The Beginning German sequence at Northwestern
University offers students a systematic introduction to
basic German. The sequence is taught using a communicative
approach to language learning that incorporates a variety
of teaching techniques. Students engage in daily activities
that require listening, speaking, reading and writing in
German. These courses are taught in a content-based and
task-oriented fashion. In other words, specific language
forms are taught and learned in order to accomplish a communicative
purpose. The language of instruction is German. The course
also incorporates audio-visual resources that provide cultural
information about life in Germany today.
By the end of the fall quarter of this course, the goal
is that students will be able to provide basic descriptions,
respond to questions in a personal interview, describe
their
daily routine, as well as list their personal likes and
dislikes. A key feature of the course during the winter
quarter is
the invitation of a native speaker to class. The students
interview the “Mystery Guest” and then write
a short biographical essay based on the information gathered
during the visit. Each spring quarter, students work collaboratively
on the writing and memorizing of a dialogue or skit in German.
The students perform the skits in class and are graded on
the performance as a whole, their fluency and the accuracy
of the German. Each year the department as a whole sponsors
a performance of the best skits from the 101 and 102 levels
in its annual ”Evening O’Skits”.
Students beginning German at Northwestern.University will find a supportive classroom environment that encourages creativity and collaboration and at the same time lays the foundation for continued language development in German.
If you have questions about the first-year German sequence, contact the coordinator of first-year German, Denise Meuser (dmeuser@northwestern.edu).
