Dr. Lazda Business German GN 365/ GN 450 Spring 2014 last update: 4/27/14

Class: MWF 11 - 11:50 261 B.B.Comer Office hours: M 8:30 - 9:30, W 1:30 - 2:30, and by appointment. Office: 220 B.B. Comer Hall Phone: 348-6954 E-mail: rlazda@bama.ua.edu

Syllabus: http://www.lazda.net/gn_365.html Prerequisite: at least 4 semesters of German unless by special permission of the instructor. Required Texts: Franz-Joseph Wehage / Gudrun Clay: Geschäftsdeutsch. An Introduction to German Business Culture. Focus Publishing, 2012.

• COURSE DESCRIPTION
  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 some 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.
  This course is not just for Business majors, but 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.
  Specifically you will be working on enhancing your business related vocabulary. You will prepare a variety of worksheets relating to different topics. You will practice your business German related communication skills by writing letters related to the business world. You will also 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.
  Additionally you will undertake research on a specific topic related to the German speaking business world, and present your findings to the class (PowerPoint or web site presentation).
  
  
• COURSE TOPICS
  Business related letters such as orders, complaints, job application, resumé, emails, memos etc. in German.
  Business related vocabulary.
  Business practices typical in German-speaking countries.
  Other topics include the German Federal States, the EU, transportation, tourism, tax system, social network, industry, banking system, currency matters, environmental policies.
  
  
• LEARNING OUTCOMES
  

Upon successful completion of German 365/450, you should be able to:

-        Apply new business related vocabulary.

-        Understand business related communication and react to it appropriately.

-        Write business related letters, emails, memos etc. by employing the appropriate conventions.

-        Express your own ideas and opinions on business related topics in German.

-        Explain general business practices typical in German-speaking countries.

-        Present business related concepts relating to the German-speaking countries and the EU to others.

-        Describe business related events and news of significance to the business world of the German-speaking countries.

• PARTICIPATION-PREPARATION-ATTENDANCE
  Participation and preparation count as 20 % of your grade. When you come to class, have your assignments finished. 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 at times check your reading comprehension with small mini-quizzes.
  You will have an initial 40 points in your participation/preparation account, one per session. For every session you come prepared you receive participation/ preparation credit for that session. For every session you miss I will deduct one point. 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 written and web based assignments that cover reading materials and grammatical items in addition to working through the chapters in the text book. 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. German characters: Please make sure that you use in your writing the appropriate German characters (ss for ß or ue for ü is not acceptable). If you need help how to type German characters on your computer, please consult this link.
  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) unless this is a business related assignment with different formatting (business letter etc.). Mark the total of your words at the end of your assignments.
  Please note 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 PRESENTATION
  You will give a Power Point presentation, about 20 minutes in length. For the Power Point Referat you will research a business related topic, such as Mutterschutzgesetz, Rentenversicherung, Arbeitsloshenhilfe etc.
  
  Please tell me if you are interested in a certain topic from the beginning, otherwise you may choose from a list. You can work in small groups or pairs in order to prepare for your Referat.
  If you have never done a Power Point presentation - keine Panik! Others have and will help you.
  
  
• TESTS / FINAL
  There will be a four tests and a final covering the assigned material and the class presentations.
  
  
• GRADING SYSTEM

  Participation/Preparation	10%
  PowerPoint Presentation	10%
  Vocabulary quizzes, work sheets, written assignments etc.	20%
  Tests	40%
  Final	20%

  
  The Grading Scale used in this course is the standard +/- scale used by the University:
  
  

  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

  
  I am using a grading software, and it is easy for me to keep track and see at any point during the semester what your overall grade is. I will make from time to time a printout of your individual grades for your information.

• OTHER
  
  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, register with ODS. Instructors are not obligated to provide academic adjustments until they have received an 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.
  

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  individual or group, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, stalking, intimidation, harassment, sexual misconduct, coercion, and/or other communication or conduct that creates a hostile living or learning environment.

   

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  HONOR CODE
  Please keep the Code of Academic Conduct as stated in the undergraduate catalog in mind for all the work for this class. Please follow the link to read the entire Code of Academic Conduct addressing cheating, plagiarism, fabrication and misrepresentation.
  
  STORMS AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
  The primary university communication tool for sending out information is the UA web site. Students should consult this site as soon as they can in an emergency. Information on the course will be given through the E-learning shell in case of an emergency.
  

• SEMESTERPLAN check the syllabus for updates
  PLEASE NOTE: Assignments are due for day they are listed on the syllabus!