Follows GER-132 and is the first of two intermediate-level German courses focusing on communication in a cultural context. Develops students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in German, expands their vocabulary, and deepens their knowledge of pronunciation and grammatical principles in order to comprehend and express essential ideas in both spoken and written German. Presents the cultures of German-speaking countries.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
GER-231 is designed to enable students to reach the Intermediate Low level on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scale, focusing on language learning through communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities.
- Past-tense verbs
- Reported speech
- Hypothetical expressions
- Passive voice
- Gender, number and case agreement
- Prepositions
- Pronouns
- Conjunctions
- Vocabulary
- Essay composition
- Culture
- Interpret fiction and non-fiction texts written in the Imperfekt
- Recognize reported or indirect speech of Konjunktiv 1
- Recognize and produce statements contrary to fact using Konjunktiv 2
- Recognize and produce the passive voice
- Demonstrate correct usage of adjective endings
- Recognize and produce da und wo Komposita
- Recognize and produce relative pronouns in compound clauses
- Employ subordinating conjunctions to make arguments
- Write about, speak about, and interpret intermediate dialogues and texts related to themes presented in each chapter/unit
- Write simple descriptive, narrative, and informative essays related to themes presented in each chapter/unit of the textbook using register-appropriate vocabulary
- Analyze cultural differences as manifested through language differences
Note: A grade of C- is not transferable and is not accepted by some programs at HFC.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of academic achievement will be identified and implemented by the class instructor. Methods will include, but not be limited to:
- Participation
- Homework assignments
- Weekly/regular quizzes
- Weekly/regular compositions
- Chapter/unit tests
- Oral presentation(s)/project(s)
- Midterm/final exam
All sections of this level will use a textbook (and any accompanying materials) selected by the course coordinator and approved by the World Languages Committee.
Outcomes
- Humanities and Fine Arts
- Category 5: Humanities and Fine Arts