• COURSE OBJECTIVES / ASSESSMENT
  This course is an introduction to Business German. It will introduce you to main aspects of the language related to topics concerning the German speaking business world, economics and related cultural customs. We will be working on improving your competence of the German language by focusing on business related topics and cultural aspects. At the same time we will review major grammatical concepts of the German language. During the course you will improve your German speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through a variety of assignments. While this course is geared towards double majors in Business and German, it is open to anyone interested to acquire the competence to function and work in a German speaking country. How do I address a person correctly? What is the proper telephone etiquette? How do I write a formal letter? How do I apply for a job? These are just some of the areas this course will address.
  You will be working on enhancing your business related vocabulary, and vocabulary tests will support you. You will prepare a variety of worksheets relating to different topics. You will practice your business German related writing skills by writing letters related to the business world, and you will prepare a German CV along with an application portfolio with a variety of materials. At the end of this course you should be able to apply for a job or internship in a German speaking country.
  
  
• PARTICIPATION-PREPARATION-ATTENDANCE
  Participation and preparation count as 20 % of your grade. When you come to class, have your assignments finished. This is crucial for this class as it meets only once per week. For this course you will have to work through the pages in the textbook, prepare worksheets and listen/watch to German news. In the beginning of the class session I will often check your reading comprehension with small mini-quizzes.
  You will have an initial 30 points in your participation/preparation account, two per session. For every session you come prepared you receive participation/ preparation credit for that session. For every session you miss I will deduct two points. You cannot earn preparation/participation credit if you have not prepared your homework or if you are absent.
  Regular attendance is essential for this course. THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS for missed quizzes and other assignments. On rare occasions when absence is unavoidable due to serious illness or family emergency, I may require proof of your reason of absence before we discuss the possibility of make-up work.
  
  
• ASSIGNMENTS
  You will have a variety of tasks to complete in this course. Assignments listed on the syllabus are to be prepared for the day they are listed. You will probably spend one to two hours work outside of class for each class session. This includes preparing reading and writing assignments, and using the computer/Internet.
  
  You will prepare Arbeitsblätter that cover reading assignments and grammatical items in addition to working through the chapters in the text book. You will be also required to write from time to time short essays on a given topic. Consider all written assignments a preparation for quizzes and exams.
  
  For all your written assignments you are required to use a computer. This will facilitate the editing of your text immensely. All assignments have to be double spaced and follow MLA Style (please follow this link to view a sample heading and a works cited page). Mark the total of your words at the end of your assignments. Please notice that I will not accept any excuses for the lateness of your written work because of any kind of computer related problems. Written assignments can be turned in personally, at my office or via e-mail. Make sure your assignments reach me in time. All assignments are due at the beginning of class.

• ORAL PRESENTATIONS
  You will give a Power Point presentation, about 20 minutes in length. For the Power Point Referat you will choose a product that you would like to introduce to the German speaking market. This requires cultural and market research. Please discuss your product with me, I have to approve your idea and provide you with further information regarding your project. I encourage you to work in small groups or pairs in order to prepare for your Referat.
  Need marketing vocabulary? Click here.
  If you have never done a Power Point presentation - keine Panik! Others have and will help you.
  
  
• WRITTEN EXAM / FINAL
  There will be a midterm exam and a final covering the assigned material and the class presentations.
  
  
• GRADING SYSTEM

  Participation/Preparation	20%
  Oral presentation (Power Point Referat)	10%
  Minitests, quizzes, Essays, Arbeitsblätter etc.	30%
  Midterm Exam	20%
  Final	20%

  
  
• HONOR CODE
  Please keep the Academic Honor Code as stated in the undergraduate catalogue in mind for all the work for this class.
  

• COMPUTER WORK
  For the second part of every class session from 3:15 - 4:00 p.m. the class will meet to do computer work. We will meet in the Language Resource Center in B.B.Comer (LRC in your list of daily assignments). We will perform web exercises, perform business related research (in German!) and work on grammar. You may also use the LRC to prepare your Power Point Referat. Please check the hours of operation.
  

• DISABILITY SERVICES
  It is university policy to provide, on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable accommodations to students who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact me in the beginning of the semester to discuss their individual needs for accommodations. It is standard university procedure that instructors require from students with learning disabilities a letter requesting accommodations in compliance with the Office of Disability Services (ODS). If you have a disability, I urge you to register with ODS. Instructors are not obligated to provide academic adjustments until they have received a RFA letter ("Request for Accommodations" letter). To request disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 348-4285. After initial arrangements are made with that office, contact your professor. This information refers to all courses at the university.
  
  
• OFFICE HOURS
  Office: 220 B.B. Comer W 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. and R 1:00 -2:00 p.m.and by appointment.
  Please feel free to see or call me during my office hours or e-mail me any time with your questions. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me.
  The German Program offers also a free tutorial service. Watch for flyers posted or ask me.
  
  
  SEMESTERPLAN check the syllabus often for updates and new links!!!

Wörterbuch

Übersetzungshilfe

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