Spring 2017 German 3790 - Advanced German Grammar - Course Syllabus

Sep 28, 2026

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Spring 2017 German 3790 course syllabus outlines an intensive learning environment for refining German grammar accuracy. The course emphasizes formal correctness while using grammar points in communicative classroom activities. Daily assignments require written completion of textbook exercises with self-correction using the answer key. Four tests (30%), speaking tasks and compositions (30%), homework/preparation quizzes (20%), and a final (20%) determine grades, with detailed participation and attendance expectations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Course Description

Texts/Readings

Daily Assignments and Self-Correction

Prerequisites

Grading/Requirements

Tests

Speaking Task How-To

Participation and Attendance

Participation Grade Profiles

A Word to the Wise

Spring 2017 German 3790: Advanced German Grammar Your instructor Dr. Heike Polster Associate Professor of German Section Head and Undergraduate Advisor for German 233a Jones Hall [hpolster@memphis.edu](hpolster@memphis.edu), 314.368.0406 (cell) Office hours: by appointment Course Description: German 3790 has one major goal: This learning environment is primarily designed to help you refine your command and understanding of German grammar. The course focuses on formal accuracy, but class activities will include communicative applications of grammatical points. Texts/Readings: -Frank E. Donahue, Deutsche Wiederholungsgrammatik -A German-English dictionary of your choice Daily Assignments: Each chapter in the textbook contains a number of exercises, including mechanical grammatical exercises, guided communication exercises, and free communication exercises that require use of the target grammar. You are expected to have completed all of the fill-in exercises for the assigned section(s) in writing before class. The Gruppen-and Partnerarbeiten do not need to be written out, but you must be prepared to go over them in class. Since the answers to the exercises can be found in the back of the textbook, the exercises will normally not be collected. Rather, you will be expected to self-correct your written work. In class we will normally review the grammar theory, answer questions about grammar, do grammatical exercises, and then move to communicative activities. The vocabulary in the textbook reinforces the vocabulary foundation established in the 3301/3302 course sequence. The “new vocabulary load” is therefore very reasonable, which will help you keep your attention focused on improving your grammatical accuracy. Make sure to invest the time necessary to learn any new vocabulary that appears in the homework assignment. This is crucial to your success in this course. If you do not own a German-English dictionary, purchase one now. Make sure to memorize the gender and plural form of a noun, and the simple past and past participles of irregular verbs. If your dictionary does not give you this information, then you should obtain a different dictionary, otherwise you will be extremely frustrated. Prerequisites: You must have completed fourth semester German here at the U of M or have earned credit for fourth semester German through a placement exam, AP exam, or transfer credit. You are expected to have had formal instruction in elementary and intermediate German and to be familiar with standard grammatical terminology. If you learned German naturally, e.g. from a relative or while living in Germany, but have never studied the language formally, you will need to learn the terminology as you go along. The textbook was written to assist you in this. If you are already fluent, your accuracy may still need some honing. Avoid thinking,“I don’t need to study that because I know it already.” Fluency is not the same as accuracy. Grading/Requirements: Tests: 30% Speaking Tasks and Compositions: 30% Homework/ Preparation quizzes: 20% Final: 20% Grading: A+: 98+ A: 93-97 A-: 90-92 B+: 88-89 B: 83-87 B-: 80-82 C+: 78-79 C: 73-77 C-: 70-72 D+: 68-69 D: 63-67 D-: 60-62 F: 59 or less Tests: Four tests will be given over the course of the semester. Tests typically cover four or more chapters of the textbook and consist of items similar to those on the homework assignments and in-class exercises. Speaking Task How-To: Speaking task topics will be distributed in class. 1) Do NOT write out a text and read it (You may take notes beforehand, though, and think about what you want to say) . 2) Find a computer with internet access and microphone (alternative: Use a smartphone) 3) Go to [http://vocaroo.com](http://vocaroo.com and)[ and](http://vocaroo.com and) click „Click to record“ (you may be asked to allow access to your device, click „allow“) 4) Record your speaking task, then select the option „

FAQs

What is the main goal of German 3790?

The course is designed to help students refine command and understanding of German grammar with a strong focus on formal accuracy and communicative use in class activities.

How are daily assignments handled?

Students must complete the assigned fill-in exercises in writing before class and self-correct using the answer key. Partner work does not need to be written out, but students should be ready to discuss it in class.

How is the final grade calculated?

Tests account for 30%, speaking tasks and compositions for 30%, homework/preparation quizzes for 20%, and the final for 20%, with an A-to-F grading scale.

What are the attendance and participation expectations?

Attendance is crucial. Participation includes questions, answers, and class discussions, and absences require documentation in most cases; excessive unexcused absences can lower the final grade or result in an F.

Sep 28, 2026

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