GRMN 101 - German I

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
Beginning College German is a functional course which includes fundamentals of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in correct idiomatic German. Selected cultural material is used to enhance the basic skills.

Text
Moeller, Deutsch Heute. 6th ed. Houghton-Mifflin, 1996.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Converse correctly using simple, idiomatic German in guided discussions and daily situations.

B. Read and answer questions on different types of simple reading matter.

C. Write simple German correctly in appropriate basic grammar.

D. Answer questions on German culture.

Content
A. Conversation will be based on material in the text including vocabulary as it is presented. Conversation will be based on simple questions and answers suitable for common situations.

B. Grammar is presented in readings and dialogues. Numerous examples are given and the student’s understanding of general rules is reinforced through various forms of drill: substitution, direct questions, pattern drills, etc. Written work and a certain amount of memorization are required in the conjugation of verbs and the learning of vocabulary.

C. Reading is used to develop reading comprehension. (It is recognized that some translation is beneficial to increase the student’s confidence in and command of the language, but this is not a primary goal of the course.) Outside readings may be assigned periodically from magazines, short stories and cultural materials, according to the range of individual needs, interests, and abilities.

D. Writing is begun by doing exercises from the textbook, emphasizing spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. As the ability in spelling, grammar, and vocabulary increases, the student will translate into the target language passages found in the text and proceed to guided paragraphs dealing with material already mastered. As competence and confidence are gained, students may compose their own paragraphs.

E. Pronunciation of correct diction and intonation is stressed through repetition drills based on listening, general drills in grammar conducted orally, and class and individual recitations.

Student Evaluation
Evaluation of homework will be accomplished by a combination of class participation, dictation, quizzes, tests, and the final examination.Bibliography
Betteridge, Harold T. Cassell’s German Dictionary: German-English, English-German. Rev. ed. New York: Macmillan, 1978.

Durrell, Martin, ed. Hammer’s German Grammar and Usage. Chicago: NTC Publishing Group, 1994.

German Made Easy. Los Angeles: Spencer Video and Film, 1985.

Langenscheidt Concise German Dictionary. New York: Barnes and Noble, 1964.

Lederer, Herbert. Reference Grammar of the German Language. New York: Scribner, 1969.

Paxton, Norman. Teach Yourself Books, German Grammar. Chicago: NTC Publishing Group, 1992.

Robertson, Silvia. Teach Yourself Books, German Verbs. Chicago: NTC Publishing Group, 1994.