German 3 Honors Course Syllabus
Teacher: Frau (Mrs.) Huber (jessica.huber@nisdtx.org)
Course Description: This intermediate to advanced-level German course builds upon your existing language skills and continues to harness the power of comprehensible input as a fundamental teaching approach. Comprehensible input remains the cornerstone of language acquisition, ensuring that the content is accessible and engaging, even as we delve into more complex language structures and cultural nuances. Comprehensible input is an established method in our classroom, acknowledging that language learning thrives when students are exposed to content that is slightly above their current level of comprehension. By utilizing this approach, you will deepen your language abilities naturally and organically. This method reflects the way individuals acquire their first language, fostering a more profound understanding of the language and culture. Our classes will continue to employ a range of techniques to make input comprehensible, including contextualized scenarios, visual aids, and interactions that encourage active participation. While we previously emphasized listening and speaking skills, we will now integrate more reading and writing activities, expanding your language repertoire. Throughout this course, you will explore advanced aspects of German grammar and vocabulary, focusing on refining your linguistic accuracy and expression. You will also gain a deeper cultural awareness of German-speaking regions, examining literary works, films, and current events, allowing you to engage in meaningful discussions and written analysis. By the end of this course, you will have honed your language proficiency, enabling you to converse more fluently, read and write with greater ease, and appreciate the cultural intricacies of the German-speaking world. This intermediate course is designed to empower you to navigate complex language scenarios and embrace more profound linguistic and cultural experiences.
Grading: Assessment in this class honors the natural progression of language learning from reading, to listening, to writing, and eventually speaking. In a level 1 course, student assessment consists almost entirely of the first two—reading and
listening. At the appropriate time in the year, student writing will eventually be assessed.
As per school policy grading will consist of:
Formative Assignments : 40%
Daily Quizzes, Communication Assessments, other assignments
***Much of your student’s formative assessment will come via a rubric that assesses how well the student engaged in the conversation. They must demonstrate their focus with their body language, clarify meaning when confused, and contribute to conversation as much as possible. In the first year language class this grade replaces a speaking grade.
Summative Assignments: 60%
Tests, Projects