COURSE SYLLABUS

Grade 9-12 – German 1

Mr. Joseph M. Mogilski

 

     During the 2012-2013 academic school year, I will have your child in my Grade 9-12 – German 1 course.  The following introductory notes will outline our shared responsibilities and endeavors:

 

First, the course is defined in the 2012-2013 Panther Valley Course Selection Handbook as follows:

 

 

An introduction to the German language through conversation, reading, writing, and translation.  Emphasis is on grammatical construction and vocabulary.  Aspects of German culture and its influence are introduced.  The use of German language in our country is explored.

 

TEXTBOOK:  Kraft, Deutsch Aktuell 1, (fifth edition), EMC Paradigm, copyright 2004

 

 

It is a required elective course for college preparatory students.  College preparatory students must complete two years of the same language.

 

Second, the students’ responsibilities are clearly outlined in the following list:

 

1. Completion of work which is missed because of absence or tardiness is the responsibility of the student.  Each homework assignment is worth five points.  This work should be completed, if reasonably possible, within one week after returning to school.  Work not completed within this time frame will be recorded as a zero, unless it is turned in.  Students will receive only one point if it is turned in after one week!
2. Extra help is available after school from 2:10-2:25 on any days that meetings are not scheduled for me.  If a student needs extra help, he/she is to register with the guidance counselor.
3. There is ALWAYS homework, especially in a course that is so demanding with so much memorization.  There is also plenty of written homework.  A student should devote a minimum of 30 minutes per day for this purpose.  Although the homework is not always written work, review of pronunciation, grammar and usage is essential for long-range retention.  Fluency in a second language requires a great deal of practice. If a student misses three homework assignments in a marking period, a parent/guardian may be contacted and a 15 minute after school detention may be assigned.
4. Grades are earned through a variety of sources.  There will be quizzes, announced and unannounced, unit tests, worksheets and oral activities.  Written homework is also checked.  Students can also do extra credit project which also is included in determining the student’s final grade.  Class participation is essential and is taken into consideration when a grade is calculated.
5. Each student will have an individual folder in which all tests and quizzes will be kept for future reference.
6. Students will be required to keep a notebook, in which they will keep notes, in-class assignments and homework assignments.  The notebook may be graded once a marking period based on neatness and content.

 

Third, communication between students, parents, counselors, and administrators is vital to a quality learning environment.  Never hesitate to call me to have your questions answered, to share your concerns, or to schedule a visit.  Usually small irritations do not become major problems if lines of communication are kept open.  I will be calling you or writing you on occasion to report progress or lack thereof.  Please do the same. 

 

In conclusion, the program is an energetic one and requires of the student consistent effort.  In concert, you, the parent – I, the teacher – and your daughter or son, the student, must achieve this consistency of effort and the resultant quality.  Without it, less than success will result.  Although my standards are high, as are my expectations, I will do all that is possible, along with your help, to make this year an exceptionally rewarding one for every student.