Course description:

Come join the over 200 million people from around the world who speak German, as we explore the German-speaking world in this introductory language course! You will develop basic skills for meaningful communication centered around a variety of contemporary themes. Throughout this course you will develop global competency skills that are highly marketable and sought after in today’s world. 

Goal Areas for World Languages: 

Communication (CM) Students communicate effectively in more than one language in order to function in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes.

Cultural and Global Competence (CGC) Students interact with cultural and global competence.

Essential Learning Goals:

Interpretive Communication (IT) (Reading or listening/viewing) ⇨ What do I understand?

Students will use the German language and cultural knowledge to interpret, analyze, and demonstrate understanding of authentic speech, texts, or media on topics relevant to their lives and broader communities.

Interpersonal Communication (IP) (Spontaneous two-way communication) ⇨ How do I communicate with others?

Students use the German language and cultural knowledge to negotiate meaning through the exchange of information, ideas, reactions, feelings, and opinions in spoken or written interactions relevant to their lives and broader communities.

Presentational Communication (PS) (Polished writing or speaking) ⇨ How do I present information? 

Students use the German language and cultural knowledge to present information, concepts, and ideas on topics of relevance to their lives and broader communities to inform, explain, and narrate for diverse audiences within and beyond the learning environment.

Major assessment evidence, including criteria:

This is a standards-based world language class, guided by proficiency benchmarks and assessed on performance tasks within each designed unit. The German Department believes that language acquisition begins with meaningful, language input and is further developed through purposeful practice in real-world contexts. Students will be assessed in their interpretive, interpersonal and presentational skills, which involve reading, listening, speaking, and writing in German. Along the language journey, students will evaluate their own progress by using proficiency guidelines, performance rubrics, and feedback to assess their work. Students are encouraged to reflect upon their growth as language learners and will have the opportunity to level-up their performance on assessments, strengthening their foundation for future success in world language. Assessment criteria will be provided at the introduction of each major assessment.

Key course learning experiences:

• reading, viewing, and listening of authentic and language learning materials

• writing and speaking tasks

• interpersonal conversation

• cultural exploration and projects