GN 371

COURSE OBJECTIVES
The course strives to provide an overview of the culture of the German speaking countries from the beginnings through 1832. You will gain an understanding of main historical events while exploring the significance of cultural history for the present. We will investigate definitions of culture and the meaning of culture shock. We are all part of a culture as well as subcultures without being necessarily aware of that. Acquiring knowledge about other cultures raises the awareness of differences and contributes thus to a deeper understanding of own's own culture(s). Raising this level of awareness of own's own culture is thus one objective of this course.
At the same time you will review and strengthen your use of the German language in simulated real-life, discursive contexts. Assessment of your advancement in the knowledge of the languae and culture of the German speaking countries follows the guidelines of ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language) Standards for Foreign Language Learning. The course will accordingly focus on your ability to communicate successfully in writing and speaking. An oral presentation with a questioning and answering time will further help me and you to assess your progress in this course.
Excerpt from the Standards: Knowing how, when, and why to say what to whom. All the linguistic and social knowledge required for effective human-to-human interaction is encompassed in those ten words. Formerly, most teaching in foreign language classrooms concentrated on the how (grammar) to say what (vocabulary). While these components of language are indeed crucial, the current organizing principle for foreign language study is communication, which also highlights the why, the whom, and the when. So, while grammar and vocabulary are essential tools for communication, it is the acquisition of the ability to communicate in meaningful and appropriate ways with the users of other languages and cultures that is the ultimate goal of today's foreign language classroom.
Students will gain an understanding of the history and culture of the German speaking area up to 1832.
Students will learn about defininitions of culture.
Students will develop an awareness of their own cultural identity.
Students will raise their level of language competency in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

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

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