German 320

COMPOSITION & CONVERSATION on

CONTEMPORARY AFFAIRS

Fall 2017

Dr. Britta Bothe

M 10:00- 11:50 PM, Tu 5-6:50PM, WPH 204

Office Hour: Mo, T, We 1:00 – 1:50PM

Office: THH 316

E-mail:

Phone: (213) 740-2735

TEXTS:

  • Reader
  • Donahue, Frank: Deutsche Wiederholungsgrammatik, Yale University Press, 2009.
  • Desk size dictionary

WELCOME TO GERMAN 320!

Learning Objectives for The USC German Studies Program:

The student learning objectives of the German Studies Program at USC closely align with the Foreign Language Standards developed by the American Council of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The 5 language learning goals (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities) as outlined by ACTFL are at the core of the program’s teaching philosophy. At each level of language acquisition and cultural proficiency training all 5 language-learning goals are integrated into the German Studies Program. Mastery of the language (the traditional four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking) is informed by cultural knowledge and vice versa.

For more detailed information about the ACTFL Foreign Language Standards or 5Cs, please visit the following website:

The learning objectives for students taking lower division language classes (up to and including German 221) to fulfill the Dornsife College language requirements are:

  • oral proficiency in German on the intermediate level ), participating in conversations on personal interest and familiar topics. Can handle short social interactions in everyday situations. Presentational language abilities on familiar and some researched topics.
  • writing proficiency in German on the intermediate level on a variety of topics related to personal interest and everyday life. Presentational language abilities on familiar and some researched topics.
  • close reading skills of authentic texts (including written and other forms of texts) in German.
  • the ability to develop effective and some nuanced lines of interpretation of these texts
  • to gain insight into the significance of cultural products and historical events in German speaking countries, evaluating these in a global context considering their impact on a variety of disciplines and world events.
  • to be able to exhibit awareness of cultural and historical differences between the culture of German-speaking countries and the student’s native culture.

The learning objectives for the German Studies minor above and beyond the already mentioned expected learning outcomes are (provided that students who declared a minor do study abroad for at least one semester [which the majority of students does] and that German Studies minors take most of their electives taught in German within the German Studies Program):

  • achieve language proficiency skills on the advanced (low) level (), which will allow students to communicate actively, appropriately and effectively in a variety of settings (most informal and some formal). They can express their opinion about topics relating to everyday life and some more complex issues. Students can write on general interest and some academic and professional topics.
  • gain familiarity with a variety of representative cultural products and narratives of German-speaking countries including texts and objects relating to fine arts, literature, film, music, pop-culture, philosophy, history, politics and the economy.
  • develop analytical and critical thinking skills demonstrated in the ability to interpret and critically analyze an array of texts and artifacts while paying attention to the socio-historical context in which they were produced.
  • attain some transcultural competency: an awareness of cross-cultural differences between societies and their economic and political structure, an understanding of how these differences inform cultural/personal identity. Students gain the ability to view themselves and the world from multiple perspectives.
  • develop the ability to formulate basic research questions, to locate and use library and Internet resources appropriately.

Course Description:

The latest news and developments in German speaking countries will be the focus of this course. We will discuss newspaper articles, video clips, films and web sites on politics and culture to ensure that you will be introduced to “hot button issues” that are debated in the contemporary German-speaking world. These controversial topics will allow you to immerse yourself into current German culture and give you the opportunity to compare and contrast American perspectives with those of the German speaking countries.

We will cover a wide range of material (print media, music, literature, film, news clips etc.). The main course goal is to hone your speaking and writing skills while discussing contemporary affairs. You will increase your active vocabulary (including a more formal language register) and review the more advanced grammar structures to integrate them into your everyday language repertoire.

Course Objectives and Assessment:

The educational objectives and testing methods used in this course are categorized below.

Objective:

  • encourage students to engage with a variety of different texts in German (including news articles, video clips, German literature & film), and develop students independent research skills employing a range of academic resources
  • enhance student’s capacity to analytically read, dissect, manage and synthesize information in the target language from a wide range of material and to make connections and comparisons to their own perspective/culture
  • hone students’ ability to interpret and critically discuss (in writing & orally) these different texts in German.
  • enhance the ability of students to write a variety of different texts including interpretive analysis of a text/film, expressing more complex arguments in German.
  • enable students to give well informed presentations and enhance their capacity for partner and group work
  • at the end of the semester, students will demonstrate a solid understanding of the contemporary issues in German speaking countries that were discussed during the course of the semester and feel comfortable to discuss these issues at an intermediate high to advanced language level.

Form of Assessment:Discussions, exams, short quizzes, oral, presentation, 3-minute presentations, essays, blog, other homework assignments and portfolio.

1) ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION. Please take attendance and participation seriously. Not only does your oral performance in the class account for more than a quarter of the final grade, you will of course also profit a lot more from the course: the more students are in class on a regular basis the livelier the discussion and the more interesting the course will be. If you cannot attend, please notify me,or Susan Kechekian (213) 740-2735 of your absence before class. If you have to miss a class period due to illness, you are expected to cover the assignment for the missed class and come fully prepared to the next session. Students are responsible for making up missed readings and assignments. More than two unexcused absences will affect final grades. For each additional absence your participation grade will drop by half a grade. Excused absences include illness (with documentation), religious holidays, and approved USC events. Absence from more than 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions, whether excused or unexcused, is excessive and the instructor may choose to exact a grade penalty for such absences. It is of particular importance that a student who anticipates absences in excess of 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions receives prior approval from the instructor.

Class attendance is absolutely necessary in order for language improvement to take place!

2) Exams. We will have a mid-term, a final and an oral in this class. The written midterm and final examinations will test your reading comprehension, writing and grammar skills. The midterm will be a test in class; you will be given a German text on a subject that relates to the discussion topics we covered in class and questions. A second section will include some ID questions that will prompt you to explain a key phrase/name etc. In addition, there will be a section with some grammar exercises. The FINAL exam will be a Combination of in-class (Vocabulary and ID questions) and take home final, testing your familiarity with the material and vocabulary covered in class.

The final assignments are handed to you:Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Due date: December 4th, 2017, 12PM

Throughout the semester we will have some SHORT Quizzes covering vocabulary and grammar.

The ORAL will consist of an individual 15-20 minute recorded conversation with your instructor. The conversation will cover personal interests, topics discussed in class and/or a short role-play.

3) Throughout the semester, there will be various short ASSIGNMENTS that will require each student to do some research and to report his/her findings to the class. Other assignments will include:

A. A number of preparatory reading assignments (of short texts), which will be important for our discussions in class. (Please take notes and prepare questions!) Every student will sign up for a subscription of the daily Deutsche Welle newsletter (world news in German) .

B. Essays: Topics will normally be assigned on Thursdays and are due the following Tuesday. The minimum length of each composition is one typed double-spaced page. A second draft is mandatory. No exceptions are made and no late work will be accepted.

C. Presentation: Each student will lead the discussion for one class session. You will introduce your classmates to a topic relating to the news or current public discourse in one of the German speaking countries /or German-American relations. After your short presentation you will lead the discussion of the topic for the day. Every student has to talk about his/her ideas to the instructor before starting work on the project. You will have to choose your topic by week four of the semester – your presentations will take place in April. Part of the presentation will be material you hand out to your fellow students (one class meeting in advance of your presentation) to give them a chance to acquaint themselves with the issue and a vocabulary primer for the discussion - a copy of all the material has to be handed in to the instructor at least a week before the presentation. A written summary of approximately two pages in length must be submitted as part of your portfolio. The summary will cover content and a self-evaluation on what you wanted to achieve with your presentation and how it was received. (The self-evaluation part of the presentation summary can be written in English).

D. 3-Minute Presentations: These presentations are not formal presentations but rather short commentaries about an article/topic that will serve as an introduction to the class discussion that day or short “panel discussions” where the pros and cons of an issue are debated. Each student will be responsible for two of these mini-presentations. Please base your analysis on research to present the class with well-founded arguments.

E. Portfolio: Each student is responsible for an individual e-portfolio. This will consist of all the essays and homework assignments, vocabulary lists for topics we covered in class, the Presentation-essay, Presentation and Oral Audio files and a final statement about your learning experience.

F. Blog: Each student will contribute to the class blog. Every week you will write at least one entry on current news, texts, pod casts or videos we cover in class or texts that you explore independently from the class. The blog will prepare you for the class discussions and will function as a reading journal and discussion forum for the class.

G. Vocabulary lists: Each student is responsible for compiling a vocabulary list using unfamiliar words covered in class (the format will be discussed in class) – you will hand in a list every other week.

H. Learning a language and learning about the CULTUREs of countries where the language is spoken are part and parcel of developing intercultural expertise. You will never be able to learn (about) one without the other. Thus, it is important for you as a language learner of German to expose yourself to German culture. You are required to attend 4 events during the semester that cover German culture. You receive 5 points each for a total of 20 points at the end of the semester. You could for instance attend the German film series, lectures on campus focusing on a topic related to German speaking countries, a Thornton Music School concert featuring German composers etc. You can also watch a film checked out a Leavey library.

If you are attending an (other than the German Studies Film Series where an attendance sign-up sheet is available), you will have to write a short paragraph in English that shows personal engagement with what was covered during the event (not a summary taken from the Internet, please).

For institutions around L.A. that offer events where you can experience German culture please check the program website: On the bottom of the page is a list with different organizations in L.A. Under “Useful Campus Links on the side of the page are also links to the School of Music events and the film school film series. You should also like our German Studies Facebook page for announcements of lectures etc.:

STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC CONDUCT AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Academic Conduct

Plagiarism – presenting someone else’s ideas as your own, either verbatim or recast in your own words – is a serious academic offense with serious consequences. Please familiarize yourself with the discussion of plagiarism in SCampus in Section 11, Behavior Violating University Standards . Other forms of academic dishonesty are equally unacceptable. See additional information in SCampus and university policies on scientific misconduct, .

Discrimination, sexual assault, and harassment are not tolerated by the university. You are encouraged to report any incidents to the Office of Equity and Diversity or to the Department of Public Safety . This is important for the safety whole USC community. Another member of the university community – such as a friend, classmate, advisor, or faculty member – can help initiate the report, or can initiate the report on behalf of another person. The Center for Women and Men provides 24/7 confidential support, and the sexual assault resource center webpage describes reporting options and other resources.

Support Systems

A number of USC’s schools provide support for students who need help with scholarly writing. Check with your advisor or program staff to find out more. Students whose primary language is not English should check with the American Language Institute , which sponsors courses and workshops specifically for international graduate students. The Office of Disability Services and Programs provides certification for students with disabilities and helps arrange the relevant accommodations. Please make sure to alert your instructor to the requested academic accommodations immediately and to deliver the DSP letter to him/her as soon as possible. DSP is located in STU 301 and is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. The phone number for DSP is: 213- 740 0776.

If an officially declared emergency makes travel to campus infeasible, USC Emergency Information will provide safety and other updates, including ways in which instruction will be continued by means of blackboard, teleconferencing, and other technology.

5) Grading Policy

Attendance /Participation 15%

Homework/Blog (100 pts.) Essays (100pts)20%

Midterm 10%

Oral 5%

Final 15%

Short vocab/grammar quizzes10%

3-minute presentations 5%

Presentation10%

Portfolio 5%

Culture 5%

6) Grading Scale

A94 – 100D+67 – 69

A-90 – 93 D63 – 66

B+87 – 89D-60 – 62

B84 – 86F59 and under

B-80 – 83

C+77 –79

C74 – 76

C-70 – 73

Tentative Course Outline

We will discuss current news events – Hence, I will not be able to provide a concrete weekly outline in advance. Some of the topics will include:

  • Elections
  • Refugee crisis - migration/integration
  • Freiheitsindex 2016
  • German Terrorism 1977
  • German/American Relations (G20/Paris Agreement, Free Trade)
  • Germany and the EU (25 years Maastricht treaty)
  • Renewable energies
  • Recent news from the Feuilleton page (Music, Art, Literature) – among others:

Degenerate Art Exhibit anniversary

Falco, Karl May, Richard Neutra, Emil Nolde

  • Martin Luther Year

Grammar Review:

  • Präteritum
  • Passiv
  • Konjunktionen
  • Adjektivendungen
  • Konjunktiv
  • Modalpartikel

Week / Topic(s)
1 / Introduction/getting to know course participants
Current news topic - discussion
Vocabulary: Quizlet
Reading: Article
2 / Current news topic - discussion
Reading: Article
Grammar:Präteritum
3 / Current news topic- discussion
Grammar: Präteritum
Reading:Article
NO CLASS September 4th Labor Day
4 / Vocabulary/Grammar Quiz
Current news topic - discussion
Reading: Article
Grammar: Präteritum/Passiv
Vocabulary:Quizlet
5 / Current news topic- discussion
Reading:Article
Grammar:Passiv
PRESENTATION TOPICS DUE
6 / Vocabulary Quiz
Current news topic - discussion
Reading: Article
Grammar: Passiv
Vocabulary:Quizlet
7 / Midterm
Current news topic- discussion
Reading: Article
Grammar: Subordinating Conjunctions
8 / Current news topic- discussion
Reading:Article
Grammar: Subordinating Conjunctions
9 / Current news topic - discussion
Reading: Article
Film
Discussion of Film/Analysis -- Background Information
Grammar: Adjektivendungen
10 / Current news topic - discussion
Reading:Article
Grammar: Adjektivendungen
Vocabulary: Quizlet
11 / Vocabulary/Grammar Quiz
Current news topic - discussion
Reading:Article
Vocabulary: Quizlet
Grammar: Adjektivendungen/Konjunktiv
Student Presentations
12 / Current news topic - discussion
Reading: Article
Grammar:Konjunkiv
Student Presentations
Orals
13 / Vocabulary/Grammar Quiz
Current news topic - discussion
Reading: Article
Grammar:Konjunktiv/Modalpartikel
Vocabulary: Quizlet
Student Presentations
14 / Current news topic - discussion
Reading: Article
Grammar:Modalpartikel
Student Presentations
THANKSGIVING BREAK
15 / Current news topic - discussion
Reading: Article
Review

Important Deadlines