INSTRUCTOR:  Michael Brims
OFFICE:  AH 454
PHONE:  (713) 743-3040
OFFICE HOURS: M 9-10, W 9-10, F 9-10 and by apointment
EMAIL: michaelbrims@hotmail.com
 
 

   Di Donato, Clyde, and Vansant: Deutsch - Na klar! Student Text (3rd. ed.)
   Di Donato, Clyde, and Vansant: Deutsch - Na klar! Workbook (3rd. ed.)
   Di Donato, Clyde, and Vansant: Deutsch - Na klar! Laboratory Manual (3rd. ed.)

Note: Accompanying audio-tapes can be rented from the Foreign Language Lab. Dual format CD-ROMs to accompany Deutsch - Na klar! are available at the bookstore to those students who prefer to work on their own computers at home rather than using the language lab. The software contains vocabulary and grammar practice.

   Kratzer and Curland: Lernexpress I. Workbook.
 
 

  Zorach: English Grammar For Students of German.
 
 

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This class is designed to develop speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills in basic German. After completing the GER 1501/1502 sequence, you will be able to function with relative ease in most communicative situations in German-speaking countries.
• Your active participation in class is crucial for mastering all four language skills.
• Homework assignments will cover new vocabulary and grammatical structures, while class periods focus on communicative interaction in German. It is absolutely necessary that you complete all assignments before you come to class. The material covered in class will be based on what you have already studied at home. Communicative learning and group work ("Gruppenarbeit") are essential aspects of this course. Coming to class unprepared not only puts you at a disadvantage, it is also unfair to your group work partners.
 During the first meetings of this class, your instructor will talk to you about foreign language learning strategies. Of course, you can always see your instructor during office hours should you need further assistance. Your instructor will gladly respond to any questions you may have about this class.

ATTENDANCE:
Regular, punctual attendance is mandatory for this class. Your instructor has the option of dropping you from this class, should your absences exceed four 50-minute class hours (MWF classes) or five 50-minute class hours (T/TH classes). If your instructor allows you to stay in class although you have missed more than the allowed number of hours, 0.5 point will be subtracted from your final grade for each additional hour of classroom instruction you missed. Please note that late arrival for class will count as a partial absence. In case of medical or other emergencies, contact your instructor as soon as possible and be prepared to provide appropriate documentation, such as a written statement from your doctor.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:
Your instructor will write assignments on the board at the beginning or end of each class period. These are due the following class day. No late homework will be accepted.

ARBEITSBÜCHER:
It is your responsibility to complete all assigned exercises in the workbook and the laboratory manual. You will not be able to perform well in class without doing so. Study/review the pertinent grammatical structures and vocabulary first, then work on the exercises. Compare your answers with the answer key provided and correct all mistakes (please use a different color for your corrections). Review material you were not able to use correctly.
• Always bring your workbook and laboratory manual to class. Your instructor will check your work from time to time. Failure to complete and correct all assigned exercises will result in a lowering of your final course grade by up to 20%.

HAND-IN ASSIGNMENTS:
All assignment for which there are no answers provided in the answer key are to be handed in to your instructor. Double-space and use letter size paper. Your instructor will correct these assignments and return them to you.

AUDIO-CASSETTES:
Audio-cassettes can be rented from the language lab at no cost to you. As a regular part of your homework assignment, you will be asked to listen to dialogues on the language tapes that come with your book. Laboratory Manual exercises and other hand-in homework assignments will be based on these dialogues.
•  Listening strategies: Look at the introductory remarks to the dialogue in your textbook. What kind of situation is described? What will the dialogue be about? What kind of vocabulary do you expect in that context? Listen carefully to the dialogue. Try to understand the main points. Who is speaking? What is being discussed? Listen to the dialogue at least one more time to catch details you may have missed the first time. Proceed to work on the exercises.

VIDEO PROGRAM:
The video series Lernexpress is an integral component of this class. Your instructor will assign sections of the tape on a weekly basis and will ask you to complete and hand-in written exercises relating to the video program. You can watch the video either in the Foreign Language Lab (AH 311) or the library (go to the Current Journals desk). Additional video materials may be assigned from time to time by your instructor.

WEB-LINKS:
The Deutsch: Na klar! web site is located at http://www.mhhe.com/german
This site contains multiple links to culturally informative Web sites in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as well as accompanying Web-based activities.

COMPUTER TUTORIAL:
Deutsch: Na klar! software is available in the Foreign Language Lab (AH 311) and can be used on the computer terminals there. Students who prefer to use the software at home can purchase it from the bookstore. Although the computer tutorial is optional, we highly recommend that you take advantage of this excellent language learning tool.

QUIZZES:
There will be a short quiz every Friday for MWF classes or every Thursday for T/TH classes. These frequent quizzes will help you to track your progress in this course and to evaluate your learning strategies. You will not be able to take make-up quizzes if you miss one. However, the two lowest quiz grades will be dropped at the end of the semester.

EXAMS:
MIDTERM: 10-2  (MWF classes) 10-3 T/Th classes / (chapters: Einführung; 1-3)
FINAL:* 12-6  from 2-5 PM (all classes, ROOM TO BE ANNOUNCED)          (chapters: 1-7)

*Please note: Under no circumstance will you be able to take the final exam before 12-9. Please plan accordingly. Make sure to check if you have a final exam in another course scheduled for the same time as your German exam. If that is the case, notify your instructor as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made for you to take a make-up exam on Dec. 10.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING:
  QUIZZES: 25%
  MIDTERM: 20%
  FINAL EXAM: 25%
  VIDEO ASSIGNMENTS: 10%
  HOMEWORK: 10%
  ACTIVE PARTICIPATION:  10%
 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE LABORATORY: The Foreign Language Laboratory is located in room 311 Agnes Arnold Hall. It provides computer terminals (PC and Macintosh) with internet access, video stations, etc. to foreign language students. A large collection of software (interactive foreign language tutorials, word processors, bilingual dictionaries, etc.) and foreign language videos is available - check the on-line database for titles. Your instructor will schedule a lab orientation session for your class but you are welcome to explore on you own. The knowledgeable and friendly lab staff will gladly assist you with any questions you may have.

 For more information including the current lab hours, visit the lab at http://www.hfac.uh.edu/mcl/modern/fll/