Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - GERM 200 D100

Intermediate German I (3)

Class Number: 7651

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GERM 110 (or GERM 103) or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Follows GERM 110. Continues to develop basic communication skills and promotes student cultural understanding. By the end of the term, students will be able to function in a German speaking environment. (A2.1 level of CEFR) Students with credit for GERM 201 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

German 200 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 200 is intended for students who have completed the prerequisite GERM 110 (formerly 103), or who have an equivalent proficiency (A1 level), however acquired. Students who have not taken GERM 110 (formerly 103) but have an equivalent proficiency in the language (A1 level) are required to contact the chair for a placement test: cmhein@sfu.ca

Grading

  • Active oral participation + regular attendance (=10%), assigned written preparation (=5%) 20%
  • Vocabulary Quizzes 10%
  • Oral Test 10%
  • 4 Module Tests (12.5% each) 50%
  • 4 Reflective Portfolios (2.5% each) 10%

NOTES:

PARTICIPATION and ATTENDANCE
This class is going to be taught synchronously. 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.

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 or any other assigned tasks will NOT be accepted.

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

REFLECTIVE PORTFOLIO
After each of the four modules, you will submit a document that describes in English what you have learned in the different chapters. You will use photos and/or videos to illustrate your progress focussing on vocabulary, grammar and cultural elements. You will include German language examples for the grammar and vocabulary part. This portfolio is a reflection on your learning progress.

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.

GERM 200 may be applied towards the Certificate in German Studies

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

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

USEFUL LINKS:
SFU German website: http://www.sfu.ca/~cmhein/
Menschen website: https://www.hueber.de/menschen
Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/class/15169432/

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.