German-First Year
Course Outline and General Information
Olympia High School, 2017-2018
Frau Williams: [email protected]
I. Course Objective:
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the German language, the places where it is spoken and the people who speak it. You will learn core vocabulary and fundamental communicative functions. Using an array of audio, visual, textual and interactive materials you will develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing which would help you to function in social situations and attend to your basic needs in a German-speaking environment. You are expected to use German in class to the extent possible. Your adherence to this expectation may be reflected in your participation grade.
II. Materials:
You are required to take and maintain notes for this class. We will be using the textbook “Deutsch Aktuell” and its accompanying materials. The textbook will be available to you in class and you will have online access to it as well for use at home.
III. Course Requirements/Grading
Your grade will be based on a point system. Your final letter grade will be determined by the percentage you have earned of the total possible points according to the standard scale:
(93-100% = A; 90-92% = A-; 87-89% = B+; 83-86% = B; 80-82% = B-; 77-79% = C+;
73-76% = C; 70-72% = C-; 67-69% = D+; 60-66% = D; 0-59% = F.)
You will earn points for the following:
1. Activities, exercises (Aktivität/Akt., Übungen/Üb.)
These are listening, speaking, reading or writing exercises we do in class for practice. Practice is not graded so these will be on a credit/no credit basis.
2. Homework assignments (Hausaufgaben/HA)
These are opportunities to demonstrate what you can do after you have practiced the skill(s) and will be graded on accuracy and quality.
3. Quizzes, tests (Testchen, Test)
These are also post-practice and will be graded. Each graded test or quiz will be preceded by a practice version so you are, in essence, doing a re-take on the day of the quiz or test. Because of this I do not offer further re-takes!
4. Projects, presentations (Projekt/Proj, Präsentation/Präs)
Projects may involve writing and drawing or diagramming. Presentations involve speaking alone or with a partner in front of the class. These assignments will be presented with a grading rubric.
5. Attendance/Participation (Anwesenheit/AW, Mitarbeit/MA)
You will earn 5 points per week for attendance and effort in participating in class activities and using German. Attendance in the foreign language class is especially important! This is not an independent study curriculum and the vast majority of your learning is through in-class discussion, practice, listening and interaction. Please do not underestimate the impact (positive or negative) this can have on your grade! In assigning you points I will consider attentiveness, preparedness and participation. Distracted or distracting behavior will negatively impact this grade. I will enter this grade every two weeks so you can monitor it. 
Make-up work from legitimate absences will be accepted if done within the time allotted by school policy. Otherwise, late work is not accepted, and under no circumstance is late work accepted if you were in class when it was done! Our weekly schedule including daily work and homework assignments is recorded on the whiteboard. A list of our learning goals can be found on my webpage and you will also receive a copy to keep in your notebook. I plan a weekly schedule that is subject to adjustment based on student interest and need and so my webpage will not have day-by-day lesson plans and assignments. If you are absent you should see me when you return or send me an e-mail.
IV. Your rights and responsibilities in this classroom:
You have the right to be treated with respect and consideration at all times.
And, therefore, you have the responsibility to treat others with respect and consideration always.
You have the right to learn.
And, therefore, you have the responsibility to refrain from interfering with anyone else’s right to learn and the teacher’s ability to teach. You also have the responsibility to follow Olympia High School Rules, which are designed for the safety and comfort of all students, faculty and staff.
You have the right to give constructive feedback regarding the instruction you are receiving, to ask appropriate questions and to ask for additional help.
And, therefore, you have the responsibility to play an active role in your learning. This includes maintaining good attendance, completing all required work and being fully focused on each lesson and activity. Cell phones are a distraction! Please turn them off and put them away during class. Taking an active role in your learning also involves keeping track of your own progress and making arrangements for extra help when you need it. You can access your up to date grade on Family/Student access.
Remember: Your rights end where the next person’s begin!