Advanced German V3001: Fall 2011

Richard Alan  Korb
RAKorb Homepage
E-mail: rak23@columbia.edu

1) Successful completion of CU's Intermediate German V1202 or V1225 or the equivalent with a grade of B or better is required.
2) Students are required at semester's start to present 1202/1225 German Portfolio or equivalent writing/speaking samples for review by the instructor.
3) Students must be willing to prepare PowerPoint presentations and to learn and work with other forms of web-based learning tools (Wiki, Wimba, i-Movie, etc).
Imagine exploring Berlin from the vantage point of a Columbia German-language classroom! Even if you can't smell Berlin's legendary air, you can meet the kids in the city's varied Kiez, revisit the events of 1989-1990, and gain insights into what's happening now in Berlin. What better way to prepare yourself for a visit to the capital city of Germany or study at Berlin's Freie Universität, or Humboldt Universität?

Advanced German I provides the chance to experience Berlin within a media-supported, communicative-language environment and is a gateway to majoring or concentrating in German at Columbia.

Goals for language development:
1) Increase ease in reading not only of short, thematically related German texts, but also a contemporary novel,
2) Develop interpretive skills needed for communicating questions, ideas, and opinions,
3) Build vocabulary and ability to define German words using German, and
4) Interact comfortably with authentic forms of German media.
Readings, assignments, and class activities aim to strengthen both oral and written communication and the ability to engage in critical analysis in German.

Expectations:
German V3001 is an ambitious 14-week socio-cultural exploration of Berlin that includes
1) Communicating ONLY in German in a cooperative environment, i.e., working with partners and in teams,
2) Negotiating Berlin's transportation system,
3) Engaging with cultural diversity in Berlin's multi-cultural neighborhoods,
4) Questioning and reflecting upon Berlin's recent past, and
5) Developing your own Berlin experience and presenting your experiences not only to your class colleagues, but also via Wiki to a web-wide audience.

1) Daily preparation and participation // personal improvement of communication skills = 20% of grade
2) "Mein Kiez" Unit = 10% of grade
a. ongoing daily assignments
b. essay and mini presentation: "Lange Nacht der Museen"
3). Interpretation of "Berliner Mord Geschichte" = 10% of grade
4) "Good bye, Lenin" and "Wie es leuchtet" Unit = 15% of grade
a. ongoing daily assignments
b. written character sketch
c. collaborative, Wiki-based interpretation of "Wie es leuchtet"
5) "Der Himmel unter Berlin" Unit = 15%
a. ongoing daily assignments
b. communicative presentation assignment tba
5) Wiki + PowerPoint Presentation = 10%
NOTE: All students collaborate throughout the semester on Wiki // individuals select topic related to"Mauerzeit", "Wende", "Berlin heute", "Berliner Szene" forindividual PowerPoint presentation.
6) Final Exam = 20%
Course Outline
(Updated September 1, 2011 // subject to updates during semester!)