Elementary German II is the second course in the two-semester sequence at McDaniel College. In this course, you will continue to study and master fundamental skills of language learning. The main focus of this course is to provide you with an introduction to grammar, reading, and writing, and to increase your listening comprehension and speaking skills. In class, you will reinforce learned materials through small group activities, such as role playing, graffiti, and Jeopardy. You will see and discuss short videos and interpret short cartoons. You will also familiarize yourselves with some aspects of contemporary German culture and everyday life and watch a few recent German films and videos.

Required books:
Neue Horizonte A Brief Course, (Textbook/ Workbook)

Recommended books:
English Grammar for Students of German, 3^rd ed. by Cecile Zorach and C. Melin.
Collins: German-English-German Dictionary (or any other dictionary)
 

How time flies!

Time management is crucial for every college student.  Plan your week ahead of time. Learn to say NO! to people and the temptation of college life when you have assignments due. Prioritize!

Requirements

Chapter Tests	30%
Homework	20%
Class Participation and Daily Preparation	20%
Oral Presentations	10%
Final Exam	20%
TOTAL	100%

Attendance is mandatory. Two (2) unexcused absences will lower the final grade by 3%, three (3) by 6% and so on. Excused absences are at the discretion of the instructor. Absences caused by college related activities are only excused if the instructor is made aware of them in advance. Please provide a written excuse for each class hour missed.

Chapter Tests: You will have five (5) announced chapter tests based on the textbook. There will also be some shorter, written or oral, unannounced quizzes. The chapter test with lowest grade will be dropped. Missed chapter tests may not be made up, and will be recorded as zeros unless a valid excuse is presented to the instructor.

Homework: Homework will include all exercises in the workbook as well as additional video and Internet exercises assigned by instructor. Homework should always be prepared. It will be collected every week. Due dates are on syllabus.

Videos: You will see a video series (Andrea, Claudia and Thomas) in the Language Lab. You will have to complete homework assignments on these videos. Through these videos you will not only gain a better understanding of daily life and culture in the German speaking countries, but also improve your listening comprehension. Copies of the videos on VHS and VCD are on reserve in Hoover Library.

Class participation and Daily Preparation: Active participation in class and every day preparation are crucial for improving your language skills. Please read all required pages for each class hour, study the vocabulary, and prepare the exercises assigned.

Oral Presentations: In the course of the semester, the class will be divided up into small groups. Each group will give two oral presentations to the class (a sketch, dialogue, jeopardy game, etc.). Use your imagination. I recommend handing in a draft of your text a week prior to your group presentation. I'll correct the text and give you some advice. A list of ideas and topics will be handed out at a later time. You can also consult Nadja Werner, the director of the German House and a Native speaker of German who is a great resource person on Germany.

Final Exam: There will be a comprehensive final exam. The final exam will cover all materials studied in the Spring semester.

Honor Code: The college’s honor code will be strictly enforced. Students must sign the honor pledge on all assignments and tests. The honor pledge is posted in every classroom.

Important: Do not ignore problems. Ask questions. Do not fall behind. My office hours are posted on my office door. Bitten Sie um einen Sprechtermin (appointment)!

Tutoring is available. Hours and name of the tutor will be announced in class.