German 203, Fall 2017

MWF 10- 10:50 CRT 219

Course Instructor: James Frankki ()

Office: CRT 882; phone (main): 229-6794

Office Hours: W 8:00-9:30

Welcome to German 203! We are happy you have decided to continue learning German as a foreign language and hope you enjoy this course. This course continues where German 102 left off. If you earned an A or B in German 102, you have a good to excellent foundation for German 203. If you earned a lower grade, make sure to review old material and address problems you may be having early on! In this course, we will not only build on what we learned in German 101 and 102, but expand the scope of what we learned and how we use it, both in class and in homework assignments.

If you did not take German 102 at UWM and did not take the Placement Test, please talk to your instructor as soon as possible to make sure that German 203 is the right course for you. To be eligible for RETRO-CREDITS, you must earn a final grade of B or higher in German 203. Absences can affect your grade very much, so take this into consideration if you are trying to earn retro-credits and miss class!

  • COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After successful completion of German 203, you will be able to…

… understand sentences and frequently used idiomatic expressions pertaining to familiar content, including personal information and interests, shopping, work, student life, etc.

… articulate content on familiar situations and be able to respond adequately to most situations that could be encountered while traveling or studying in a German-speaking country

… express, in speaking and in writing, personal needs, assumptions, hopes, and goals

… describe experiences and events, give opinions, provide explanations and justifications

… apply learned grammar, language structures, and cultural context to different types of content

  • LEARNING GOALS:

German 203 aims to help you accomplish the following goals:

Goal 1

To round out (following German 101 and German 102) basic points of German grammar so that you can carry out basic communicative tasks, such as asking questions, making requests, explaining locations and reasons, and inquire about the background, needs, and likes of others as well as stating your own.

The grammar will become more complex and you will encounter forms that have no ready counterpart in English. If you have trouble understanding English/German contrasts or grammatical terms, please consider buying the recommended book Grammar of English for Students of German. Many students have greatly benefited from this book.

Goal 2

To help you continue with the acquisition of an amount of vocabulary necessary to express yourself on everyday topics relevant to students and travelers in the German-speaking countries and to understand written and oral texts relating to these issues.

Knowledge of vocabulary taught in German 101 and German 102 (the first eight chapters of the textbook) is assumed. As was already the case towards the end of German 102, vocabulary themes in German 203 will relate to less person-focused topics and instead include work, studies, holidays, politics, history, and the culture of the German-speaking countries generally. As in previous courses, you will be expected to learn a large amount of vocabulary. The vocabulary will become increasingly abstract and complicated and it is recommended you develop your strategies for learning new vocabulary, such as grouping words with a similar function or meaning, mnemonic devices, or using images.

Goal 3

To continue your introduction to cultural issues most immediately relevant to students of German and travelers to German-speaking countries.

In general, the basic assumption is that culture and language cannot be separated. As in German 101 and German 102, “culture” will come to you in direct and unadulterated form, through texts written by (German) native speakers for native speakers, and video and audio recordings of German speakers interacting with each other. You may find this difficult at first but it will appear less so if you approach these texts with the appropriate expectations, e.g., to understand the gist and not the details.

As in previous semesters, there will be cultural notes in English to provide background information (BrennpunktKultur), accompanied by activities that are intended to encourage cross-cultural reflection (Kulturkreuzung). You will also learn about the geography and history of the German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Special sections of the textbook are dedicated to the use of German in the professions (Deutsch imBeruf) and in literary traditions (Literarisches Deutsch).

Goal 4

To integrate all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) from the beginning in a cultural context.

Most students take foreign-language classes because they want to speak the language. However, speaking entails listening. And communication also happens through written media - writing and reading. Really, to function in a German-speaking environment - even “just” as an “educated tourist” you need all four skills.

Oral communication as well as written, video and audio texts are part of the curriculum from the beginning. Be aware of the gap between what you can understand and what you can produce in writing and in speaking and set your expectations accordingly. Your teacher will, too.

Production and comprehension will be tested through chapter tests and quizzes, but also in oral projects, presentations, writing, and reading assignments.

Goal 5

To provide opportunities for interaction in and continuous practice and review of German.

These goals are best accomplished through conscientious completion of homework assignments and committed participation in the course itself, especially during in-class group and partner activities.

Goal 6

To continue in your personal development as a skilled and strategic language learner and language user.
Progress toward this goal will not be measured in discrete assignments. However, it will no doubt correlate with your success in all forms of assessment outlined above. Good language learners know how to manage their own learning and take concrete steps toward putting this knowledge into practice. They develop proper strategies of learning vocabulary, reading texts, watching or listening to recordings; of deciphering implicit cultural knowledge; of using their existing knowledge to develop and if necessary revise hypotheses about new information; understanding grammatical concepts and their associated terminology; and properly using ancillary materials such as dictionaries. Your instructor will provide you with explicit instructions on some occasions. Other strategies are modeled and explained in the textbook. As always, if you’re having difficulties, make sure to approach your instructor, who can make more detailed and personalized suggestions.

  • REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Textbook:Vorsprung (3e edition, enhanced).Lovik, Guy and Chavez. Houghton Mifflin

If you took German 101 and or 102 at UWM you should have the textbook enhanced edition and access to all the learning resources via iLrn.

If you are a placement student, please contact your instructor first and then you can do the following to get iLrn access:
1) Purchase a textbook (used or new or rent). If you are comfortable with e-books, you can just forgo the hard copy of the textbook and stick to the e-book for one semester.
2) Purchase a six month access to ILRN only: students can purchase directly from iLrn and use this ISBN: 9781285831831
If you are not sure whether Ger203 is the right class for you, you can first start a free iLrn trial and complete your purchase later.

iLrn contact information:
Phone: (877)-282-4400, option #2
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PST
E-mail:
Online:

Other materials you will need

  • A binder to organize your notes, assignments, handouts, and tests: we ask that you keep a portfolio of everything you do for German class, including worksheets, handouts, quizzes, and the writing exercises. Organize your binder in whatever way is logical or efficient for you. You will be receiving a lot of handouts for this class and it is important to be able to refer back to them.
  • A German-English dictionary or an online dictionary: or
  • It is also recommended that you keep a vocabulary exercise book or use index cards to start your own Wortschatz.
  • ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

Homework (25%)

It is essential that you come to class prepared and with your homework completed, so that class time can be devoted to practice. The homework category includes all assigned homework (whether turned in or not), the readings in your book, and familiarity with the vocabulary that you are expected to learn and be able to work with in class. Homework can be intended for preview (e.g., for you to study up on an issue to be practiced or used interactively in class) or for review (i.e., to put into practice or expand something taught and learned in class).

Completion of assignments on time is expected. Late homework and sloppily-completed homework may not be accepted by your instructor. You are highly encouraged to stay in touch with your instructor discuss any problems you encounter. In extenuating circumstances and if you have discussed an alternative with your instructor, late homework may still be considered but a late penalty may be applied.

The majority of written homework consists of iLrn assignments and worksheets. Worksheets will be worth a specified number of homework points. There may also be homework quizzes.

You are also encouraged to attend at least one German event outside of class. Options may include Kaffeepause, Grammatiksprechstunde, Filmabend, or Stammtisch (organized by the UWM German Club). Attending one event equals three written homework assignments (i.e. you can use it to make up three missed iLrn assignments). You may attend as many events as you like, however you can earn a maximum of six homework credits in this manner (i.e., by attending two extra events). In order to receive credit, sign the sign-in sheet at the event. If you forget to do so, you can write your instructor an email (within one week of attending the event) to explain which event you attended and describe it briefly.

Course Participation (10%)

The participation grade is based on your willingness to volunteer in class and answer questions when called on, to use German even if it means to stretch yourself, and to show respect to your classmates and instructor. Having a good attitude in class will make the course more enjoyable for everyone.

Preparedness, on-the-topic contributions during pair- and group work, lending assistance to peers, and ongoing commitment to the course goals, etc. are all features of a “good course participant.” Course participation also includes coming to class on time! If you have any questions regarding the participation grade criteria, talk to your instructor.

Please be aware that the full grading scale (A-F) is used in evaluating course participation

Writing Assignments (15%)

Over the course of the semester, you will complete several shorter and two longer graded writing assignments. Detailed instructions will be provided with each assignment. The longer assignments must be typed and double-spaced. Shorter assignments will vary in format, some may be started in class and finished as homework. No assistance beyond reference materials (i.e., no tutoring) is permitted unless discussed ahead of time with your instructor. Any essays that show evidence of plagiarism or the use of translation engines will receive an automatic F and may incur further academic consequences. Writing assignments must be submitted to the D2L Dropbox by the deadline.

Late assignments may be accepted if you have contacted your instructor in a timely manner. Up to 4% may be deducted per any 24 hour period (or portion thereof) that an assignment is late. I strongly encourage you to communicate with me about any problems you are having. I usually work with my students on helping them catch up and get on track again, if there are serious reasons beyond their control for having missed assignments. Being overworked, forgetting, etc. are NOT reasons that would qualify.

Tests (30%) => 3 Chapter Tests (24%) 1 Reading Exam (6%)

Each chapter will be concluded with a 50 minute in-class combined grammar and vocabulary test of the material covered in that chapter. In addition, there will be one Reading Exam (Leseprüfung) in the second half of the semester.

→ If you fail to show up for any test without having obtained permission from your instructor prior to the test, you may earn a zero for that test or quiz and not be allowed to make it up. Contact your instructor before you miss class!

Oral Projects (10%)

To test your oral proficiency, two oral projects will be assigned over the course of the semester. The first Oral Project will consist of a series of recordings and a written reflection in English. The second Oral Project will consist of an in-person meeting with the instructor in the second half of the semester. Detailed instructions will be provided with the assignment.

Final Presentation (10%)

As a final assessment, each student is required to give a final presentation. The date and time of the Final Presentation is the time scheduled for the Final (see class schedule). On the day of the final presentation, the entire class meets, and each student or group will present in front of the entire class. As part of the assessment, students will also be required to ask questions of each other and engage in a class discussion about their presentations.

Detailed instructions will be provided in the second half of the semester. At that time, students will also be asked to choose a topic from a number of options. Depending on the topic, presentations can be given either individually or with one or two partners.

Assessment of the final presentation is based on the presentation itself, the supporting materials, the written script of the presentation that is to be submitted to the D2L Dropbox, as well as the student’s contribution to the class discussion.

Final presentations are used to assess a students’ oral proficiency, as well as their ability to understand, synthesize, and present information in German (orally and in writing) as well as their ability to ask and respond spontaneously to questions.

Evaluation Summary / Grading Scale
Homework 25
Participation 10
Writing Assignments 15
Oral Projects 10
Tests 30
Final Presentation 10
Total 100 / A+ 100-97* C+ 79-77
A 96-93 C 76-73
A- 92-90 C- 72-70
B+ 89-87 D+ 69-67
B 86-83 D 66-63
B- 82-80 D- 62-60
F 59 and below
(* No A+ for final grades); Missed exam or quiz = 0

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is required. Three absences are allowed for the classes that meet three times a week (note: quiz/test attendance policy always applies). Religious days of obligation will be excused if the instructor is notified in advance.

Absences affect your FINAL GRADE. For any absence beyond the three allowed absences, your final grade may be lowered by one percentage point per absence.

USE YOUR ABSENCES WISELY! Please “save” them for circumstances that are beyond your control, such as illness. We try to be as flexible as possible for students who stay in contact with their instructor. Always contact your instructor as soon as possible if you have a legitimate reason for missing class. Exams or other assignments missed by you due to an absence can only be made up at your instructor’s discretion.

If you realize that you will have to miss several more classes than you are allowed, perhaps due to extenuating circumstances such as a chronic illness or because of other ongoing obligations, you should consider dropping this class. Being in class, using German, and participating in real-life communication are essential course requirements and can neither be made up through alternative methods (i.e., extra credit) nor can these activities be foregone without jeopardizing the outcome of the class. Passing exams and quizzes is not a sufficient indication of progress in a language course. Much goes on in class that cannot and never will be “tested.”

Please also know that not coming to class does not excuse you from (1) turning in assignments due on the day of the absence; or (2) knowing about assignments given or test/quiz dates set on the day of your absence. If at all possible, write to your teacher in advance of your absence but be sure to follow up immediately, either with your teacher or classmates. Please know that any gaps in communication are yours and not the instructor’s to resolve.

Exams or other assignments missed by you due to an absence can only be made up at your instructor’s discretion. Missing an exam or assignment due to absence from class may result in a point/grade reduction or a zero score.

Tardiness

Please be aware thattardiness is not only disrespectful but also disruptive to the class. If you habitually arrive up to 10 minutes after class has begun, it will have a serious effect on your participation grade. Arriving 10-15 minutes after class has begun three times will be considered one absence. Any tardiness of 15 or more is considered an absence. In exceptional cases, and if you have a legitimate reason for being late, you should talk to your instructor, and your tardiness may be excused.

Other Policies

If you need special accommodations in order to meet any of the requirements of this course, please contact the instructor as soon as possible. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the requirements of this course, including what is expected of you in class, i.e., participation, homework, tests, or anything else, discuss this with your instructor as soon as possible. You are responsible for reading this syllabus thoroughly and understanding the requirements and assessment measures for this course.

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literature intends to comply with the UWM policy on Academic Misconduct and the Students with Disabilities Act. Copying or cheating may result in a failing or lowered grade, either for the entire course or a specific assignment. Please see your instructor with any questions. Students have certain rights to file appeals or grievances. Documents that outline these rights and describe the grievance procedure in the College of Letters and Science are on file in the Department of Foreign Languages & Literature in Curtin 829. See the Secretary of the University Web site that contains all University policies. (