HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL
GERMAN 4 (Grades 11-12)
2013-2014 COURSE SYLLABUS
Instructor: Kristin Young
Phone : 859-815- 2666
Grade: 11-12
Credit: 1
Textbook/Workbook:
Portfolio Deutsch, Level 4
D-A-CH
Description
This course continues to emphasize grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation learned from German 3 that is applied
actively in speaking, reading, writing and listening comprehension. At the end of German 4 students should be able to
perform at an intermediate high to advanced low proficiency level as outlined by ACTFL. German culture is an integral
part of the course.
Course Standards
Students will:
 Continue to learn expressions to enable them to maintain a flowing conversation.
 Continue to learn thematic vocabulary that covers daily conversations.
 Study geography of Germany and its neighboring countries.
 Converse using correct pronunciation and intonation.
 Write letters/e-mails/stories in German.
 Read intermediate/advanced level authentic material including poetry, articles, and short stories.
 Prepare presentations on a given topic in German.
 Appreciate the culture of German speaking countries, while recognizing the similarities and differences.
Goals of the Novice-Intermediate Learner
 Student asks and responds to questions on a variety of topics.
 Communicate about personal interests, expressing a variety of emotions and opinions in paragraph length
speaking.
 Communicate in work related, personal, or academic topics.
 Write essays and e-mails in German using acquired vocabulary and grammar structures.
 Read intermediate/advanced level material from varied and authentic sources.
 Appreciate German culture and appreciate the similarities and differences.
Comment
Students will regularly demonstrate their competencies in the target language through the three modes of communication:
Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational. These are the Communication Modes that are a direct tie to the
National Standards for Foreign Language Learning. They provide an enriched view of language that reflects real
communication.
Interpersonal: This mode is characterized by the active negotiation of meaning among individuals. Participants observe
and monitor one another to see how their meanings and intentions are being communicated. Adjustments and
clarifications are made accordingly.
Interpretive: This mode focuses on the appropriate cultural interpretation of meanings that occur in written and spoken
form where there is no recourse to the active negotiation of meaning with the writer or speaker.
Presentational: This mode refers to the creation of oral and written messages in a manner that facilitates interpretation by
members of the other culture where no direct opportunity for the active negotiation of meaning between members of the
two cultures exists.
All lessons and assessments inside and outside of the classroom revolve around The 5 C’s
These standards describe the “what” (content) of world languages learning and form the core of standards-based
instruction in the world languages classroom.
Communication: The communication standard stresses the use of language for communication in “real life” situations. It
emphasizes “what students can do with language” rather than “what they know about language.” Students are asked to
communicate in oral and written forms, interpret oral and written messages, show cultural understanding when they
communicate and present oral and written information to various audiences for various purposes.
Cultures: The cultures standard is an integral part of learning a foreign language. Through gaining an understanding of
the culture, one is able to appreciate the similarities and differences of their native country to that of another.
Comparisons: Students are encouraged to compare and contrast languages and cultures. They discover patterns, make
predictions, and analyze similarities and differences across languages and cultures. Students often understand their own
language in the process of doing so.
Connections: Students study content from other subject areas in the foreign language as it applies to the other country’s
culture or as a topic of conversation.
Communities: Extending learning experiences from the world language classroom to the home and multilingual and
multicultural community emphasizes living in a global society. Activities may include clubs, cultural activities, and guest
speakers.
Course Content/ Calendar
All levels of World Language courses are structured around six global themes: Families and Communities, Personal and
Public Identities, Contemporary Life, Science and Technology, Global Challenges, and Beauty and Asthetics.
FIRST SEMESTER
Theme 1 – School and Learning
Theme 2 – Nature and the Environment
Theme 3 – At Work
Theme 4 – Relationships
SECOND SEMESTER
Theme 5 – Travel
Theme 6 – Buying and Giving
Theme 7 – Music and Movies
Theme 8 – Planning a Trip
Required Materials:
 1- (2”) 3-Ring Binder with pockets
 1-Spiral Notebook
 2-Workbooks (Bookstore)
Grading
All grades will be tallied using a point system.
Students will be evaluated on class activities including but not limited to:
Semester Exams (varies)
Tests (100 pts)
Projects (50-100 pts)
Quizzes (20-40 pts)
Homework (varies)
Participation (20 pts)
Cheating
If a student is caught cheating they will receive a 0 on the assignment. Students will be informed if they are allowed to
work together on any given assignment, otherwise that will be considered cheating. Use of a translator is also considered
cheating.
Plagiarism
Copying any person’s work word for word is considered plagiarism. (Translators included.) This will result in a 0 on the
assignment.
Participation and Attendance
Participation is required daily for this course in order for the student to be successful. Likewise the student should make
every attempt to be at school and on time to class. Class will begin promptly and carry from bell to bell. As much of the
speaking and listening portions are done during class, it is imperative that the student be present as often as possible.
In the event of an absence the student should schedule a time with the teacher to make up the work that was missed.
Should the student fail to keep an appointment, the grade will result in a 0. Only students with excused absences will be
permitted to complete missed assignments.
Classroom Rules
Students are expected to be on time and prepared for class with all necessary materials. Cell phones and other electronics
are not to be used or visible during class unless otherwise instructed by the teacher. If a cell phone is seen, it will be taken
to Mr. Schneider in the office. Students will respect themselves and others by making the most of class time.