German

German

ACCELERATED GERMAN H (WL311)

Grade 9; 5 credits; One Year Elective

This accelerated German course combines the German 1 and 2 curricula into one year of study to prepare students for both the AP and IB sequence. It is designed to be rigorous and fast-paced, and it is therefore intended for highly motivated students who wish to challenge themselves. No prior knowledge of the language is necessary. Students are presented with opportunities for communication and interaction in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the development of authentic communication skills, which are strengthened, and reinforced through exposure to a wide range of audiovisual materials and a variety of listening and speaking activities. The aim is to acquire and integrate an active and practical German vocabulary, the essential building blocks of German grammar, and a variety of idiomatic expressions particular to the German language. Students are also introduced to German civilization, culture, and geography. They will achieve an awareness of global, cultural, social, and political issues while increasing their level of fluency. Throughout the year, there is a transition to greater oral and written expression in a wide variety of situations examining both abstract and concrete ideas that lead to an appreciation of global perspectives.

GERMAN 1 (WL211)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective

This course is the first of a four-year sequence (German 2, 3, 4H) designed for college preparation and introduces the student to the basic speaking, reading, and writing skills in the German language. The student is also introduced to the civilization, culture, and geography of Germany and German territories. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of pronunciation through oral practice, imitation, individual coaching, and listening to native speakers. The aim is to acquire an active and practical German vocabulary, the essential terms of grammar, and a limited number of idiomatic expressions. The student moves gradually from the “question and answer” stage to the mastery of simple connected oral and written summaries, and free conversation. Simplified reading selections and dialogues are provided for comprehension. Audiovisual materials are used to reinforce the learning process.

GERMAN 2 (WL221)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisite: German 1

This course is the second of a four or five year sequence (German 3, 4H) designed for college preparation and continues to develop the student’s German speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. There is a transition to greater free oral and written expression and a study of German history is added to the continued studies of culture and geography. Rather than repeated or memorized, conversation and composition are more student initiated and more original. Structural patterns are on an intermediate level. Reading selections consisting of connected short stories and current event articles. Media, as well as creative projects are part of the German 2 program.

GERMAN 3H (WL331)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisite: German 2

This course is the third of a four year sequence (German 4H) designed for college preparation and to meet the needs and interests of students through an individualized instruction approach. This approach provides the student with the opportunity to work in small groups, in large groups, and on an independent basis. Reading skills continue to be developed through the reading of materials, of current events, and the comparisons of the literature to modern day life. Speaking ability is increased through discussions of the reading materials, of current events, and the comparison of literature to modern day life. Emphasis is placed on the development of free composition and conversation. In the study of German poetry, literature, history, vocations, and travel, the following activities predominate: intensive reading, followed by questions and answers leading to the experience of discussion; oral and written reports on the topics studied; projects or reports based on the student’s personal interest.

GERMAN 4H (WL341)

Grade 11, 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisite: German 3H

This course is the last of a four year sequence designed for college preparation and continues to follow an individualized instruction approach. Emphasis continues to be placed on oral and written proficiency in the use of the language, especially in the mastery of the German structure for oral and written reports and discussions based on the texts studied, and everyday occurrences and topics of interest to students. An intensive and extensive study is made of German personalities and developments (historical, literary, contemporary, political). Students are given the opportunity to lead their class and to interact with other students in collaborative activities. Creativity is encouraged through alternative assessment and performance based tests.