KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROPOSAL
New Course (Not General Education)
Course Prefix and Number: GRMN 4499
Responsible Department: Foreign Languages
Proposed Effective Date: Spring 2009
(Note: This can be no earlier than the term after approval by the UPCC.)
Signature Page
Submitted by:
Susanne Kelley
October 15, 2007
Name
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
_____________________________
Department Curriculum Committee, Date
_____________________________
General Education Council*, Date
_____________________________
Professional Teacher Education
Unit Program Area*, Date
_____________________________
Department Chair, Date
_____________________________
College/School Curriculum Committee AND/OR
Teacher Education Council*, Date
_____________________________
College/School Dean, Date
_____________________________
Undergraduate Policies and Curriculum Committee,
Date
_____________________________
Associate VP of Academic Affairs, Date
*For curriculum proposals involving General Education courses, there should be collaboration by the
Department Curriculum Committee and the General Education Council. For Teacher Preparation
proposals, there should be collaboration by the Department Curriculum Committee, the Professional
Teacher Education Unit (PTEU) Program Area Committee, the Teacher Education Council, and the
College/School Curriculum Committee.
Form updated February 23, 2007.
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROPOSAL
New Course (Not General Education)
I. Proposed Information
Course Prefix and Number: GRMN 4499
Course Title: Senior Seminar
Credit Hours (format should be # - # - #): 3-0-3
Prerequisites: Any GRMN course at the 4000 level or permission by instructor
(Prerequisites are courses or requirements that non-negotiable and must be successfully
completed by any student before enrolling in the course or program under consideration.
Corequisites are courses that can be taken before or in the same semester as the course under
consideration. Courses at the upper-division level will require lower-division competencies or
prerequisites.)
Course Description for the Catalog:
This is a capstone course designed to synthesize and connect the student's prior academic experiences
in the major and related fields of study. Students will prepare a reflective essay and a research paper to
present to the faculty. Papers and presentations are in German.
II. Justification for Course
A. Explain assessment findings which led to course development.
Upper-division courses as GRMN 4499 are necessary for students to develop the ACTFL proficiency
rating of Advanced Low. It services students with rising proficiency levels and addresses increasing
enrollment in German Studies. This course is also necessary for German Studies to maintain its
congruency with the courses offered in French and Spanish within the Modern Language & Culture
program.
B. Explain for Prerequisites:
1. What is the substance of content in each prerequisite that commands its inclusion as a
prerequisite to the proposed course?
GRMN 4402, 4404, 4434, and 4456 are courses in which students examine literature, culture,
society, and language from a topical or genre perspective. The analytical skills acquired in these
courses are essential for students to be successful in GRMN 4499.
2. What is the desired sequence of prerequisites?
NA
3. What is the rationale for requiring the above sequence of prerequisites?
NA
4. How often are the required prerequisites offered?
as appropriate/once every academic year
C. Give any other justification for the course. NA
II. Additional Information
A. Where does this course fit sequentially and philosophically within the program of study.
Senior Seminar is a capstone course for the graduating senior majoring in Modern Language & Culture
with German as the primary language.
B. What efforts have been made to ensure that this course does not duplicate the content of other
college courses with similar titles, purposes, or content?
The course is taught entirely in German, focusing on a special topic within German Studies. It is unique to
the Department of Foreign Languages
C. Where will the course be located in the program (elective, required in Area F, required or elective for
the major)? Indicate and justify its placement in the curriculum.
This course will be required for the major.
D. How often will this course be offered?
once every academic year/as appropriate
E. All sections of the course will be taught with the understanding that the following apply:
1. Purpose of the course
This course is designed to synthesize and connect the student's prior academic experiences in the major
and related fields of study. By reading selected novels and accompanying articles, students will engage in
a thorough examination of a specific topic in German literature and culture. Students will practice thinking,
speaking, and writing critically during their in-depth study of the topic.
2. Objectives of the course
In this course, students refine their reading, writing, and speaking skills in German and learn in-depth
analysis of a specific topic through various novels and other texts. Students will analyze and expand on the
readings in a formal project including written and oral performance.
3. Course content
In this course students will study a selected topic in language, literature, culture, or film.
F. What instructional methodologies will be incorporated into the course to stimulate group process,
writing skills, multiculturalism, and educational outcomes?
A variety of methodologies will be incorporated into the course.These include use of technology, group
work, oral presentations on multicultural topics, written production which includes a research project,
written summaries and content analysis of readings.
G. Outline the plan for continuous course assessment. What are the department, school, college, or
professional standards which will be used for the assessment? How will it be determined that the course
is current, meeting the educational needs of students and responsive to educational standards? How
often will the course assessment be done by the department?
The course will be assessed on a regular basis in end-semester student evaluations. All courses offered
in German Studies are consistent with the principles, professional standards, and learning objectives
identified by the KSU Department of Foreign Languages and by the American Council on the Teaching of
Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Assessment tools for student progress will include the following:
Compositions
Oral presentation
Research project
H. Required Syllabus Contents (See Faculty Handbook, page 3.10 for details about KSU syllabi).
1. Course Prefix Number and Title see attached syllabus
2. Instructor:
a. Office:
b. Telephone:
3. Learning Objectives
4. Text(s)
5. Course Requirements/Assignments
6. Evaluation and Grading
7. Weekly Schedule of Topics
8. Academic Honesty Statement
9. Attendance Policy
II. Resources and Funding Required
A. What resources will be redirected to accommodate this course?
NA
A. Explain what items will cause additional cost to the department/school/college
PersonnelNA
Computer TechnologyNA
Library resourcesNA
EquipmentNA
SpaceNA
IV. COURSE MASTER FORM
This form will be completed by the requesting department and will be sent to the Office of the Registrar
once the course has been approved by the Office of the
President. The form is required for all new courses.
DISCIPLINE: GRMN
COURSE NUMBER: 4499
COURSE TITLE FOR LABEL: Senior Seminar
(Note: Limit 30 spaces)
CLASS-LAB-CREDIT HOURS: 3-0-3
Approval, Effective Semester: Spring 2009
(Note: This can be no earlier than the term after approval by the UPCC.)
Grades Allowed (Regular or S/U): Regular
If course used to satisfy CPC, what areas?
Learning Support Programs courses which are
required as prerequisites:
APPROVED:
_______________________________________________________________________
Vice President for Academic Affairs or Designee
Kennesaw State University
Department of Foreign Languages
(www.kennesaw.edu/foreign_lang)
Spring 2009 GRMN 4499 Section 01
Senior Seminar
“Multicultural Women Authors in German Literature”
Instructor:
Dr. Susanne Kelley
Office:
PS 254
Office phone: 678-797-2383
Office hours: tba
E-mail: skelle16@kennesaw.edu
Books:
 Honigmann, Barbara. Damals, dann und danach. 2002
 Hügel-Marshall, Ika. Daheim Unterwegs. Ein deutsches Leben. 2001
 Monikova, Libuse. Treibeis. 1997
 Özdamar, Emine S. Mutterzunge. 1998
 Tawada, Yoko. Das nackte Auge. 2004
Catalog Description:
This is a capstone course designed to synthesize and connect the student's prior academic
experiences in the major and related fields of study. Students will prepare a reflective essay and a
research paper to present to the faculty. Papers and presentations are in German.
Course Goals:
The purpose of this course is to prepare and present a research project to the faculty
demonstrating the student’s proficiency in German as well as an understanding of the
connections among the perspectives of a culture and its practices and products.
Course Expectations:
Participation and Attendance: Classroom activities are mainly concerned with the acquisition
of active communication skills, which means that students will frequently prepare oral and
written assignments in pairs and groups (speaking and writing only German). Class will begin on
time. Punctual attendance is mandatory and absolutely essential. Students are expected to attend
all classes. The maximum number of absences is three. All absences, excused or unexcused, will
be counted as absences. Each additional absence over the maximum will result in your final grade
being lowered by 3%. If students must be absent from class, it is their responsibility to find out
what the assignment was for that day and to turn homework in on time.
Assignments and Tests: Assignments cannot be made up, except in cases of documented family
or medical emergencies. Students must submit homework on the day it is due. Students are
expected to be able to respond to homework assignments orally as well.
Evaluation:
Research Essay
Written Summary of Research
Oral Presentation of Research
Participation
Total
600 points
100 points
200 points
100 points
1000 points
60%
10%
20%
10%
100%
Grading Scale: 100-90%=A; 89-80%=B; 79-70%=C; 69-60%=D; 59% and below=F
Student Learning Outcomes
This course will contribute to the attainment of the following general (GSLO) and specific
(SSLO) student learning outcomes of the B.A. in Modern Language & Culture (ML&C):
GSLO ML&C 1: LANGUAGE, LINGUISTICS, & COMPARISONS
Learners are proficient in using the target language, are familiar with the target language system,
and seek opportunities to further develop their skills and knowledge. (Knowledge, Skills,
Attitudes)
SSLO ML&C 1.a.: Demonstrating Language Proficiency.
Learners demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the target language, and they seek
opportunities to strengthen their proficiency. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes)
To address this outcome, learners will
 read five novels and read several critical essays. Upon completion of 4499, learners
are expected to be able to move beyond literal comprehension, infer the meaning of
unfamiliar words and phrases in new contexts, infer and interpret the author’s intent, and
offer a personal interpretation of text.
 write a research paper. Upon completion of 4499, learners are expected to have
achieved an Advanced-Low level in writing on the ACTFL scale in their primary
language.
 discuss literary techniques and cultural issues related to the works studied.
Upon completion of 4499, learners are expected to have achieved an Advanced-Low
level in interpersonal speaking on the ACTFL scale in their primary language.
 deliver an oral presentation extemporaneously, without reading notes verbatim.
Learners are expected to speak in connected discourse using a variety of time frames and
vocabulary appropriate to the topic. Use extra-linguistic support as needed to facilitate
audience comprehension (e.g., visuals) is required.
Assessment:
 Research Project (Paper, Summary, and Presentation)
GSLO ML&C 2: CULTURES & LITERATURES
Learners know the literature and culture of the target language countries. They use this
knowledge to interpret and reflect upon the perspectives of the target culture in relation to its
practices and products. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes)
SSLO ML&C 2.a.: Demonstrating Cultural Understandings.
Learners demonstrate that they understand the connections among the perspectives of a
culture and its practices and products. (Knowledge, Skills)
To address this outcome, learners will
 read five novels and several critical essays
 analyze and discuss the practices and products of multicultural women authors
writing in and about Germany.
Assessment:
 Research Project (Paper, Summary, and Presentation)
SSLO ML&C 2.b.: Demonstrating Understanding of Literary and Cultural Texts and
Traditions.
Learners recognize the value and role of literary and cultural texts and use them to interpret
and reflect upon the perspectives of the target cultures over time. (Knowledge, Skills,
Attitudes)
To address this outcome, learners will
 read, analyze, and discuss literary and critical texts addressing the multicultural
perspectives of German -peaking culture.
 write a research paper that will combine a literary and cultural analysis of those
perspectives.
Assessment:
 Research Project (Paper, Summary, and Presentation)
Academic honesty statement: Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code
of Conduct, as published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section ii of the Student Code of Conduct
addresses the University’s policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and cheating,
unauthorized access to University materials, misrepresentation/falsification of university records or academic work,
malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities
and/or services, and misuse of student identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be
handled through the established procedures of the University Judiciary Program, which includes either an “informal”
resolution by a faculty member, resulting in grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a
student to the Code of Conduct’s minimum one semester suspension requirement.
Disability Policy: Kennesaw State University provides program accessibility and reasonable accommodations for
persons identified as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990. A number of services are available to help disabled students with their academic work. In order to
make arrangements for special services, students must visit the Office of Disabled Student Support Services (ext.
6443) and arrange an individual assistance plan. In some cases, certification of disability is required.
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
GRMN 4499 – Spring 2009
Week 1
Course Introduction; Multicultural Germany and Europe
Week 2
Turkish-German literature: Mutterzunge
Week 3
Turkish-German literature: Mutterzunge
Week 4
Jewish-German literature: Damals, dann und danach
Week 5
Jewish-German literature: Damals, dann und danach
Week 6
Jewish-German literature: Damals, dann und danach
Week 7
Eastern European authors in Germany: Treibeis
Week 8
Eastern European authors in Germany: Treibeis
Week 9
Eastern European authors in Germany: Treibeis
Week 10
Black Germans: Daheim Unterwegs
Week 11
Black Germans: Daheim Unterwegs
Week 12
Black Germans: Daheim Unterwegs
Week 13
Asian-German literature: Das nackte Auge
Week 14
Asian-German literature: Das nackte Auge
Week 15
Asian-German literature: Das nackte Auge
Week 16
Student Presentations