Dr. Rasma Lazda Summer Session 1 / 2022 GN 101 Elementary German I SYLLABUS Last update:05/30/2022

Class Hours:	M-F 9:00 am - 11:20 pm, via Zoom
Email:	rlazda@ua.edu
Office Hours:	Before and after class, AND by appointment

Willkommen in Deutsch 101!

Course Description

German 101 is an introductory course for students with no previous experience studying German. The course introduces students to the language and culture of the modern German-speaking world. Every effort is made to present opportunities to use the language: for self-expression in everyday situations, for basic survival needs in German-speaking language communities, and for personal enjoyment. To this aim, each lesson centers on linguistic, communicative, and cultural goals, reflecting language competency at the beginner (A1) level.

At the center of the course is the overarching theme of friendship and relationships with others, a theme explored across each of the four chapters through such topics as: school and university life, sports and recreational activities, family and friends, and food culture. Throughout the semester, students will develop deeper understanding of these topics through the genre of conversation. Class instruction and assignments will provide students with opportunities to practice and receive feedback on basic conversational skills in German.

 

All of UA’s German language courses follow principles of the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages (known as “the 5 Cs”):

1.     Communication: Communicating in a language other than English (i.e., interpreting, engaging interpersonally with others, and presenting)

2.     Cultures: Gaining knowledge and understanding of other cultures

3.     Connections: Connecting language study with other disciplines and acquiring information

4.     Comparisons: Developing insight into the nature of language and culture itself through comparison between one’s own language and culture and those of German speakers

5.     Communities: Participating in multilingual communities at home and around the world

Prerequisites: None

Credit Hours: 4

Core Requirements: Successful completion of GN 101 and 102 or 103 fulfills either the FL (Foreign Language) or Humanities requirement of the core curriculum.

FL (Foreign Language) Designation: The course emphasizes basic communication skills and knowledge of the culture where the specific language is spoken.

HU (Humanities) Designation: The course addresses questions of values, ethics, or aesthetics in humanistic fields of learning, including but not limited to literature, philosophy, religious studies, speech, foreign languages, art, music and dance. The course is broad in scope and takes a global, analytical perspective on the subject matter. The course emphasizes history and appreciation of the humanities, rather than performance.

Required Course Materials

Christine Anton & Tobias Barske (2021). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. 3^rd Edition. Vista Higher Learning. Supersite Plus with WebSAM.

 

You have two options for the book:

1.     Bundle (loose-leaf textbook + Supersite Plus with WebSAM): ISBN 978-1-54333-198-1

2.     Supersite Plus with WebSAM (electronic copy of textbook (vText) is available within Supersite): ISBN 978-1-54333-197-4

                                                            

You can purchase the bundle through the Supe Store (https://www.universitysupplystore.com),
or
directly through the textbook publisher, Vista Higher Learning (https://vistahigherlearning.com/school/uatusca). Have a printed version of Sag Mal for class each day. GN 101 covers chapter 1 through 4 in the textbook and electronic activities. Supplementary material may be provided by the instructor. Students can choose from a single-semester (6-month), two-semester (12-month), and two-year (24-month) code options by purchasing directly from VHL at:  https://vistahigherlearning.com/school/uatusca/

Course Objectives

Learning a foreign language, and about the culture(s) associated with the language, can dramatically open up awareness of the world. It gives the student access to different perspectives and traditions that they would otherwise not have. It opens up a mode of meaningful communication with others from across the globe. It allows students to better understand their own culture and language in contrast with that being learned. It helps us to have a better understanding and respect for the phenomenon of language, a faculty that sets us apart from all other species, and thus teaches us something about what it is to be human.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of GN 101, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate a basic understanding of German-speaking cultures and people;
2. communicate well with speakers of German and classmates on topics covered in class;
3. understand basic passages and conversations in German related to chapter topics and vocabulary covered in class;
4. read and understand basic passages in German related to chapter topics and vocabulary;
5. write basic passages in German on the chapter topics and vocabulary covered in class.

Exams and Assignments

HAUSAUFGABEN (Homework): Homework is assigned for each class meeting and will not be accepted late. Homework assignments are posted on Blackboard, but changes might become necessary in the course of the semester. Expect to spend about 2 hours on homework outside of class for every one hour you are in class on homework including exercises, independent learning is crucial for an intensive summer course. Since this is an intensive course, and we cover in less than five weeks what is usually covered in 15 weeks, there will be homework assignments on the weekends. For many assignments you will have multiple attempts. 
Aufsätze (Written Assignments): Written assignments will be part of your homework. The use of translation programs and outside help for such assignments is self defeating, you will not learn and improve your German, and it constitutes academic misconduct, please see the section on Academic Misconduct for details to ensure you are abiding by the UA Academic Honor Code.
In short, the use of online translation programs is not allowed, you may look up an individual word, but translating phrases, sentences, and paragraphs with the help of an online translator or a person constitutes plagiarism.

The use of dictionaries (book format or online, such as www.leo.org is fine and encouraged to look up words or idiomatic expressions, but not the use of Google translate (or similar tools). You may also use German spelling check (in Word etc.).

QUIZZES (Assessments): Students will write two quizzes per chapter = 8 quizzes.
Quizzes cover materials from class or homework. There are NO make-up quizzes unless on rare occasions, and I will ask you for valid documentation. Please contact me in case of an excused emergency situation. Additional quizzes may be given at the instructor’s discretion.

Do well on the quizzes and in class, and do NOT take the final:
Students achieving an overall course grade of A (or higher) at the last day of class, will receive an automatic A (or higher) as overall course grade and are exempt from the final.

FINAL: There will be a comprehensive final covering all materials covered. Students achieving an overall course grade of A or higher at the last day of class are exempt from the final.

Communication

For every single course day I will be sending you a Zoom invite for the day. I will occasionally make announcements such as possible changes to the syllabus, homework, exams, events, etc. Outside of class, e-mail will be our main communication tool and it is important that you read all e-mails I send and reply if necessary. Any email communication must be sent from your official UA email address. 

E-mail etiquette:  E-mails are not text messages, tweets, or Facebook status updates. They require an appropriate greeting and closing. If you are unsure about how to write an e-mail, refer to the example provided to you by your instructor.

Class Routine

We will speak German in class. At times, you will not understand every word. Do not be distressed by this. It is normal. Simply keep listening for words that you recognize. Most of the time, these words will provide you with the cues you need to understand what is going on. Gradually you will understand more and more when you make the effort to listen carefully. A good language learner is a willing guesser who accepts the uncertainty of not knowing every single word.

 

Activities in the classroom will be focused mostly on developing active communication skills. Students are therefore encouraged to prepare oral assignments carefully in order to be able to participate freely in discussions. In addition, it is a good idea to try out newly learned phrases on classmates or other German-speaking acquaintances. You should bear in mind that even the most conscientious learning of all grammar concepts and vocabulary, which is also important, will not suffice; meaningful practice (i.e., real communicative situations) is of major importance. Consequently, working regularly with a partner is very helpful—and can be enjoyable.

 

Aside from the regular written material/books you have, you are responsible for the words and phrases that the instructor puts on the board. You should have a vocabulary notebook or flashcards (your instructor will provide more information) that you review on a regular basis. One of the greatest keys to acquiring a foreign language is to make it a habit. Make your language review a somewhat brief, but frequent habit.

Grading

Preparation / Participation (daily points)	10%
Homework / VHL	30%
8 Quizzes (2 per chapter)	40%
Final	20%

UA Grading Scale:

100-97 A+	96-93 A	92-90 A-	89-87 B+	86-83 B	82-80 B-
79-77 C+	76-73 C	72-70 C-	69-67 D+	66-63 D	62-60 D-
59  F

NOTE:
Students must pass GN 101 with a grade of “C” or better in order to enroll in GN 102. 

Policy on Missed Exams and Coursework

THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS for missed quizzes and other assignments, unless when absence is unavoidable due to serious illness or family emergency, I will require proof of your reason of absence before we discuss any possibility of make-up work. Students are responsible for obtaining information about work missed during absences. It is highly recommended that students exchange phone numbers / email addresses in class for this purpose.

Attendance / Participation

Daily attendance and active participation is essential in a language class and therefore reflected in the course grade.
Because you cannot participate if you do not attend class, you also cannot gain any participation credit for a missed class session.
In short, attend class - you will learn more easily, and you will have more fun.

If you miss more than 20 % of class time, you receive an automatic F, regardless of the quality of your work.

Statement on Academic Misconduct

Academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and misrepresentation, is not allowed. Students committing such misconduct are reported to the Dean’s office. Consult your Academic Honor Code for details.

 

Avoiding Academic Misconduct in a German Classroom: All written work must be original and written by you, the student, without assistance. German tutoring services are available for free Monday through Thursday (starting the second full week of classes and ending the last day of classes in Russell Hall, Room 227) and will be announced by your instructor and also posted on the German program webpage. Tutors can help you with grammar explanations and address your specific questions. However, a tutor will not simply revise or correct your wrk, as that would be considered cheating.

 

The use of online translation programs is not allowed. Unlike dictionaries and grammar references, such programs simply provide ONE translation, rather than allowing you to choose among various words/tenses, etc. to come up with the best word or phrase on your own. Moreover, translation programs very often produce inaccurate, incorrect translations, and are easy to identify. Students will learn far more by doing their own work and will avoid risking serious academic consequences.

 

Please be particularly aware of the following section of the UA Academic Honor Code:

(1)  Cheating: using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, study aids, or computer-related information

(2)  Plagiarism: representing the words, data, pictures, figures, works, ideas, computer program or output, or anything not generated in an authorized fashion, as one’s own

(3)  Fabrication: presenting as genuine any invented or falsified citation, data, or material

(4)  Misrepresentation: falsifying, altering, or misstating the contents of documents or other materials related to academic matters, including schedules, prerequisites, and transcripts.

Statement On Disability Accommodations

Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact and register with the Office of Disability Services (205) 348-4285 (Voice) or (205) 348-3081 (TTY). Documentation can be emailed to ods@ua.edu, faxed to (205) 348-0804, or mailed to: Office of Disability Services, University of Alabama, 1000 Houser Hall; Box 870185, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0185. Once the appropriate paperwork is obtained, please see your instructor as soon as possible to arrange accommodations.

Severe Weather Protocol

For the latest Severe Weather Guidelines, see: https://ready.ua.edu/severe-weather-guidelines/. In the event of an emergency, go to the UA Emergency Site: https://ready.ua.edu/. In the event of an emergency, the instructor will provide information on the course electronically.

Pregnant Student Accommodations

Title IX protects against discrimination related to pregnancy or parental status. If you are pregnant and will need accommodations for this class, please review the University’s FAQs on the UAct website.

Religious Observances

Under the Guidelines for Religious Holiday Observances, students should notify the instructor in writing or via email during the first two weeks of the semester of their intention to be absent from class for religious observance. The instructor will work to provide reasonable opportunity to complete academic responsibilities as long as that does not interfere with the academic integrity of the course. See full guidelines at Religious Holiday Observances Guidelines.

UAct Statement

The University of Alabama is committed to an ethical, inclusive community defined by respect and civility. The UAct website (https://www.ua.edu/campuslife/uact/) provides extensive information on how to report or obtain assistance with a variety of issues, including issues related to dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, sexual violence or other Title IX violations, illegal discrimination, harassment, child abuse or neglect, hazing, threat assessment, retaliation, and ethical violations or fraud.

Statement on COVID-19

All University faculty, staff, and students are expected to maintain a commitment to the health and safety of our campus community. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, specific health and safety standards are in place to minimize exposure and community spread on campus. In the interest of your health and safety and that of all UA students, faculty and staff, the University reserves the right to change the mode of instruction or schedule of instruction at any time, based upon prevailing public health and other guidance. While the method of delivery may change, educational instruction and opportunities will continue. As such, the University will not provide a refund of tuition, in whole or in-part, based on any such changes. Detailed information on changes in format or schedule can be found at studentaccounts.ua.edu and financialaid.ua.edu.

 

UA students, faculty and staff are required to comply with UA System Comprehensive Health and Safety Task Force guidance regarding social distancing, face coverings and other measures. 

 

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and our herd. COVID-19 vaccines are being administered by the University Medical Center, the Student Health Center and various businesses and healthcare providers. Students who report proof of their vaccination status will receive Bama Cash as a thank you gift for doing their part.

Wellness Resources

If you or someone you know is facing a challenging time or dealing with academic or personal stress, anxiety, depression, or other concerns, we strongly encourage and support you to seek assistance or to help friends find the care that they may need. If you are experiencing a personal crisis and need urgent assistance, you can also contact the following resources:

Counseling Center

·       Monday-Friday during routine Center hours (205-348-3863).

·       Weekends, holidays, after-hours (contact UAPD at 205-348-5454 and ask to speak with the on-call counselor).

·       You may also text BAMA to 741-741 to text with a trained volunteer.

 

Women and Gender Resource Center

·       Monday-Friday during routine Center hours (205-348-5040).

·       Weekends, holidays, after-hours (contact UAPD at 205-348-5454 and ask to speak to the on-call advocate for the WGRC).

KURSPLAN

1 Kapitel = 5 Tage (1 chapter = 5 days)

ASSIGNMENTS listed on the syllabus are to be prepared for the day they are listed.
PLEASE NOTE that is your responsibility to study and review the vocabulary for every chapter.

Woche/Datum	Kapitel	Thema / Grammatik
Woche 1/2 31. Mai - 6. Juni 2. Juni 6. Juni	Kapitel 1: Hallo! Wie geht's?          Quiz 1 (1.1) Quiz 2 (1.2)	Funktionen: Greeting people and saying good-bye, making introductions, using polite expressions, talking about classes and schedules Strukturen: German alphabet, gender, articles, nouns, plurals, subject pronouns, the verb sein, the nominative case, the vowels a, e, i, o, u, the verb haben and the accusative case, word order, numbers
Woche 2/3 7. - 13. Juni 9. Juni 13. Juni	Kapitel 2: Schule und Studium Quiz 1 (2.1) Quiz 2 (2.2)	Funktionen: Talking about classes and course schedules, telling time and talking about when activities and events happen, talking about sports and leisure activities, talking about what will happen, negating statements and asking negative questions, coordinating conjunctions Strukturen: Consonant sounds, diphthongs: au, ei/ai, eu/äu, regular verbs, interrogative words, talking about time and dates, stem-vowel changing verbs, present tense as future, negation
Woche 3/4 14. - 21. Juni 16. Juni 21. Juni	Kapitel 3: Familie und Freunde Quiz 1 (3.1) Quiz 2 (3.2)	Funktionen: Talking about families and marital status, describing people, expressing ownership, describing people, expressing an attitude about an action, giving instructions, subordinating conjunctions Strukturen: Final consonants, consonant clusters, possessive adjectives, descriptive adjectives and adjective agreement, modals, prepositions with the accusative, the imperative
Woche 4/5 22. - 28. Juni 24. Juni 28. Juni	Kapitel 4: Essen Quiz 1 (4.1) Quiz 2 (4.2)	Funktionen: Talking about food, meals and grocery shopping, describing flavors Strukturen: The German s, z, and c, the German s in combination with other letters, adverbs, the modal verb mögen, separable and inseparable prefix verbs, the dative case, prepositions with the dative
29. Juni		Last Day of Classes

LINKS:
LEO online Dictionary
German Grammar, explained in English, with exercises
German from the UK, mostly vocabulary
Sesamstraße auf Deutsch
Die Sendung mit der Maus long standing German TV program for children
ARD Mediathek German TV Station (1. Programm)
ZDF Mediathek German TV Station (2. Programm)

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