This course is designed to prepare students for subsequent 300-level work in German language, literature, and culture and a variety of texts from these areas will be read. In their oral and written responses to the readings, it is expected that students will demonstrate a growing awareness of - and sensibility to - German and culture and express their ideas in a manner that is consistent with advanced language work.

Required texts:

• Larry D. Wells, Handbuch zur deutschen Grammatik, 3rd ed. 
• Patrick Süskind, Die Geschichte von Herrn Sommer, Diogenes Verlag, ISBN 3-257-22664-0
• A course package available at Collegiate Copies (near 3rd and Jordan)
• Strongly recommended: a good dictionary, either German/German  (e.g. Wahrig) or German/English (e.g. Langenscheidt or Oxford-Duden).

We will build upon a wide range of language skills in G300:

Reading: Throughout the course, we will be reading a variety of German texts, including magazine articles, fables, short stories and a novel.

Speaking and listening: Spoken German also constitutes an integral component of the course. You will be expected to participate actively in class discussions and group work. Outside of class, you will do four lab excercises which focus on listening and comprehension.

Grammar: We will use Handbuch zur deutschen Grammatik activities to build on our Grammar skills, both in class and as homework and the book should be brought to class regularly. 

Writing: A main focus of the course will be on writing in German - to express ideas, convey information, and improve style and accuracy. We will also practice writing in a variety of different contexts. At times you will be asked to exchange ideas and reactions to various materials via e-mail (a mailing list will be provided). At other times, you will write longer and more structured essays. Among those are two entries which will be published together with those of your class mates on a web page to provide a highly personalized guide to Berlin (Berlin von A bis Z). For these assignments we require that you write a draft, submit it for feedback, and then refine it for the final published version. You will be assigned two letters and asked to write on some aspect of the city, its political history, cultural connections and treasures, or current attractions that interest you and begin with the appropriate letter. The final contribution will be entered on the site with graphics you may either download from linked sites or scan in yourself. In all writing assignments, the grade will be based on organization and content as well as accuracy of structures and forms.

Tests will be given every three weeks, focusing on the chapters of the grammar review book and the texts read during the period. 

There will be a switch from reading shorter texts during the first part of the semester to a longer assignment in the form of a novella (Die Geschichte von Herrn Sommer) during the last six weeks. The novella will provide opportunities for additional oral and writing activities and will be the focus of the final project.

We will also meet once outside class time to view a film (week 5). The film will be the basis for writing assignments and class projects, and attendance is mandatory. 

Policies
The grade assigned at the end of the semester will be based on lab work and smaller homework exercises (10%), longer projects (30%), attendance and active class participation (20%), and tests at the end of each chapter (40%). Careful preparation for each class, and active participation in it, is the foundation of the course. No assignments will be accepted late.

Classes meet on a regularly scheduled basis for three hours each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We encourage you to use our office hours to discuss your longer writing assignments and their revisions. Furthermore, we encourage you to use Kaffeestunde, Stammtisch, and any activities or films planned by the German house  for additional speaking practice. 

Instructors: Tatjana Soldat-Jaffe (lecturer), Christine Lehleiter (course coordinator)
 
 

Section	Hour	Days	Place	Instructor
2676	10:10-11:00	MWF	BH 333	Christine Lehleiter
2677	1:25 -  2:15	MWF	BH 333	Tatjana Soldat-Jaffe