Sabine J. Bridges

Room 304, Withers Hall, 515-9304

sjbridge @unity.ncsu.edu

Office hours: M/W/F - 8:00-8:45, and by appointment. Feel free to contact me, email is best!  

Course web site for enrolled students: http://vista.ncsu.edu Important: before logging in at the Vista site with your unity ID, please click in the top right corner "New to WebCT Vista? Start here!" then work through the student section. In particular, make sure your browser is configured correctly, i.e. do the browser check from the link there or from here: http://vista.ncsu.edu/help/browser/index.php Also, you need to have your pop-ups enabled (in your browser go to tools, pop-up blocker and either enable it there or enter vista.ncsu.edu into the list of permitted sites in "pop-up blocker settings".

Catalog Description The third of four consecutive courses in German, with a special focus on the language of technology and the topics of science, technology and society in the German-speaking countries. Intensive conversational practice to develop proficiency in speaking and listening, advanced reading and writing skills by learning complex grammatical structures and through the use of authentic texts. Acquisition of general cultural knowledge and of selected issues of science and technology in the German-speaking countries.

Prerequisites FLG 102 or a score of 26 - 34 (old) / 398 - 501 (new) on the NC State placement test. The placement test is a computerized test taking about 15-25 minutes; you will get your results immediately. The placement test can be taken anytime the Foreign Language Technology Center is open, for hours and location see http://fltc.chass.ncsu.edu/staticpages/index.php?page=20040406151443578. For more information on placement consult http://sasw.chass.ncsu.edu/fl/place.htm. You can also talk to your instructor or the German Section Coordinator, Helga G. Braunbeck.

Student Learning Outcomes Successful students will be able to … • understand German spoken at normal speed by the teacher, native speakers on audio files and in-class videos when based on previously studied material with approximately 80% accuracy as assessed by the ability to answer questions in class, in workbook exercises, and in exams. • speak German at the Intermediate Level using previously studied grammar and vocabulary, including some vocabulary of technology, with approximately 80% accuracy as assessed by the ability to ask and answer questions, participate effectively in group activities in class, discuss readings, etc. • read selected German text selections, especially about issues of science and technology, at the Intermediate Level with approximately 80% comprehension as assessed by oral and written questions and in-class discussions. • write German at the Intermediate Level using previously learned grammar and vocabulary with approximately 80% accuracy as assessed by writing assignments, exam questions, etc., especially on topics of science and technology • discuss selected aspects of German, Austrian and Swiss cultures based on previously learned material obtained from in-class presentations, videos, websites, readings, etc., about German science, technology, inventions, discoveries, and technological challenges of the past, present and the future • use their intermediate German skills in professional settings in the area of technology • demonstrate their understanding of the interconnections between science or technology and society

Required Texts and Supplementary Materials  Moeller, Jack, and Winnifred R. Adolph, Gisela Hoecherl-Alden, Simone Berger, John F. Lalande II, Deutsch heute: Introductory German, 8th edition (Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2005). Textbook, Workbook, Lab and Video Manual (combined in the “Arbeitsheft”), Answer Keys for Workbook and Lab Manual, Set of Audio-CDs, and “Einfach toll” CD-ROM: all combined in one package (ISBN 0-618-62567-4), $151.10. You will need ALL the components for this class. Purchase your textbook only where you can get the whole package (this will save you money as opposed to buying separate components, and the trouble of hunting down separate components).

Fischer-Appelt, Andreas, ed., Deutsche Stars: 50 Innovationen, die jeder kennen sollte. (Berlin, no year). Available for free as a pdf file from http://www.innovationen-fuer-deutschland.de/, including audio files for some of the texts.

Materials from selected internet sites.

Recommended Materials A German-English/English-German dictionary. Langenscheidt is an excellent dictionary publisher. If you plan to go on to the German Minor, it is recommended you get the Langenscheidt New College German Dictionary (about $25-35); a smaller size is the Langenscheidt Standard German Dictionary (about $14-20); for FLG 201 only, the Langenscheidt’s Pocket Dictionary ($10-13) may serve you well.  You can also use online dictionaries: http://dict.leo.org and http://www.linguadict.de. However, the use of electronic (online or CD-ROM) translation programs is NOT allowed and will violate academic integrity, i.e. be considered cheating (see below for details).

A folder for your class notes, homework assigments and tests will also be helpful.

Work with Multimedia Materials The Foreign Language Technology Center (FLTC) is in the Laundry Building, LAU 214, on the corner of Stinson Dr. and Current Dr. It has many computer work stations for word processing or your work with the Deutsch heute web site or the CD-ROM. Check http://fltc.chass.ncsu.edu for opening hours and info on the FLTC. You will have to work in this lab with the video Unterwegs. Your individual work with the audio components on the CDs of Deutsch heute is crucial for gradually building your listening comprehension skills and proper pronunciation (each test and the final exam includes a listening component). You may repeat the units as often as you like; in fact, it is normal that you need to listen many times before you can do the assignment. The exercises on the CD-ROM and the web site will help build your vocabulary and your confidence with grammar and spelling. At least two hours of practice per week with CDs, CD-ROM and web site is highly recommended; it provides excellent test preparation. Six hours of work per week is the standard for receiving a C in a 3-credit course. If you'd like to aspire for a better grade, plan on investing more study time. The web site for the 7th edition of Deutsch heute is http://college.hmco.com/languages/german/moeller/deutsch_heute/7e/students/index.html.

Workbook and Written Homework Workbook exercises for each chapter from the Arbeitsheft are due on the day of the respective chapter test, both the written part in the front of the workbook and the listening comprehension part in the second half of the workbook. Complete all exercises, remove the pages from the workbook, staple or paper-clip them, and put your name at the top. Do your best to carefully complete any written assignments; write legibly. Place written homework and the workbook exercises on the instructor’s desk before the beginning of class. Video workbook assignments are due as noted on the schedule. If you're using the online Quia workbook, submit your work at the same time, i.e. before the start of the class when it is due. You should be using the proper German characters whenever you type your work. Instructions for producing them on the computer can be found here: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~hgb/flg201/201umlaute_fa05.htm.

Course Requirements and Evaluation

Attendance	Impact on grade is defined below in “Class Attendance Policy”
Class Work	10%, see below for details
Vocabulary Quizzes/ WebCT Discussions	10%, see below for details
Written Assignments	15%, see below for details
Combined Test Grades	30%, chapter tests
Presentation and Final Project	10%, see below for details
Final Exam	25%, cumulative exam on material from whole semester

 For information on the NC State grading policy, consult http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_regulations/grading/reg.htm.

Grading scale for exams (in %)

100 – 97 A +	89 – 87 B +	79 – 77 C +	69 – 67 D +
96 – 93 A	86 – 83 B	76 – 73 C	66 – 63 D
92 – 90 A -	82 – 80 B -	72 – 70 C -	62 – 60 D -	less than 60 F

Attendance Regular attendance is a university requirement. For every unexcused absence in excess of two (2) for classes meeting twice per week, and three (3) for classes meeting three times per week, the semester grade will be reduced by 1 point. If you miss more than 10 minutes of a class, it may count as an absence, but it is still recommended that you attend the remainder of the class in order to learn the material. If you accumulate 6 (for classes meeting twice per week) or 9 (for classes meeting 3 times per week) or more unexcused absences, your semester grade will be F. If you miss three (3) consecutive weeks without contacting your instructor, you may be dropped from the class roll or receive an F for the semester. If you are absent it is your responsibility to get information on the missed material and any changes in the assignments from a class mate. For more detailed information on attendance regulations and on what constitutes an excused absence consult http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.3.php.

Evaluation of Classwork: Preparation and Participation 

Preparation for class and participation in class are essential for success in learning a foreign language. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis and completion of the homework is required. Class participation will be graded using the following rubric:  A - Student comes to class prepared, bringing proper materials, arriving on time and staying the full length of the class. Student is attentive and frequently volunteers to participate. Student is actively involved in all class activities and stays on task in group work. Any questions or comments are pertinent. B - Student is usually prepared. Student is always attentive, participates in all activities and volunteers from time to time. Student asks only pertinent questions. C - Student shows evidence of being unprepared on occasion. Student may arrive late or leave early in some instances. Student volunteers infrequently and may ask questions that would not be necessary had the student prepared for class more thoroughly. D - Student is unprepared and/or inattentive. Student rarely volunteers and demonstrates lack of involvement in class activities. Student may not stay on task in group work and may ask unnecessary or inappropriate questions. F - Student exhibits lack of concern for the class. His or her behavior may have a negative effect on the class.

Vocabulary Quizzes / WebCT Vista Discussions

Depending on your instructor's preferences you will get vocabulary quizzes or will have to post contributions on the WebCT Vista Discussion Board, or a combination of these tasks. All of these tasks will be focused on issues of science and technology. Check with your instructor for details. Remember to use the proper German characters in your typed work, too. Instructions for producing them on the computer can be found here: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~hgb/flg201/201umlaute_fa05.htm.

Written Assignments

You will regularly hand in written assignments. Check the semester schedule for due dates. Typed work is welcome, but nicely handwritten work will be accepted. Double space everything, whether typing or writing by hand. Remember to use the proper German characters in your typed work, too. Instructions for producing them on the computer can be found here: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~hgb/flg201/201umlaute_fa05.htm. There are 12 opportunities for graded assignments: the 10 best of these will be counted and carry a maximum of 10 points of your semester grade. In addition, there are 4 opportunities for assignments I only check (the workbook and lab work due on the test dates - you will check them yourself with the answer key; you get your check mark only if you complete all pages and all exercises). These will give you 4 points. You can get the remaining 1 point to make 15 points total for the written assignments as a bonus point for completing ALL the workbook and labwork assignments. Late assignments will only be accepted if they were caused by an unforeseen (unplanned) excused absence.

Tests

Make-up tests: test dates are noted on the syllabus. If you know in advance that you will have an excused absence on a test day, you need to inform your instructor at least one week prior to the test. If you miss a test because of an emergency, you need to inform your instructor ASAP after the test. Make-up tests will not be given for unexcused absences. You may not use any electronic devices or any print materials or notes during tests.

Presentation and Final Project

You will present a German/Austrian/Swiss technology company profile to the class with the help of visuals. Present information about the company and its products, and discuss their impact on people's lifes, on society at large, and on the history of technology. Include critical views of the company and its products. You will also write up your presentation as a final paper (4-5 pages). There are many German/Austrian/Swiss companies you can choose, some of the biggest and most well-known ones are: Siemens, BASF, DaimlerChrysler AG, VW, BMW, Porsche, Mannesmann, Bosch, SAP, Swatch, Infineon, Deutsche Telekom, or Miele.

Final Exam The date for your final exam is listed on your syllabus. The university policies and procedures regarding final exams are outlined at http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_regulations/exams/reg.htm.

Incompletes Incompletes (IN) will be assigned at the instructor's discretion in line with university policies on grading: http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/grades_undergrad/REG02.50.3.php

Auditors If you are auditing this course, please contact your instructor about the requirements. You should expect to get an "audit" only if you attend at least 2/3 of all classes and stay until the end of the semester. It is generally not required to do the written assignments, write the tests and exams, or complete the projects (but you may voluntarily do so). However, you should prepare the material to be covered so you can participate actively in class and in the pair and group work; this way you and your classmates around you will benefit.

Classroom Etiquette Show the members of this learning community respect by adhering to these rules: be on time; remove your hats; bring your book, a notepad, and a writing utensil to every class period; do not bring food into the classroom; do not chew gum; turn off and put away all cell phones, pagers, PDAs, laptops and other electronic devices. Class time will mostly be used for interactive practice of material you have studied at home, so you need to be focused on oral communication, with some note-taking by hand.

Class Email List On occassion, announcements will be made through email messages. The University has an official email address on file for each of you. It is your responsibility to make sure that you receive email from this account. Either make sure the university has the email account on file which you actually check, or set up forwarding from the unity account to the private account you regularly check.

Students with Disabilities Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653, for information see http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (REG02.20.1) at: http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.1.php.

Academic Integrity Students are expected to work within the letter and spirit of the NC State University Code of Student Conduct. For more information please consult http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_discipline/POL11.35.1.php. Academic integrity extends to all work done in a course, including homework, class work, papers, projects, oral and written tests, lab work, and exams. You may study together with classmates, but everybody needs to turn in their individual homework assignment. The use of internet or CD-ROM translating programs is forbidden and will be considered cheating. If an academic integrity violation is detected, your assignment or test carries an automatic F and the incident will be reported to the NC State Office of Student Conduct. If you have any questions about what is permitted or forbidden, e.g. with regard to getting help from tutors or friends, please consult your instructor.  Tutoring Academic Support Services offers free tutoring. The Undergraduate Tutorial Center is in 147 Leazar Hall, phone 515-3163. Availability of German tutors varies every semester, but it is a good idea to let them know early in the semester about your wish for a tutor. Also, please discuss any difficulties with your instructor. For information consult http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center/.

Semester Schedule

Chapter numbers refer to the Deutsch heute textbook (DH). Texts about the inventions can be found in Deutsche Stars, as indicated (DS + page number), and on the internet (check your WebCT VISTA course site).

Woche	Datum	In der Klasse	Abgeben	Hausaufgaben
1
	22.8.07	Kennenlernen, Einfuehrung		Vorbereiten: DH 307-311
	24.8.07	DH 307-311		Vorbereiten: DH 321, 324+25; Schreiben: Was studieren Sie? 170-200 Woerter
2				Text: DS 8 - Aspirin
	27.8.07	DH 321, 324+25	Schreiben:Was studieren Sie	Vorbereiten: DH 327-29. AH 81+82
	29.8.07	DH 327-29	AH 81+82	Text online - siehe Anhang; Fragen z. Text
	31.8.07	Text u. Fragen- Diskussion	Fragen zum Text	Vorbereiten:DH 317-19; Vokabular
3				Text: DS 72 - Pille
	3.9.07	Labor Day	keine Klasse
	5.9.07	DH 317-19; Quiz	Journal	Vorbereiten: DH 331-34
	7.9.07	DH 331-34		Vorbereiten: DH 335-37, Grammatik Kap.9
4				Text: DS 80 - Roentgentechnik
	10.9.07	DH 335-37	Journal, Grammatikbogen	Zum Schreiben: Moderne Medizin - Fluch oder Segen?
	12.9.07	Diskussion d. Texte	Zum Schreiben
	14.9.07	Wiederholung	Projekt: Thema	Vorbereiten auf den Test
5				Text: DS 16 - Buchdruck
	17.9.07	Test Kapitel 9	Journal	Vorbereiten: DH 344-49
	19.9.07	DH 344-49		Text: Online, siehe Anhang; Fragen z. Text
	21.9.07