HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL
GERMAN 2 (Grades 9-12)
2013-2014 COURSE SYLLABUS
Instructor: Kristin Young
Phone : 859-815- 2666
E-mail: kristin.young@fortthomas.kyschools.us
Grade: 9-12
Credit: 1
Textbook/Workbook:
Portfolio Deutsch, Level 2. Textbook and Workbook
Treffpunkt D-A-CH, Level 2. Cultural Reader
Description
In this course students will delve into the German language and culture. Though the emphasis will be on the culture and
language of Germany, we will also explore the culture and language of other German speaking countries. Fundamental
grammar, high-frequency vocabulary and pronunciation applied actively in speaking, reading, writing and listening
comprehension will be emphasized throughout the course. At the end of German 2 students should be able to perform at a
novice mid to intermediate low proficiency level as outlined by ACTFL. German culture is an integral part of the course.
Goals of the Novice-Intermediate Learner
Students will:
 Understand the main idea and some details on familiar topics expressed in sentences, short conversations,
presentations, and messages.
 Understand the main idea and some details in texts that contain familiar vocabulary.
 Begin and carry on a conversation on a limited number of familiar topics. Learners can ask and answer simple
questions and exchange information in familiar situations using phrases and a series of sentences.
 Provide information on a familiar topics using a series of sentences with some details.
 Write on familiar topics and experiences using a series of sentences with some details.
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 – Nach den Ferien
Theme 2 – In der Schule
Theme 3 – Freunde und Freizeit
Theme 4 – Unterwegs
Theme 5 – Sport
Theme 6 – Kleidung und Farben
Theme 7 – Freundschaften
Theme 8 – Familienfeste
SECOND SEMESTER
Theme 9 – Mein Geld, meine Sachen
Theme 10 – So wohne ich
Theme 11 – Stadtgeschichten
Theme 12 – Raus in die Natur
Theme 13 – Cool und fit?
Theme 14 – Elektronische Freunde
Theme 15 – Nach der Schule
Theme 16 – Endspurt
Required Materials:
 1- (2”) 3-Ring Binder with pockets
 1-Spiral Notebook
 1-Workbook (Bookstore)
 1-Cultural Reader (Bookstore)
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1-Composition Book (Bookstore)
Notebook Paper
Pencils/Pens
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 (50-100 pts)
Projects (20-100 pts)
Quizzes (10-50 pts)
Homework (3-15)
Participation (Speaking) (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 in any form is also
considered cheating.
Plagiarism
Copying any person’s work word for word without giving credit to said person is considered plagiarism. (Translators
included.) This will result in a 0 on the assignment.
Participation
Participation is required daily for this course in order for the student to be successful. There will be many opportunities for
the student to work with partners, groups, and as a class. During certain times throughout the class students will be given
opportunities to obtain participation points. This grade is generally a speaking grade. These will be calculated at the end of
the chapter to result in a “Participation Grade.”
Attendance
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. Much of the speaking and listening portions are done during class, so it is imperative that the student be present as
often as possible.
Absence
In the event of an absence the student should schedule a time with the teacher to complete quizzes and tests that may have
been missed. If a quiz or test was not missed, the student may still want to meet with the teacher to discuss information
shared during the time of absence. 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. As many days as the student was
absent will be the amount of days granted to complete missed work. (ie Absent on Monday, missed homework due on
Wednesday) The teacher will be available before school at 7:30-7:55 and after school as requested by the student.
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. Students will respect themselves and
others by making the most of class time as well as quietly listening to the comments of others. All students will succeed to
their fullest potential and are expected to put forth their best effort every day.
Extra Credit
Students may complete levels of various German learning applications of the teacher’s choosing for extra credit. The
amount of credit is granted at the teacher’s discretion.
Extra
German Club will meet once a month with a variety of activities to enhance students’ cultural knowledge of Germany.
Activities will be selected by officers as well as members of the club. The teacher will act as a guide.
German immersion camps may be attended throughout the year. Details will be given as the dates approach.
The National German Exam will be taken at between December and February. If students score highly enough, they will
be eligible to win a trip to Germany.