Lake Zurich High School 2015-2016
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
_______________________________________________________________________________
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. Many LZHS students have received substantial college credit and placed into advanced college courses after completing German 5-H 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 spoken language in Europe, and Germany has been consistently the 3 rd 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! ***Herr Z. is leading a TRIP TO AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND AND
GERMANY in June, 2016!—Contact Herr Z. for details!***
Course Description : German 4-H continues to build and refine listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in
German in preparation for German 5-H or German 5-AP. 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.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A. Course Standards
The following proficiency standards reflect the four components of language learning:
1. Communicates clearly through writing 3. Effectively listens for a variety of purposes
2. Communicates clearly through speaking 4. Effectively reads for a variety of purposes
We will strive for 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.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 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

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. CELL PHONES AND OTHER
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE EXPECTED TO BE TURNED OFF AND PUT
AWAY until required for class purposes. Students who frequently are not in their seats, do not have
P.E.D.’s put away, and are not ready to begin class on time may lose participation credit.
5. RESPECT THE TEACHER AND YOUR CLASSMATES and USE APPROPRIATE
LANGUAGE FOR SCHOOL No behavior that interferes with learning will be tolerated. Listen to the teacher and classmates when they participate.
**CHEATING is unacceptable. Students caught cheating during assessment situations
will receive a grade of zero (0) on that assignment, and parents may be notified.
**DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS may negatively affect grades.
____________________________________________________________________________________
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.
2. PARTICIPATION: Active use of a foreign language is essential for learning. Positive behavior,
preparedness, being on time and attitude can affect your participation grade. Participation points
make up 6-10% 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 for proficiency in a second language ! Homework points make up ca. 8-10% 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 for mastering a foreign language! The more you practice, the better your German will be, and the more you will get out of class.
Practicing only in class will not lead to proficiency. A foreign language is a skill, and as with any skill, the more you practice, the better will be your performance! **It is recommended that students spend a minimum of 20-25 minutes per day outside of class studying for German 4-honors in order to reach their potential.

Dr. Ziarnik
Lake Zurich High School
2015-2016
are determined as follows:
100-97% = A+
96-93 = A
90-92 = A-
89-87 = B+
77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 = C-
67-69 = D+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B-
63-66 = D
60-62 = D-
59 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: (Marking Period total points earned) 485 / (Total possible points) 550
= 485/550 = 88.18% = B+
Total Possible Class Point Scores typically range as follows and may vary:
Per marking period: ca. 500-600
Per semester: ca. 1000-1200
Short Homework Assignments (overnight—for completion or collected) = 3-8 points
Long Homework Assignments (several days, e.g. readings and questions) = 16 – 25 points
Journal (Tagebuch) or Essay (Aufsatz) =
Quizzes = 10 – 30 points
15-30 points
Bi-Weekly Verb Quizzes = 25 – 30 points
Chapter Tests = 70 – 100 points
Interpersonal Writing/Speaking; Presentational Speaking/Writing ; Interpretational Assessments = 45 points
Class Participation = ca. 5 points per week (=ca. 6-8% 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.
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).
If you have a legitimate, excused absence, you 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.”
: 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!