Lake Zurich High School
2014-2015
DEUTSCH 4 (CP)
Room B103
Dr. Andrew Ziarnik
Dept. phone: (847) 540-4674
Office (D226) hours: 7:20-7:50 or appt.
http://www.lz95.org/directory
Andrew.Ziarnik@lz95.org
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Why study German? Proficiency in a foreign language can contribute significantly to one’s understanding of other lands
and cultures and is often a requirement for college entrance and a college degree. Many LZHS students have received
substantial college credit and placed into advanced college courses after completing German 5 or 5-AP. Foreign language
students also score higher on SAT and ACT college entrance exams.
Ability to speak a foreign language can help land a job, especially in today’s global society. After English, German is
the most widely used language in Europe, and Germany has been consistently the 3rd top exporting country in the world. The
ability to communicate in German can enable you to travel to new, exciting places, meet new friends, experience first-hand
the literature, music, art and history of another culture as well as increase your career options! **Participate in Lake Zurich’s
active Sister City exchange program with Nittenau, Bavaria—See Herr Z for details!
Course Description: German 4 continues to build and refine listening, speaking, reading and writing skills
in German. Knowledge of German-speaking countries and their civilization is increased through audio-visual materials,
authentic publications and materials, the Internet, readings in the text and informal discussions.
Emphasis is placed on expanding vocabulary, reviewing and expanding knowledge of important grammatical structures, and
developing more advanced spoken and written fluency.
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A. Course Standards
The following proficiency standards reflect the four components of language learning:
1. Communicates clearly through writing
2. Communicates clearly through speaking
3. Effectively listens for a variety of purposes
4. Effectively reads for a variety of purposes
We will strive for intermediate to advanced proficiency in the four modes of communication (writing, speaking, listening
and reading) as reflected in the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines (2012). Students will be expected to do their best to excel in
these modes. Proficiency will be assessed formally and informally throughout the course by means homework,
quizzes, tests, oral reports, projects and in-class assignments.
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B. Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. participate in conversations of intermediate to advanced complexity in German and demonstrate knowledge about
a variety of themes and topics including those covered in Komm mit 3, chapters 1, 2, 6, 9, 11; the film Die
Brücke; and German holiday traditions
2. write paragraphs of intermediate to advanced complexity that express students’ thoughts about the above topics
3. understand spoken German regarding the above topics when delivered at normal speed by a native speaker
4. compare U.S. culture with the culture of German-speaking countries and be able to discuss how daily activities
of those countries are similar to or different from our own
5. use and apply appropriately the grammatical structures covered in the above chapters as well as those learned previously
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C. Expectations of the Teacher
In order to successfully participate in this class, students will:
1. PARTICIPATE! You can only learn a second language if you actively practice—both in and out of
the classroom.
2. BE PREPARED. Homework, pens, notebook, textbook and workbook are required every day.
3. RAISE YOUR HAND to speak or get out of your seat. All constructive participation is welcome,
but students must raise their hands to speak so that others can hear and all have the same chance.
4. BE IN YOUR SEAT AND READY for class when the bell rings. Students who frequently are not
in their seats and ready to begin class on time may lose participation credit.
5. RESPECT THE TEACHER AND YOUR CLASSMATES. No behavior that interferes with
learning will be tolerated. Listen to the teacher and your classmates when they participate.
6. USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE FOR SCHOOL.
7. CHEATING is unacceptable. Students caught cheating during assessments will receive a grade of
zero (0) on that assignment, and parents may be notified.
8. DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS may negatively affect grades.
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D. Evaluation of Student Progress (See Grading Policy Handout for more specific information!)
1. GRADING: The quarter and semester grades are determined by the total number of points received
for all tests, quizzes, homework, projects, in-class assignments and participation etc. Homework
points make up ca. 15-20% of the quarter grade, so consistent homework completion is
important!
2. PARTICIPATION: Active use of a foreign language is essential for learning. Positive behavior and
attitude, being prepared and on time can affect your participation grade. Participation points make up
ca. 8-10% of the quarter grade.
3. HOMEWORK typically will be evaluated for completion and/or accuracy. Students can expect some
kind of homework assignment most days of the week. Late assignments will be accepted, but will
be awarded fewer points according to how late they are received. Consistent homework completion
is important! Homework points make up ca. 10% of the quarter grade.
*** Doing one’s own work is essential for learning. COPYING HOMEWORK AND USING ONLINE
TRANSLATORS FOR MORE THAN DICTIONARY PURPOSES FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT IS
UNACCEPTABLE. It is o.k. to consult with classmates about homework problems; however, any
assignments that appear to have been copied—as well as the original that was copied--may not
receive credit. Students may always see the teacher for help!
4. HOME STUDY—time spent learning outside of class—is essential! The more you practice,
the better your German will be. Practicing only in class will not lead to proficiency. Speaking a foreign
language is a skill: the more you practice, the better! **It is recommended that students in German 4
spend a minimum of 20 minutes per day studying outside of class.
Dr. Ziarnik
Lake Zurich High School
2014-2015
Grading Policy for German 4
1. Letter grades are determined as follows:
Class Grades will not be rounded up.
100-97% = A+
96-93 = A
90-92 = A89-87 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B-
77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 = C67-69 = D+
63-66 = D
60-62 = D59 and below = F
Your marking period and semester grades will be determined by the number of points you gain for your
ongoing, cumulative class point score.
Example:
(Points earned per Quarter) 485 / (Total possible points) 550
= 485/550 = 88.18% = B+
Total Possible Class Point Scores typically range from 500-700 per Quarter and may vary slightly
according to class or quarter
Semester Grades: Quarter 1 (40%) + Quarter 2 (40%) + Exam (20%)
2. Typical types of assignments and their approximate values:
Short Homework Assignments (overnight—for accuracy and/or completion credit) = 3-6 points
Long Homework Assignments (several days, e.g. readings and questions) = 14 – 20 points
Journal (Tagebuch) or Essay (Aufsatz) = 15-30 points
Short Quizzes = 8-15 points
Weekly Verb Quizzes = 20 – 30 points
Vocabulary Quizzes = 30-40 points
Chapter Tests = 70 – 100 points
Projects (1 – 2 per semester) = 50-100 points
Oral Presentations = 40-50 points
Class Participation = 5 points per week (=ca. 6-10% of quarter grade)
Points are earned through using the target language, volunteering, and contributing in a positive way
to learning in class. Class Participation points may deducted for excessive chatting, unpreparedness,
lack of effort etc.
3. Late Work. Late homework or other assignments will be accepted for reduced credit. After one week,
only minimal credit will be given for completing the late assignment (this includes homework, journals,
and projects).
4. Make-up work: Students with legitimate, excused absences will have the opportunity to make up missed
work. Make-up work must be done within several days of the absence, or else the missed grade may be
marked as “0” or receive reduced credit.
5. Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be given, except occasionally to the entire class as part of a test, quiz,
or review assignment. No exceptions!!! Strive to do your best on all types of assignments, and complete
them on time!