Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - GERM 201 D100

Intermediate German I (3)

Class Number: 6213

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GERM 103 or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Emphasis on oral command, accurate and idiomatic expression; reading of intermediate texts.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION – Remote Instruction

German 201 continues to develop basic communication skills in German. The course will prepare you for a stay or visit to Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Topics will include but are not limited to: shopping, sights, food, cultural events and activities, restaurant etiquette, and German lifestyle. Throughout the course you will engage in basic social conversations, read blogs, magazine articles, and non-fictional text, as well as write creatively. Each of the four modules covered will provide opportunities to communicate in German in real-life situations for real purposes.  

TARGET AUDIENCE 

GERM 201 is intended for students who have completed the prerequisite GERM 103, or who have an equivalent proficiency (A1 level), however acquired. Students who have not taken GERM 103 but have an equivalent proficiency in the language (A1 level) are required to contact the chair for a placement test: cmhein@sfu.ca 

PARTICIPATION and ATTENDANCE

PLEASE NOTE: this class is going to be taught synchronously via Zoom during the set scheduled class days and times. You must enable both your audio and video for this class as learning German requires you to fully participate. Regular class attendance and active participation are of vital importance in language acquisition and will be recorded and therefore be reflected in your final grade. Your mark will also be based on the quality of participation. Absences will reduce your participation grade and excessive absences will result in not receiving any credit for the participation segment. Except for emergencies, excused absences must be cleared with your instructor ahead of time. It is your responsibility to catch up on any missed materials.

Grading

  • Active oral participation + regular attendance (=10%), assigned written preparation (=10%) 20%
  • Oral test 15%
  • 4 Module tests (10% each) 40%
  • Video project 10%
  • 3 reflective Portfolios (5% each) 15%

NOTES:

HOMEWORK / ASSIGNED WRITTEN PREPARATION

You will have homework each day the class meets. It is your responsibility to prepare assigned reading and written exercises, to memorize vocabulary, to study the grammar in a timely manner. Late homework will NOT be accepted.    

ORAL TESTS

Towards the end of the semester, you will arrange a test time with your instructor. This comprehnsive oral test will be conducted in German and will last for about 10 minutes.

VIDEO PROJECT

Before the end of the semester your instructor will assign you a topic for a video presentation. The video presentation will be done in German. You will be graded on your ability to speak freely in German, on your use of certain grammar structures, your comprehensibility, and your choice of vocabulary. The video will be about 2-3 minutes long.

REFLECTIVE PORTFOLIO

After each module, you will submit a document that describes in simple German what you have learned in the different chapters. You will use photos and videos to illustrate your progress focussing on vocabulary, grammar and cultural elements. This portfolio is a reflection on your learning progress and will be graded for completion.

MISSED EXAM POLICY

 If you must miss an exam (i.e. module test) because of illness or extenuating circumstances, you are required to contact the instructor prior to the exam. You may notify the instructor by e-mail or leave a message at the office. When you return to class, you will need to bring a note from your medical doctor specifying and justifying the date of your absence. Extenuating circumstances are defined as unusual circumstances beyond your control. There will be no make-up exams. Instead, the percentage will be added onto the other remaining exams. If you do not inform the instructor prior to the test and do not provide a doctor’s note, or if you miss an exam due to something other than illness or extenuating circumstances, the missed exam equals 0%.

HELPFUL HINTS

Practice German frequently through homework, reading, the Internet, participation in class, or study groups with friends. Seek assistance the moment you sense you are falling behind in the course. Discuss work with fellow classmates. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask questions and don’t be afraid of making mistakes.  

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic integrity is essential to the pursuit of learning in a university. As a student at SFU you commit to: “not engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation, or deception” (eg. Google translate, unauthorized sharing of information, use of mobile phones or other devices, notes, books, websites…, providing answers to other students…) during any type of exam (SFU Policy U32:23). SFU treats cases of cheating very seriously. All suspected cases of academic dishonesty will be investigated.

Every student begins the term with an “A”. It is up to each of you individually to KEEP this grade

GERM 201 may be applied towards the Certificate in German Studies

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

USEFUL LINKS:  

SFU German website: http://www.sfu.ca/~cmhein/
Menschen website: https://www.hueber.de/menschen
Quizlet: www.quizlet.com/class/3129435
Quia: quia.com

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED TEXT (also available in digital format here: shop.hueber.de)

Coursebook: Habersack, Pude, Specht, Menschen A2.1, Kursbuch, Hueber Verlag, 2013, ISBN: 978-3-19-301902-8 (ISBN for digital book: 978-3-19-018602-0)  

Workbook: Glas-Peters, Pude, Breitsameter, Menschen A2.1 Arbeitsbuch, Hueber Verlag, 2013, ISBN: 978-3-19-311902-5 (ISBN for digital book: 978-3-19-028602-7)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).