Elementary German I

Term I 2007

Instructor: Prof. Glenn R. Cuomo; Office: CAP-206; Office Hours: Mon. 3:30-5:00 p.m.; Wed. 2:00-3:00 p.m. and by appointment; Phone 487 4262 (voice mail)

e-mail: cuomo@ncf.edu

Home Page: http://www.ncf.edu//cuomo

Course description and Objectives: This is the first part of a one-year introduction to the German language. Using Deutsch heute and the accompanying workbook, CD program, and online exercises (Ace Practice Tests), students will gain a fundamental knowledge of German grammar, structure, and vocabulary. Since emphasis will be on the acquisition of both active and passive language skills, German will be the primary language spoken in the classroom. This term the introduction and first six chapters of Deutsch heute will be covered. In the course of mastering the fundamentals of German pronunciation, basic conversational forms, syntax, and vocabulary, students will encounter the first three cases: Nominative, Accusative, and Dative; verb conjugations, prepositions, and the present perfect tense.

Class meetings: M,W,F 10:00-10:50 LIB-152

Lab/TA sessions: Course members are expected to meet at least once a week with our German Fulbright Teaching Assistant Anna-Lena Wollersheim to review the material covered in class, develop their aural and conversational skills in small groups, and complete exercises using supplements to the text (CDs, worksheets, vocabulary quizzes, etc.). We will try to arrange at least two evening or afternoon meeting times after course members have submitted their schedules.

Required Texts:

a) Moeller, Adolph, Hoecherl-Alden, Berger, Deutsch heute Eighth Edition

b) Moeller, Adolph, Hoecherl-Alden, Berger, Deutsch heute Eighth Edition Arbeitsheft: Workbook, Lab Manual, Video Workbook

Course Requirements:

1. I expect regular class attendance [more than three unexcused absences can trigger a preemptive unsatisfactory] and participation in TA sessions, where attendance will also be monitored.

2. Students are responsible for daily preparation of the material, and the completion of online and short written assignments for practically every class session. A tentative assignment matrix will be provided after the class size has been determined in the second week. Ace Practice tests we will be using this year are available at this site:

http://college.hmco.com/languages/german/moeller/deutsch_heute/7e/students/index.html

3. There will be in-class chapter quizzes lasting approximately twenty minutes each. Since I strive to return corrected quizzes to the class as soon as possible, in the event of a missed test you must make arrangements immediately to take a make-up test in my office or with the TA prior to the next class session.

4. A comprehensive midterm examination will be given on the Wednesday of the seventh week (10 October). The final examination will be in the mornings of Monday, 10 December and Wednesday, 12 December and will include individual oral proficiency interviews.

5. I expect all cell phones to be turned off or muted during class time and do not permit the use of any distracting electronic accessories in the classroom.