GER 101 – Elementary German I
Humanities Department
Semester [To be added]
Catalog Course Description: This course consists of a study of the four basic language skills: listening, speaking,
reading and writing, including an introduction to German culture. (Admission to 101 is restricted to students who have
never studied German previously or who have been placed by examination into 101.)
Prerequisite(s):
Credit Hours:
RDG 100 or ESL 100 and ENG 100 or ESL 110
4
Departmental Website:
D2L Login Page:
http://www.midlandstech.edu/humanities/
https://elearn.midlandstech.edu/
Instructor:
Office:
Telephone:
FAX:
E-mail:
Campus Mailbox:
Personal Website:
[Adjuncts may delete this]
[Adjuncts should put departmental telephone number here]
[May be deleted]
[Delete if none]
Departmental Assistant:
Department Chair:
Ms. Lisa Cheeks (cheeksl@midlandstech.edu)
Ms. Elena Martínez-Vidal (vidale@midlandstech.edu)
Class Schedule[s]:
[Section number, Day, Time, Place]
Office Hours:
[Adjuncts may delete this]
Deutsch – Na Klar! 4th Edition Textbook (DiDonato, Clyde, Vansant: McGraw-Hill,
2003)
Workbook (Jeanine Briggs: McGraw-Hill, 2003)
Audiofiles (2 CDs accompanying Deutsch – Na Klar)
Elvis in Köln, Langenscheidt (recommended)
Additional Textbooks/Readings: [Delete if none]
Textbook(s):
Equipment:
[Delete if none]
General Education Core Competency Statement: GER 101 addresses the humanities component of the
general education core, which states: “Graduates should understand the diversity of our cultural heritage and the effects of
artistic or philosophical influences.”
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Speak and pronounce the language well enough to initiate and sustain a simple conversation with a native speaker used
to dealing with foreigners on familiar topics of a personal or survival nature well enough to grasp the essential points.
Topics include exchanging greetings, directions, likes and dislikes, identifying people and things, expressing time and
dates, and talking about present or planned activities in the present tense and in complete sentences.
2. Comprehend the spoken language of a native speaker used to dealing with foreigners in authentic situations such as
telephone calls, receiving instructions through taped material, conducting interviews well enough to grasp the main points
and some details.
Revised 070110
3. Read and comprehend simple authentic material such as forms, ads, and memos, and simple texts dealing with situations
from the real world, like advertisements, timetables, weather forecasts, or any brief informative passage.
4. Write information of a practical nature, such as completing forms, giving directions and instructions on familiar topics
and practical needs, taking notes, or composing a short paragraph in the present tense comprehensible to a native speaker on
topics such as a classroom situation, shopping, and day-to-day family activities (to include descriptions of family
members).
5. Demonstrate an understanding of cultural similarities and differences, citing examples like festivities, foods, art, music,
or sports, and interacting with natives in specific or survival situations.
Program and course assessment activities are deployed and results collected in accordance with the College’s assessment
schedule. Please refer to the information in the syllabus regarding the applicability of the assessment activity for the current
semester.
Course Outcomes and Competencies:
Intended Course Outcome #1: Students will understand the diversity of our cultural heritage and the
effects of artistic or philosophical influences as demonstrated through learning how to listen, read, speak and write
elementary German including an introduction to German culture.
Course Competency (Performance Measure): Students will demonstrate their understanding of
diversity of our cultural heritage and the effects of artistic or philosophical through writing a composition using
their knowledge gained through the learning objectives of the course.
Measurement Instrument: Students will complete a composition which will be evaluated using a
standardized assessment rubric developed by faculty.
About Foreign Language Study at Midlands Technical College: To build on the knowledge students
already have of a foreign language, we use placement testing to determine at what level the student begins studying the
language in college. Students who have never previously studied the language, or not within the last five years, are not
required to take the placement test. They enroll directly into the 101-level course. All students who know the language
through personal exposure or who have studied it within the past five years must take the placement test. The level for
enrollment indicated by the test result is mandatory. The placement test may not be retaken within three years. The
placement test is given by the Student Assessment Center on each campus on a regular schedule during advisement periods
and at the first meeting of each 101 course.
Students who place into a course higher than 101 may be given credit for the course or courses exempted if they complete
with a grade of “C” or higher the course into which they placed, and if they apply to the Humanities Department Chair for
the exemption credit and complete the necessary paperwork. Students who pass but do not earn a “C” or higher in their
validation course will not earn any advanced standing credit for courses from which they were exempted. This is the only
form of “exemption” credit we offer. Challenge examinations are no longer given in foreign languages.
Although foreign language requirements at four-year institutions are very different, depending on the college and the major,
in general a student is advised to complete the equivalent of three semesters of study in the same language, if possible.
Students who plan to transfer to the University of South Carolina will find that many majors require the study of a foreign
language through the 122 level, which requires an exit examination that must be passed to establish what is called “basic
proficiency” in the language. A student who completes SPA 122 and passes its exit exam at Midlands Technical College
satisfies the foreign language requirement at USC, with which we will share the exam score so that the student need not be
retested.
Because a student usually cannot complete the normal foreign language requirement in French or German at Midlands
Tech, students are advised to begin studying French or German here two semesters before they plan to transfer.
Since Midlands Technical College currently offers French and German only through the 102 level and Spanish only
through the 122 level, a student who places above FRE 102 (a test score of 30 or higher), GER 102 (a test score of 30 or
higher) or SPA 122 (a test score of 51 or higher) cannot take that language for credit at Midlands Technical College. The
placement test score will be placed on the student’s transcript so that he or she can enroll at the proper level of study at the
four-year college, without the necessity for being retested there. Challenge examinations are not available for foreign
language credit at Midlands Technical College.
Students whose native language is French, German or Spanish and who have learned English as a foreign language will not
be permitted to take courses for credit in their native language.
This college accepts transfer credits in foreign languages, but students who wish to continue studying the language here
must take the placement test and abide by the resulting placement.
Rationale for Foreign Language Study: In order to understand the people and culture of another country, one must speak
their language. Culture defines language and language reflects culture. In today’s world one must be exposed to a foreign
language to gain a perspective on how others live and think. This comprehension aids global understanding and offers a
comparison and appreciation of one’s own culture. Due to the melding of cultures and languages in today’s global
economy, knowledge of a foreign language is necessary for success in the world marketplace.
Course Attendance: Each student is expected to attend ALL classes and is responsible for classwork, homework,
lecture notes, and reading assignments, whether present or absent. In the event of circumstances beyond one's control, such
as illness, the student is allowed to miss no more than two (2) class meetings. Exceeding the maximum allowed absences
in this course means that the student can receive NO CREDIT for the course, and the instructor will assign the student a
grade of W or WF.
A student entering class from 1-10 minutes late is considered TARDY. Three tardies equal one absence. Any
student entering more than 10 minutes late is considered ABSENT. Students are expected to remain in class for the
entire period.
Courteous, attentive behavior is expected at all times. Tardiness to class, speaking out of turn (or when instructor
is speaking), sleeping in class, receiving calls on cell phones/pagers, etc. are behaviors that are disrespectful and
disruptive to everyone in the class and will not be tolerated.
Withdrawal: Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded prior to midterm, a "W" will be submitted to the
registrar to be recorded on the student's transcript. Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded after midterm, a
"W" will be submitted to the registrar if the student was passing the course at the time of withdrawal OR a "WF" will be
submitted if the student was failing the course at the time of withdrawal.
Course Requirements: [Insert course specifics: projects, papers, quizzes, tests, etc. as well as any instructions
needed]
[Include provisions for make up work]
Course Grading:
[Include how course requirements are graded] [Include penalties for late work if applicable]
Grading Scale:
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
0-59
A
B
C
D
F
Superior Work
Good Work
Average Work
Below Average Work
Unsatisfactory Work
Special Procedures: [Delete if none]
Field Trips:
[Delete if none]
Classroom Rules/Other:
[Delete if none or expand as needed]
Humanities Department Student Behavior Policies
Students are expected to behave professionally and to treat classmates and instructors with courtesy and respect.
Instructors have the right to ask disruptive students to leave class upon the first offense of such behaviors. Subsequent
offenses will require the student to meet with Mr. Hart Hayden (822-3441), Campus Life, or Mary Holloway (822-3529),
Assistant Vice President of SDS, and may lead to disciplinary actions including dismissal from the course. Instructors will
not tolerate disruptive behavior, which includes but is not limited to:









Making disrespectful, threatening, or derogatory comments to peers or instructors
Speaking out of turn or interrupting the instructor
Being tardy or leaving class repeatedly
Refusing to participate in assigned class activities
Working on any material not related to the class
Failing to bring necessary materials to class
Sleeping in class
Bringing children to class
Failing to turn off a cell phone or any other handheld electronic device before entering
the classroom (Merely changing the ring to vibrate is not adequate). Students can leave the number(s) for
Campus Security with someone who can call them in the case of emergency. The numbers for Campus
Security are 738-7850 and 73-7440 (Emergency).
When a cell phone rings, the student may voluntarily leave the classroom or the instructor will ask
the student to leave. In either case, the student will receive an absence for the day.
In the case of an online or hybrid class, disruptive behavior is considered to be any bad online behavior. Respectful
behavior towards both instructor and peers is expected.
Tips for Online Etiquette (http://arc.academyart.edu/online/etiquette.asp)






Even though you are not face-to-face with classmates and instructors in online classes, the communication
that takes place is still among real people. Just as courteous behavior is necessary in person, it is necessary
online. Here are a few guidelines to help you communicate effectively and respectfully in your online class:
Write in a calm voice and avoid using all capital letters.
THIS IS YELLING IN ONLINE COMMUNICATION.
Use inoffensive language.
Cursing, racial slurs, and other types of language that would not be appropriate in an onsite class are also
inappropriate online.
Avoid using humor and sarcasm.
Humor and sarcasm often rely on facial expressions, tone of voice, and cultural understanding to be effective.
In written form, humor and sarcasm could be interpreted as offensive.
Contribute without dominating the discussion.
While it’s important to write thoughtful responses on the discussion board, writing too much is like talking too
much in onsite classes. If you’re unsure about how much to write, ask your instructor.
Keep writing style formal.
Not all online instructors will penalize your grade because of a few grammatical errors. However,
abbreviations and informal language should be avoided. “CU L8R” or “I’ll send it 2 U”.
College Policies and Expectations
―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Students are expected to read the MTC Student Handbook and abide by its policies.
Some of the more important policies that impact your academic work are listed
below.
The Handbook is located on the web: http://www.midlandstech.edu/planner/ .
Academic Integrity: The students of MTC have adopted the following Honor Code:
As a member of the Midlands Technical College community, I will adhere to the college’s Student Code. I will act
honorably, responsibly, and with academic integrity and honesty. I will be responsible for my own academic work
and will neither give nor receive unauthorized or unacknowledged aid. I will behave courteously to all members of
the MTC community and its guests and will respect college property and the property of others.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on tests, plagiarism, collusion, and falsification. Such actions
will result in discipline.
 Cheating on tests includes copying or presenting someone else’s work as your own, using unauthorized materials during
a test, gaining unauthorized access to or information about a test, or collaborating with any other person during a test
without permission.
 Plagiarism is taking another person’s work and using it without giving the source credit in any graded assignment.
 For more information about academic dishonesty, see Appendix I at the end of the MTC Student Handbook.
Campus Emergency Protocol:
 To report safety concerns or suspicious activities: Call Campus Security at 7850 (on campus) or 738-7850 (cell phone or
off campus).
 To report a security emergency: Call Campus Security at 738-7199 or dial local 911 immediately.
 The college also provides emergency call boxes; look for these red call boxes in or near parking lots on all campuses.
 If a college-wide emergency occurs, the college will communicate additional information and instructions in a number of
ways, including the MTC Information Centers, campus loud speakers, email, the MTC web site, and MTC Alerts! To
sign up for MTC Alerts! and receive emergency text messages on your cell phone, go to
http://www.midlandstech.edu/mtcalerts/.
Inclement Weather Policy: If weather conditions or other emergencies cause the college to close or open late,
announcements will be made over local radio and TV stations, on the MTC web site, and on the college’s information line
(803-738-8324).
 Check for separate announcements for day and evening classes because weather conditions can change.
 Announcements will be sent to students via MTC Alerts! and emailed via CampusCruiser when possible.
 Your class schedule in inclement weather: In standard non-lab and non-clinical classes, if the college closing or
reopening means that there is at least 30 minutes of a class remaining, plan to attend that class. For example, if the
college opens at 10:00 am, classes that normally meet at 8:00 am will not meet, but classes that normally begin at 9:35
am will begin at 10:00 am. Similarly, if the college closes at 8:00 pm, 6:00 pm classes will meet for their regular time,
but 7:35 pm classes will not meet.
 Check your syllabus for specific information about the inclement weather policy for that course.
Student Email Accounts: All MTC students are assigned a college email account called CampusCruiser. Follow the link
on the Enrolled Students page to access your account (look under Online Resources).
 The college will communicate with students using CampusCruiser. You are responsible for checking your college email
regularly for important information and announcements about registration, financial aid, cancelled classes, emergencies,
etc.
 In addition to using CampusCruiser email, students may also be required to communicate with instructors through Desire
to Learn (D2L), the college-wide learning management system, or through course-specific software, such as
MyMathLab.
MTC Online: The college conducts business with students through MTC Online. MTC Online provides many services
and resources, including access to transcripts, grades, and your program evaluation; information about your financial aid
status; and how to search and register for courses. Follow the link on the Enrolled Students page under Online Resources.
Class Attendance and Participation: Students are responsible for meeting all attendance and participation requirements
outlined in each course syllabus.
Student Evaluation of Instruction: Toward the end of the semester, students will be encouraged to participate in
evaluating their courses. You can complete this confidential evaluation through MTC Online, using your username and
password. Announcements will be made during the term concerning how and when to do the online evaluation.
Children on Campus: Children are generally not permitted on campus except for special events. Children are not
permitted in classes, labs, or advisors’ offices. Children can never be left unattended on campus, including in parking lots.
Students Requiring Special Accommodations:
 If a student with a disability requires special accommodations, the student should go to Counseling Services in the
Student Center on Beltline or Airport Campus. Documentation regarding a specific disability is required in order for
special arrangements to be made. All information received will remain confidential.
 For more information, follow the Disability Resource Centers link under Online Resources on the Enrolled Students
page.
Course Topic Outline/Course Calendar with Assignments:
PLEASE NOTE: Should change become necessary, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the
requirements, pace, or scheduling of this course. Any change will be announced in class before it
becomes effective.