Start Here: Welcome!

Welcome to Discover German!

 Instructor Information:

Please begin by watching the welcome videos below explaining important course policies and procedures.

Next, read the information on this page, and on the following pages in this Start Here module. You are responsible for reading the information on each page of this module. Please also read the Syllabus carefully, and refer to the due dates on the course calendar often.

Course Description

GER 1126 is the second semester of the two-semester sequence "Discover German" that also includes GER 1125. Both courses are web-based and offered in a distance-learning format. There are no classroom meetings. The course provides instructional and practice materials in various forms that allow students to learn on their own. However, thanks to the collaborative tools in Canvas, students will do a considerable part of their course work in groups. These groups have weekly assignments and meet bi-weekly with their instructor for short feedback sessions. Therefore, students have to keep the two periods indicated in the Registrar’s course listing page free for the meetings with the instructor. GER 1125 and GER 1126 can be taken in place of GER 1130 and GER 1131 to satisfy the German language requirement.

Course Goals

Upon completion of this course you will be able to communicate with native speakers, exchange information on a basic level and perform routine tasks as a student or tourist in German speaking countries. You will reach a level of language proficiency and cultural knowledge that corresponds to the A1 (Breakthrough) Level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This proficiency level can be described in the following way:

  • Speak German:
    • Students can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details.
    • Students can communicate and exchange information with German native speakers and interact with them in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
  • Read German:
    • Students can read simple and short information about familiar topics.
  • German Culture:
    • Students can orient themselves in situations which occur in the everyday life of a student or tourist in a German speaking country.

Teaching Methods

By using a variety of teaching and learning tools of the course management system, students will be provided with the necessary information and opportunities to practice their linguistic skills within the cultural context of the modules. The materials and tools help students to develop speaking, reading, listening comprehension and writing skills. Cultural learning takes place through the use of authentic Web materials.

Download LLC Nettiquette Guidelines

Honor Code

As a result of completing the registration form at the University of Florida, every student has signed the following statement: “I understand that the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all their academic work. I agree to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University.”

The instructors of this course fully support the intent of the above statement and will not tolerate academic dishonesty. We, the members of the University of Florida Community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

All students enrolled in GER 1126 are expected to follow the University of Florida Honor Code (excerpt above). The full text can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog under Academic Honesty Links to an external site.

Student guidelines for ethical behavior can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog under Conduct. Links to an external site.

Complaints

Should you have any complaints with your experience in this course please visit the Distance Learning website (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. to submit your grievance.

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