GERMAN

Conversation /Composition I- 3121

- Fall 2012
Day/Time: MW
Name of Lecturer: Dr. Raluca Negrisanu

Office hours: Mo, We: 11: 25 am 12: 25 pm

and 3:10 pm- 4:10 pm;
Fr: 11: 25 am 12: 25 pm and 1:40 pm 2:40 pm

Email: negrisanu@etsu.edu
Location of Office: Gilbreath Hall, Room 116 B
Tel: 439-4662
Cour se Descr iption and G oals
German Conversation /Composition I is a three credit advanced German course designed for students
with a good to excellent knowledge of German. This course is writing, speaking and technology
intensive. The prerequisite for this course is German 2020 or similar in case of transfer students. This
is not a lecture type course and class time will be used for discussions, group activities, short writing
exercises, listening to audio material and conversations, thus it is important that you come prepared,
take an active part in class and thoroughly complete all your assignments.
We will cover chapters 1-11 from the Allerlei Zum Lesen book (AZL) and chapters 1-14 from the
German Grammar in Context book (GGC) this semester.
Regularly reflect on your strong and weak areas and develop a plan to improve in your weak areas. If
youd like assistance, please see your instructor, he/she can provide you with valuable feedback on
how to achieve this goal.
This course satisfies the University requirements for writing, conversation and technology. Here are
the three main requirements described.
Writing
Students will be expected to write a total of 3300 words for this course (approx. 12 pages). All writing
assignments will be double-spaced, standard margins, Times New Roman (12 pt) and will include a
word count. There will be two large writing assignments of 600 words each (midterm and final called
Aufsatz A und B) one cultural project of 300 words and six assignments of 300 words each (Aufsatz
1,2,3 etc.). The writing assignments will be of different kind, e.g.: essay, letter, play script, brochure,
flyer, etc., and some will include a technology component. The detailed requirements and guidelines
for each of the writing assignments will be found on D2L. The assignments have due dates (look in the
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Zeitplan). There will be a 10% penalty for lateness. Remember that you can always put your essay in
your instructors box or e-mail him/her your essay if you cant make it to class that day. After three
days no late assignments will be accepted. Except of the midterm and final assignments, all the other
six assignments will have a first draft and a final version. After you turn in the draft you will receive
feedback from the instructor and will have to incorporate it and make corrections and turn in the final
version. Most of the homework assignments will be written and count towards the writing credit of the
course. All writing assignments will be marked with (W).
Conversation
This is a conversation course. Your conversation grade depends largely upon your daily participation
speaking in German with a good accent and improving your use of vocabulary and grammar. The daily
participation will be graded and will be part of your final grade. Besides the daily participation, there
will be two short, 3-minute long oral presentations or debates on various topics (without written notes)
and one 6- minute long oral presentation. You will turn in a written version for each, which will count
towards the writing credit. There will be a Kulturprojekt which will count also towards the
conversation credit. All conversation assignments will be marked with (C).
Technology Components
This course is listed as technology intensive. Technology related activities include, but are not limited
to, word processing, e-mail with attached and uploaded files, presentation using multimedia and web
research. The audio component of the course (audio CD) will also be a regular part of homework and
class work. There will be online quizzes. One oral presentation will be videotaped and uploaded to
D2L. Another presentation will be recorded with Audacity and transformed into an mp3. Part of the
technology component will be a web research. This will be included in the writing or oral assignments
and clearly marked as part of the literature review. Other technology components will be different
homework assignments on D2L: discussion board assignments or blogs. Technology components will
be indicated by (T).
Eligibility
German 3121 is for students who completed German 2020 or equivalent. If you do not meet this
requirement, see your instructor immediately!
Contact
If you have any concerns or questions about the German language program and curriculum at ETSU,
please contact Dr. William Crooke, Head of the German section, Tel. 439 -6902 or email:
crooke@etsu.edu.
Requir ed Cour se M ater ials
1.

Class textbook: Allerlei Zum Lesen 2nd Ed, Author: Teichert, Herman ,Edition: 2nd,
2005 ,ISBN: 978-0-618-50349-0 called AZL

German Grammar In Context , Author: Fehringer, Carol , Edition: Bilingual, 2002

ISBN: 978-0-340-76310-0 GGC

Recommended Materials
One notebook; German-English/English-German dictionary; index cards for vocabulary flashcards,
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access to the internet, audio equipment for listening to the CD.

Recommended software
Access to a computer which has the following software programs: MS Office or the equivalent on a
Mac.
There is also a list of free programs. If you do not have MS Office on your computer please use any of
these formats to complete the assignments.
Etsu Dropbox- a service to send large files which are not stored in your email account but on a server.
http://www3.etsu.edu/oit/helpdesk/dropbox/
OpenOffice: it is a free program which lets you create word documents, presentations or spreadsheets.
http://www.openoffice.org/
Adobe Reader: it is a free program which lets you open and read pdfs.
http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Primo Pdf: it is a free program which lets you create pdfs from any documents you have on your
computer.
http://www.primopdf.com/index.aspx
Audacity: it is a free program which lets you create audio files.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Mp3 encoder: it is a free program which lets you create mp3s from other types of audio files
http://apps.foxtab.com/prod/mp3converter//?kw=mp3%20converter&mn=www.guidesandtutorials.co
m&Network=D&adnm=9059247472&expr=&cc=&cid=78466072&LG=
Free Mp3 encoder
http://lame.sourceforge.net/index.php
I-Tunes: free program to listen to music in different formats
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
Windows Media Player: free program to listen to music in different formats
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/windows-media-player
Online Resources
Here is a list of links to different websites where you can find learning materials in German,
audio books in mp3 format, ebooks, videos, or links to German TV programs, please check them
out.
http://www.deutsch-lernen.com/learn-german-online/e_dc.php
http://www.goethe.de/lrn/prj/jgd/deindex.htm
http://www.goethe.de/ins/es/bar/prj/lit/inl/deindex.htm
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/0,,265,00.html?id=265
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/label/german.shtml
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/languages/german/subjects/body.shtml
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1fgyyk/www.vorleser.net/
http://wwitv.com/television/81.htm
http://www.gutenberg.org/
Online dictionaries:
http://www.dict.cc/
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http://dict.leo.org/ende?lang=de&lp=ende
Grammar Resources
Advanced Grammar lessons and exercises:
http://www.deutsch-lernen.com/learn-german-online/e_dc.php
Different grammar items and exercises: http://webgerman.com/german/forms/webforms.htm
Grammar games: http://www.grammatikdeutsch.de/html/grammatikspiele.html
Multiple links to German and English websites devoted to German grammar:
http://www.learn-german-online.net/learning-german-resouces/free-german-grammar-exercises.htm
Wort- und Satzgrammatik hier:
http://www.canoo.net/services/OnlineGrammar/Wort/Ueberblick/index.html?lang=de
Zeitplan

Ein ausfhliches Zeitplan mit Hausaufgaben wird auf D2L heraufgeladen

Montag, 27.8

Erster Unterrichtstag:

Montag, 3.9.
Mittwoch, 5.9
Montag, 10.9.
Mittwoch, 12.9.
Montag, 17.9.
Mittwoch, 19.2.
Montag, 24.9.
Mittwoch 26.9.
Montag, 1.10.
Mittwoch, 3.10
Montag, 8.10.
Mittwoch, 10.10
Montag 15.10.
Mittwoch, 17.10
Montag. 22.10.

Einfhrung Kapitel 1. AZL und

GGC
Kapitel 1 fertig
Assessment Quiz 1
Labor Day- Frei
Kap. 2 AZL und GGC
Kap. 2
Kap. 3
Kap. 3
Kap. 4
Kap. 4
Kap. 5
Kap. 5
Kap. 6
Kap. 6
Kap. 7
Ferien- Keinen Unterricht
Kap.7
Kap.8

Mittwoch, 24.10.
Montag, 29.10.
Mittwoch, 31.10.
Montag, 5.11.
Mittwoch, 7.11.

Kap. 8
Kap. 9
Kap. 9
Kap. 10
Kap. 10

Mittwoch, 29.8.

Last day to drop a course with a W grade

without deans permission

Montag, 12.11
Mittwoch, 14.11.

Kap. 11
Kap. 11

Montag 19.11.
Mittwoch 21.11.
Montag, 26.11.
Mittwoch, 28.11.
Montag, 3.12
Mittwoch, 5.12

letzter Unterrichtstag
Wiederholung

Last day to drop a course with deans approval

and extenuating circumstances (by 4:30 pm EST)
Last day to withdraw from the university (by 4:30
pm EST)

Exam Period
8.- 13. 12

Grade breakdown
Writing (W)
Conversation/Communication (C)
Technology (T)

50%
25%
25% (overlapping percentage)

Detailed grade breakdown

German 3121 students will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
A. 2 large 600 words essays (Aufsatz A und B): 2 x 15% each = 30% (T&W)
These two essays will have detailed guidelines on D2L. They will not have a draft and a final version.
B. 6 shorter 250 words essays (Aufsatz 1-6): 6 x 5 % each = 30 % (T&W)
For the essay, you will hand in a draft for feedback from your instructor and then turn in a final
version, which you have revised based on your teachers feedback. Both of the first draft and the final
version of each essay will be graded.
C. Hausaufgaben: 5%
(T & W)
Each class period your instructor will inform you about the next homework assignment. Typically,
exercises that correspond to the topic covered in class will be assigned for homework. All assignments
are to be prepared prior to class. You should enter the classroom ready to use the language learned in
the assignment at home to communicate effectively with the teacher and other members of the class.
All homework assignments are to be turned in at the beginning of class.
Your work on all hand-in work will be graded according to the following criteria:

Work completed/handed in on time and indicating a very thorough effort as well as an attempt
to correctly apply the new material will receive a "check plus" (95%). If the assignment requires
creative language production and it displays a superior use of German, you will receive a "check plus
plus" (100%).

Homework handed in on time and indicating a thorough effort will receive a "check" (80%).

Homework handed in on time but indicating an unsatisfactory effort will receive a "check
minus" (65%).
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Late homework: Late homework will be assessed a penalty of -10 %.

D. Class participation: 5%
(C)
To receive an A for participation, you have to be well prepared for class and be a very active
contributor to the class. That includes volunteering and group work as well as making a strong effort to
exclusively use German for all classroom communication. Remember that just being physically
present does not necessarily qualify as participating!
E. Quizzes: 5%
(W& T)
There will be 5 quizzes throughout the semester (announced and unannounced) to give you regular
feedback on your performance. They may cover vocabulary, grammar, culture or other material
discussed in class. Some will be in class and some online. You will receive 0% for any missed quiz
and there are no make-up quizzes (talk to your instructor in case of unusually severe circumstances).
F. Kulturprojekt: 5% (T&W,C)
This cultural project on a topic announced in class will be a multimedia presentation of about 3 min.
The written part will count towards the writing credit.
G. 18- min. group oral presentation (6 min. per student): 10% (T&C)
This will be a group presentation. The students will work in a group of three and videotape their
performance. Each student has to perform 6 minutes, thus the group presentation should be 18 minutes
long. After the oral presentation there will be a discussion. The fellow students will ask questions and
evaluate the performers.
H. 3-min. oral presentation: 2 x 5 % each= 10% (T&C)
After each oral presentation there will be a discussion. The fellow students will ask questions and
evaluate the presenter. One of the oral presentations will be recorded with Audacity.
G r ading Scale
A
93-100
A90-92
B+
87-89
B
83-86
B80-82
C+
77-79
C
73-76
C70-72
D+
67-69
D
60-67
F
< 59
If you have any questions about where you stand in the course, seek clarification from your instructor.
Note! There will be no final grade of D or D+ in this class. You will have to have a C- to advance
to the next course Conv. Comp. II.
Late Assignments
If you fail to turn in a major assignment, like an essay, without obtained permission from your
instructor prior to the due date, you earn a zero. If you have a good reason why you cannot bring or
submit the assignment, (like sickness or other emergency) you will have to explain it to your instructor
prior to the due date, or within 24 h and arrange a later submission. You should be prepared to
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document your absence, for example, with a note from your physician, if so requested.
Discipline
In class we will discuss new material and elicit any unclear material and any lost time due to discipline
issues is a waste for everybody. Thus, you need to be respectful towards your colleagues and not cause
any disturbances. Disturbances like chatting, texting, answering/making a phone call, reading/writing
for other subjects of study or reading a newspaper will not be tolerated. Also eating in class, even if it
is a snack is disrespectful for others. Please do not speak while your professor or other classmates are
speaking. Raise or signal with hand for attention.
Communication
Every student is assigned an ETSU e-mail account. Communication between instructor and students
will be done through the official ETSU account and D2L. Although students may choose to forward
university e-mail to an external e-mail account, they are responsible for all information, including
attachments. Students are expected to check e-mail on a frequent and regular basis in order to stay
current with University-related communications as well as class related issues.
Academic Honor
To maintain academic integrity in our language courses, every graded assignment (e.g. homework,
quizzes, tests, essays etc.) has to provide an honest reflection of the knowledge and abilities of the
student. Therefore, all aspects of every graded assignment have to be your work. Behaviors considered
academic dishonesty include but are not limited to the following:
O collaboration on a graded assignment without explicit approval of the instructor
o the use of online translators for graded assignments
o the use of computer software designed to assist with or correct the formal aspects of language (e.g.
spell specks, grammar programs) for graded assignments
o plagiarism (e.g. copying phrases, sentences or paragraphs from someone elses work) on graded
assignments
o getting outside help on any part of a graded class assignment (e.g. from a tutor, friend or relative)
Violation of these policies will result in a grade of 0% for the assignment. In addition, the case will be
reported to the Office of the Dean, which will determine an appropriate disciplinary action.
For general information about student academic conduct, please refer to the Student Handbook:
http://www.etsu.edu/students/spectrum/policies.htm
Attendance Policy
Daily attendance in class is required, not optional. Being in class to practice the language is absolutely
vital to your success as a foreign language learner.
The Foreign Language Absence and Tardy policy states:

that you will receive a grade of "F" if you are absent more than nine times in Monday,
Wednesday, Friday classes or more than six times in Tuesday, Thursday or Monday, Wednesday
classes.

that 2 tardies to Tuesday-Thursday / Monday-Wednesday classes will count as 1 absence and

that 3 tardies to Monday-Wednesday-Friday classes will count as 1 absence.
You will be allowed a maximum of three (3) absences for sickness, doctor visits, visits to the
health center, court appearances, personal business, etc., during the semester without penalty.
Beginning with the fourth absence, a penalty of 1% for each absence will be levied on the earned
final grade. Remember that every absence will put you in a catch-up situation, and that will affect
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your performance in class, your achievement on tests and quizzes, and your grades.
Special Absence Exemption
We will completely excuse students for extended absences for sickness, death in the family, etc., if the
need for the absence can be verified to the satisfaction of the instructor. Students who must miss class
for a prolonged time and for a serious reason must show written proof (e.g., doctor's note on office
letterhead with telephone number) to have the absences excused. The same applies to absences due to
official university business (e.g. band trips, athletic events). Let your instructor know in advance when
you will not be able to attend class and be prepared to provide an official written note.
If you must leave the university suddenly for a family emergency, inform your instructor immediately
or have another student do so for you. Do not just disappear - keep your instructor informed!
However more than 6 absences, excused and unexcused will result in failing the class.
Extr a-Curricular Activities
During the course of the semester there might be various extra-curricular activities, such as: Film
nights, Stammtisch (German table), Club events, etc. Attending these will earn you 0.5% of your
participation for each.
Disability Ser vices
Students registered with Disability Services must provide the instructor with the accommodation
forms. For more information please refer to the website:
http://www.etsu.edu/students/disable/dhh/default.aspx.
Mental Health
Students often have questions about mental health resources, whether for themselves or a friend or
family member. There are many resources available on the ETSU Campus, including: ETSU
Counseling Center (423) 439-4841; ETSU Behavioral Health & Wellness Clinic (423) 439-7777;
ETSU Community Counseling Clinic: (423) 439-4187.

If you or a friend are in immediate crisis, call 911.

Available 24 hours per day is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
(8255).

Desir e2Lea r n
Our course has an online presence where you can find all the important information for and about this
class. Simply go to https://elearn.etsu.edu/ to log into our courses D2L site. Everything will be posted
online (e.g. homework assignments, essay topics & grading keys, your instructors office hours,
important announcements). If you had to miss class, make sure to log into D2L to catch up that way,
you can be prepared for the next lesson and still turn in your homework without a late penalty!

Viel Erfolg und Spa in Germ 3121!

Spectrum 2010-2011
Policies and Regulations
TN Board of Regents
State University and Community College
System of Tennessee

Institutional Student Disciplinary Rules

0240-3-2-.03 ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT
1.

The instructor has the primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance of academic
integrity, and can order the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in
disruptive conduct or conduct violative of the general rules and regulations of the institution or school. Extended
or permanent exclusion from the classroom or further disciplinary action can be effected only through appropriate
procedures of the institution or school.

2.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic
misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the
instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the
regular institutional procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F"
or a zero for the exercise or examination, or to assign an "F" in the course. The Dean of Libraries will make a
librarian, who is familiar with using free and fee-based technologies to detect plagiarism, available to teach
workshops on the subject through the Teaching and Learning Center or other appropriate venues.

3.

If the student believes that he or she has been erroneously accused of academic misconduct, and if his or her final
grade has been lowered as a result, the student may appeal the case through the university's grade appeal process
for students.

4.

Disruptive behavior in the classroom may be defined as, but is not limited to, behavior that obstructs or disrupts
the learning environment (e.g. offensive language, harassment of students and professors, repeated outbursts from
a student which disrupt the flow of instruction or prevent concentration on the subject taught, failure to cooperate
in maintaining classroom decorum, etc.) the continued use of any electronic or other noise or light emitting device
which disturbs others (e.g. disturbing noises from beepers, cell phones, PDA's, laptop computers, games, etc.).

5.

Class attendance and punctuality requirements are contracted between the faculty and students, through specific
expectations for attendance and punctuality and specific consequences are outlined by individual faculty members
in the printed syllabus for each course.
Students are expected to attend classes regularly and on time and are responsible for giving explanations/rationale
for absences and lateness directly to the faculty member for each course in which they are enrolled.
In cases where student absences are the result of emergency circumstances (e.g. death in the family, a student's
serious injury or incapacitating illness), for which students are unable to make immediate contact with the faculty,
the student may contact the Office of Student Affairs for assistance in providing such immediate notification to
faculty. However, the student remains responsible for verifying the emergency circumstances to faculty and for
discussing arrangements with faculty for completion of coursework.

Both give guidance and clarification to both students and faculty on matters of classroom conduct and attendance
requirements.
Statutory Authority: T.C.A. Section 49-8-203

Please sign and turn in the page below

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=======================================================================
I, _______________________________________(name as shown on university records; please print):
have read and understood the above Honor Statement and how it is implemented in the Literature and
Language Department. Furthermore, I pledge that I will honor my personal commitment to academic
honor and integrity in this class by completing all graded assignments according to the policies stated
above.
For general information about student academic conduct, please refer to the Spectrum Student
Handbook
If you have any questions about the Literature and Language Departments Policies, please ask your
instructor Raluca Negrisanu or contact Dr. Crooke at tel. 423-439 -6902 or email: crooke@etsu.edu
I have read and understood the policies explained in the syllabus for GER 3121.
Student ID #: _______________________
Signature: ____________________________________________

Date: ____________

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