of
high school German you need to take the computerized NC State Placement Test
today, a computerized test taking about 15-25 minutes; you will get your
results immediately. A score of 0-17 (old) or 0-315 (new) will place you into
FLG 101. The placement test can be taken anytime the
Learning Objectives
Successful students will be able to …
• understand simple 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 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,
videos, websites, readings, etc.
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 with student CDs, multimedia CD, and Arbeitsheft (workbook/labmanual/videomanual): all combined in one package
(ISBN 0-618-52101-1). You will need
Recommended Materials
A German-English/English-German dictionary.
Langenscheidt is an excellent dictionary publisher. For FLG 101, 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.linguadict.de and http://www.wordreference.com. However,
the use of electronic (online or CD-ROM) translation programs is not allowed
and will violate academic integrity (see below for details).
A folder for your class notes, homework assignments and tests.
Work with Multimedia Materials
The Foreign Language Technology Center (FLTC) is in the
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 8th edition of Deutsch heute can be accessed via http://college.hmco.com/languages/german/students/.
Workbook and
Place
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 / Project |
10%, see below for details |
|
Written Assignments |
20%, see below for details |
|
Combined Test Grades |
40%, chapter tests |
|
Final Exam |
20%, cumulative exam on material from whole semester |
For information on the NC State grading policy, consult http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/navigation.php/grades_undergrad
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 Discussions/ Project
Depending on your instructor's preferences you will get vocabulary quizzes or
will have to post contributions on the WebCT
Discussion Board, or complete a special project, or a combination of these
tasks. Check with your instructor for details.
Written Assignments
You will regularly hand in written assignments. 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. You may not use any
electronic devices or any print materials or notes during tests.
Final Exam
The dates for your listening and written final exams
are listed on your syllabus. The listening part of the final is usually given
on the last day of class. The university policies and procedures regarding
final exams are outlined at http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.14.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; 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 occasion, 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.
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
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 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/.
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 assignments 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 / Deutsch Klub 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 www4.ncsu.edu/~nbuch/dk/.
Contact faculty advisor David L. Smith 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 or Major. You’ll need only five courses:
FLG 201, 202, and three courses at the FLG 300 level to complete a Minor. For
more details, see the German Section Web Page at http://sasw.chass.ncsu.edu/fl/german/
or contact Dr. Lutz Kube for
questions about Minors or German Section
Coordinator, Helga G. Braunbeck, 515-9320, Helga_Braunbeck@ncsu.edu for
questions about the German Major.
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
Semester Schedule
Numbers are page numbers in the textbook Deutsch
Heute (DH),
and the workbook Arbeitsheft (AH). 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.
|
DATE |
IN CLASS |
TURN IN |
HOMEWORK |
|
Jan 9 |
Introduction |
|
Prepare DH
2-7 |
|
Jan 11 |
DH 2-7 |
|
Prepare DH
8-13 |
|
Jan 14 |
DH 8-13 |
|
Prepare DH 14-20, write AH pp. 1,2 |
|
Jan 16 |
DH 14-20, Vocabulary
Quiz |
AH 1,2 |
Prepare DH 21-22,
Write DH 22/5 Zum Schreiben, 1,2; Write AH 121, 22 (CD) |
|
Jan 18 |
DH 20-23 |
DH 22/5 |
Prepare for test, Write AH pp.3-6 |
|
Jan 20 |
Martin
Luther King Day |
|
|
|
Jan 23 |
Test Einführung |
AH 3-6, 121/22 |
Prepare DH 24-28, 39-40 |
|
Jan 25 |
DH 24-28, 39-40 |
|
Prepare DH
28-30, 39-40 |
|
Jan 28 |
DH 28-30, 40-42 |
|
Prepare DH 31-33, write AH pp.7-10 |
|
Jan 30 |
DH 31-33 |
AH 7-8 |
Prepare
DH 43-47, memorize vocabulary |
|
Feb 1 |
DH 43-47, Vocabulary Quiz |
|
Prepare DH 48-50 |
|
Feb 4 |
DH 48-50 |
|
Prepare DH
34-36, Write DH 53/9 Zum Schreiben, 1 and 2 |
|
Feb 6 |
DH 34-36 |
DH 53/9 |
Prepare DH 51-55, write AH pp.11-13 |
|
Feb 8 |
DH 51-55, review |
|
Prepare for test, write AH pp.123-26
(CD), 201-204 (video) |
|
Feb 11 |
Test Chapter 1 |
AH 9-13, 123-26, 201-4 |
Prepare DH 57-59 |
|
Feb 13 |
DH 57-59 |
|
Prepare DH 60-62, 70-72 |
|
Feb 15 |
DH 60-62, 70-72 |
|
Prepare DH 73-80, write AH pp.15-16 |
|
Feb 18 |
DH 73-78 |
AH 15-16 |
Prepare DH 79-81, 66-69. Memorize
Vocabulary |
|
Feb 20 |
DH 79-81, 66-69 Vocabulary Quiz |
|
Prepare DH 82-84 |
|
Feb 22 |
DH 82-84 |
|
Prepare DH 62-66, write AH pp.17-22 |
|
Feb 25 |
DH 62-66 |
|
Prepare DH
84-87, write DH 85/6 Zum Schreiben, 1,2 |
|
Feb 27 |
DH 84-87, review
|
DH 85/6 |
Prepare for test 2, write AH pp. 127-130
(CD), and pp. 205-08 (video) |
|
Feb 29 |
Test Chapter 2
|
AH 17-22, 127-30, 205-08 |
Prepare DH 89-92 |
|
Mar 3-7 |
Spring Break
|
|
|
|
Mar 10 |
DH 89-92 |
|
Prepare DH 93-95, 105-09 |
|
Mar 12 |
DH 93-95, 105-109 |
|
Prepare DH 109-111, 100-02, write AH
pp.23-24 |
|
Mar 14 |
DH 109-111, 100-02
|
AH 23-24 |
Prepare DH 112-15. Memorize Vocabulary |
|
Mar 17 |
DH 112-115, Vocabulary Quiz
|
|
Prepare DH 116-120 |
|
Mar 19 |
DH 116-120
|
|
Prepare DH 97-100. Write DH 123/7 Zum Schreiben, 1 (a or b), 2 |
|
Mar 21 |
Spring |
|
|
|
Mar 24 |
DH 97-100 |
DH 123/7 |
Prepare DH 121-26, write AH pp.25-31 |
|
Mar 26 |
Review of Accusative
|
|
Write AH 131-33 (CD), 209-212 (video) |
|
Mar 28 |
DH 121-26, review
|
|
Prepare for Test 3. |
|
Mar 31 |
Test Chapter 3
|
AH 25-31, 131-33, 209-12 |
Prepare DH 128-33 |
|
Apr 2 |
DH 128-133
|
|
Prepare DH 140-45 |
|
Apr 4 |
DH 140-145 |
|
Prepare DH 145-48, |
|
Apr 7 |
DH 145-148
|
|
Prepare DH 149-56, Memorize Vocabulary |
|
Apr 9 |
DH 149-156, Vocabulary Quiz
|
|
Prepare DH 157-59, Write AH pp. 33-34 |
|
Apr 11 |
DH 157-59
|
AH 33-34 |
Prepare DH 134-39, write AH pp.35-41 |
|
Apr 14 |
DH 134-39 |
|
Write DH 161/8 Zum Schreiben,
1,2 |
|
Apr 16 |
DH 158-61, review |
DH 161/8 |
Prepare DH 158-61 Prepare for test 4.
Write AH pp.135-37 (CD), 213-216 (video) |
|
Apr 18 |
Test Chapter 4
|
AH 35-41, 135-37, 213-16 |
Work on Review Sheet |
|
Apr 21 |
Review
|
|
Finish Review Sheet |
|
Apr 23 |
Review
|
|
|
|
Apr 25 |
Oral Part of Final
|
|
|
Final Exam: FLG 101-001: Monday,
May 5 from
FLG
101-002: Wednesday, April 30 from 9:00-11:00
Viel Glück mit dem
Deutschstudium!
We wish you a lot of luck
with your German Studies!