AFNORTH INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

GERMAN II

Course Syllabus

Miss Taylor

2004-2005

COURSE TITLE: German 2

TEACHER: Miss Taylor

ROOM: B1.18

E-MAIL alicia_taylor2@eu.odedodea.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

German 2 is a continuation of German 1. This course is designed to continue reviewing and reinforcing vocabulary, grammar, and cultural concepts presented in the previous level. Students will build on their knowledge of grammar as well as continue to increase their working vocabulary. Students will also continue to learn the major oral and written formation of affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences; usage of articles and adjectives to correctly modify nouns; conjunctions of various regular and irregular verbs; usage of the present and past tense, usage of the comparative, superlative, demonstrative and possessive adjectives; formation of possession; usage of adverbs and the usage of direct and indirect pronouns

COURSE STANDARDS:

DoDEA's performance standards for foreign languages are based on the five National Goals of the American Council for Teachers of Foreign Language:

Communication

Standard 1: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions. (Interpersonal)

2.1.1 Ask questions regarding routine activities.

2.1.2 Participate in conversations on a variety of everyday topics.

2.1.3 Give and respond to oral directions and commands.

2.1.4 Interact in a variety of situations to meet personal needs.

Standard 2: Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics. (Interpretive)

2.2.1 Identify ideas and topics from simple texts.

2.2.2 Comprehend messages and announcements on topics of interest.

2.2.3 Comprehend simple personal written communication such as notes, invitations, and letters.

Standard 3: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics. (Presentational)

2.3.1 Write postcards, e-mail messages, personal notes, and letters using culturally appropriate format and style.

2.3.2 Prepare and present audio or video recorded messages or announcements.

2.3.3 Produce and/or present simple creative works with teacher guidance, e.g., poetry recitation, skits, fashion show, etc.

2.3.4 Convey personal information or personal state of being, orally or in writing.

2.3.5 Express preferences pertaining to everyday life.

Cultures

Standard 4: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture studied.

2.4.1 Identify significant cultural practices and behaviors in the foreign culture.

2.4.2 Identify similarities and differences of everyday life in the United States and the foreign culture.

Standard 5: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the culture studied.

2.5.1 Demonstrate an awareness of current events in the foreign culture.

2.5.2 Demonstrate an awareness of the foreign culture’s artistic expression.

2.5.3 Identify and describe various products of the culture.

2.5.4 Identify simple themes, ideas, and perspectives of the culture evidenced through geography, history, and artistic expression.

Connections

Standard 6: Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language.

2.6.1 Transfer composition techniques learned in English class to writing in the foreign language.

2.6.2 Transfer technology skills to the foreign language classroom.

2.6.3 Share information acquired in the foreign language classroom in other disciplines when appropriate.

Standard 7: Students acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its culture.

2.7.1 Access identified media from the foreign culture to gain information and to identify a cultural perspective different from students’ own viewpoint.

Comparisons

Standard 8: Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own.

2.8.1 Recognize differences in grammatical structures among languages.

2.8.2 Recognize idiomatic expressions.

2.8.3 Recognize differences in pronunciation systems among languages.

2.8.4 Recognize cognates.

Standard 9: Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.

2.9.1 Understand appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication of the foreign language.

2.9.2 Recognize contributions of the foreign culture to the United States, e.g., foods, holidays, celebrations, etc.

2.9.3 Describe traditional dress and how it represents culture.

2.9.4 Compare celebrations and holidays common to the cultures of the foreign language and the United States.

Communities

Standard 10: Students use the language both within and beyond the school setting.

2.10.1 Make use of the foreign language orally or in writing with family, friends, or peers.

2.10.2 Participate in school/community events related to the foreign language or foreign culture.

2.10.3 Identify community resources useful for research in the foreign language or about the foreign culture.

Standard 11: Students show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment.

2.11.1 Participate in selected excursions to places or events of cultural significance.

2.11.2 Use the foreign language outside the classroom.

2.11.3 Develop language skills and cultural insight through travel.

Continuous School Progress

AFNORTH International Middle/High School’s CSP (Continuous School Progress) goal is, “All students will improve their written communication skills across the curriculum.” The 6 + 1 trait is the model selected to improve school-wide writing in all subject areas. The 6+1 Trait writing framework is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as establish a common vision of what “strong” writing looks like. Teachers and students will use the 6+1 Trait model to identify areas of strength and weakness as they continue to strive towards continued writing improvement. Success of all students requires that the 6 + 1 Trait become a consistent and integral component of each course taught at AFNORTH International Middle/High School.

6 + 1 in the Curriculum

In class we will be using the 6 + 1 Trait model both to write in German and English. Students will be writing frequently on a variety of topics, and the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing model will be used throughout the year.

COURSE GRADING AND ASSESSMENT;

Grades will be based on the point system. Points will be given for each assignment, homework, in-class work, quizzes, tests, oral participation, dialogues cultural assignments and projects. These points are added up daily and according to the number of possible points the grade will be determined.

Approximately 33% of the student’s grade will come from homework and in class assignments. 33% of the grade will be from the quizzes and test given. 33% will be for oral participation and dialogs. The grades will be given in a percentage basis, which follows the school’s mandatory grading scale.

Every chapter covered will have quizzes, a final chapter test, a chapter worksheet and a final chapter dialog. The quiz and test dates are announced in advance so that the student has adequate time to prepare.

EXPECTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES:

Students are expected to come to class on time, prepared with their textbook, workbook, homework assignment, notebooks, pen/pencil, eraser and paper. Failure to do so will result in a tardy mark. A notebook is required for the course. Students must keep all graded assignments, tests and quizzes until the end of the semester.

Group work is essential in the foreign language classroom to practice and master conversation in the target language. During group time, all students are required to stay on task in the target language. Students who interrupt the learning process will be asked to leave. The time out procedures will be in effect with an administrator in the office. A conference will be held with their teacher, counselors, and administrator to discuss the problem.

ORAL DIALOGS AND PRESENTATIONS

Students will be required to perform oral dialogues and presentations in front of class. These will occasionally be recorded or videotaped so that the students can monitor his/ her progress. As the year progresses I expect longer presentations.

TEXTBOOK:

Deutsch Aktuell 2 by Wolfgang Kraft

Various readers, literature books, and grammar reference materials

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL:

A small German/ English dictionary is recommended for German 2. All vocabularies are listed in the back of the textbook and the dictionary will only be used for fieldtrips and dialogs. It is helpful for students to keep track of all vocabulary presented in a personal vocabulary notebook available in Dutch and German stationary shops.

HOMEWORK POLICY:

Students will have homework every class session. This could be a written or an oral assignment such as memorizing words and phrases. All homework assignments are supplemental to the material covered in class. Homework will be checked and handed in and receive points for completion and neatness. If no specific homework is assigned, students are to study vocabulary for at least twenty minutes.

MAKE-UP WORK POLICY

The study of language requires constant practice and interaction. It is therefore important that the students be present at all times. In class oral activities will be missed and in some cases can be made up through alternate assignments. If a student is absent, depending on the length, he/she has until the following class period to make up the assignment. A calendar will be given for the assignments on a monthly basis. In case of a planned absence, I highly recommend that whenever possible, the assignments be completed ahead of time.

STUDYTRIPS:

During the school year we will take one or more study trips, in order to extend the language experience beyond the classroom. These trips will be on a first come first served basis with teacher’s recommendations. If any teacher feels that the student cannot afford to loose class time, the student may not participate. An alternate assignment will be given in the library.

PARENTS / SPONSORS:

You can help by making sure that you son/daughter completes his/her homework. You may want to quiz them on weekly vocabulary words. Students, who carefully complete all homework assignments, score much higher on tests and exams and a much faster rate of language fluency. When traveling in a German speaking country, encourage your child to use the German language. It is a great motivating force, although some Germans will want to show off their English skills in response. The student must use the target language outside the classroom, whenever possible. Watching German TV and videos can also be a great motivating tool.

CONFERENCE: Any parent who wishes a conference should call the guidance office to make an appointment or call email me at alicia_taylor2@eu.odedodea.edu.