Christina Overstreet, Ph.D.
255 Dauer Hall
overstre@ufl.edu

Fall 2008 Office hours: to be announced

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GER 3234 (2392) Introduction to Reading German Text

Course Description, Fall 2008

Instructor: C. Overstreet, Ph.D.

Little Hall 225 Language Classroom

Links to "Reading in a Foreign Language"

"Common European Framework of References for Languages"

The primary goal of this course is not to teach you how to interpret a text correctly according to a particular theory, but rather how to avoid misreading authentic German text. Interpretative competences are taught in our literature, film, and culture courses. Upon completion of this course you should be aware of what causes misreadings (misunderstanding a text), what resources/tools are available online to detect and correct misreadings, and how you can handle these tools in an efficient and competent way to become on independent intelligent reader.

1. The course consists of five modules
We will begin by reading Kinderliteratur.  Linguistically, the first module focuses on the relationship between syntax and semantics and how to use dictionaries. You will see that the meaning of a word is not attached to it like a label. A brief look at a dictionary teaches you that most words have more than one meaning. In most cases, it is the structure of the sentence which determines the meaning of the word. In the second module, you read excerpts from the works of famous German writers.  The goal is not to understand every word, but rather to develop strategies to deal with long German sentences.  In the third module, you will learn how to read literary texts. In the fourth module, we attempt to critically read academic texts. The objective is to identify and test the authors’ argument on a specific topic, i.e. the political developments in Germany immediately following WWII.  Finally, in the fifth module, you will read articles on current political or cultural events. Throughout the semester, we will discuss how we may use different approaches for different genres and how you, the individual reader, is using the tools we provide.   

2. Technology Tools
This course is web-based. We are using the e-learning system of the University of Florida. To get into the system, you will need your Gatorlink ID and password.
If you struggle with the online format of this course, please see me in my office hours. Texts, class materials, homework assignments, quizzes, and tests will be made available or given on web pages.  We will frequently use the discussion board in VISTA  as a way to share and discuss background information for specific texts and/or answer questions about a text together with a partner.  In addition, WordChamp allows you to work independently with any text without using a dictionary.  First, create an account with a login id and a password and sign in as a student. On the left, under "For Students" click on "Homework". You then can join GER 3234 with the following invitation code: ____________ (to be added shortly)

3.  Homework
You will write summaries of texts, translations, answer content questions and questions about grammatical constructions, etc. There are written and oral homework assignments. You are only responsible for what is posted on the calendar for Monday. Wednesday, and Friday.  Click on the calendar, please! The assignment posted on Wednesday, August 27, is due that day.  I will be very specific about how much you read of a text by a certain date.  If you don't read the text that is assigned for a specific day and do the necessary work to understand it (vocabulary, analyzing and breaking down long sentences, researching background information) you won't be prepared to participate in the class discussion. Late homework is not accepted except for situations which count for an excused absence. After a certain date, the assignment will no longer be accessible.  You cannot make up missed homework. For missed homework students receive an "F".

 4. Attendance Policy
Students will be permitted 3 unexcused absences per semester. An excused absence is either one for which a medical certificate is provided or a certified University activity for which a written excuse from the University is provided. A medical certificate must clearly state that the student was unable to attend class on the date the class was missed. While there is no limit to the number of excused absences, the student is still responsible for making up missed work.  For every unexcused absence (3rd, 4th, 5th...), students will lose 1% from their final grade. 3 late arrivals add up to one unexcused absence.

5. Midterm, Final
The midterm and the final are take-at home exams. The midterm will be given after the second module. Exams can only be made up if you there is a valid reason that you missed class (excused absence).

Viel Spaß!
Dr. Overstreet

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