German (GER) 00: Elementary German I
Yes! You can successfully learn a language online! In fact, this GER 001 course is based upon extensive research findings from the fields of cognitive neuroscience, psycholinguistics, computer-mediated communication, and second language acquisition. Like any on-campus language course, this GER 001 course develops skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. After taking this course, you will be prepared to take GER 002 either on-campus or online.
What will I learn in this course?
This is a 4-credit, elementary-level German language course. You will develop elementary skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing German. For example, you will be able to do the following:
- Listen to and understand short passages of spoken German, such as movie trailers or pop songs.
- Speak in short, complete sentences for about 5 minutes uninterrupted, such as when recording a short, spontaneous podcast about yourself or a familiar topic OR speak for longer periods of time when reading aloud.
- Read short stories, poems, or websites on familiar topics.
- Write your own short stories, poems, and essays about familiar topics.
Some students are required to schedule a foreign language to meet either major or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree requirements. See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No specific classes are required before taking GER 001. This course is designed for students who have not previously taken any German or who have completed no more than one high school German course within four years immediately preceding admission to college. Native speakers and students with life long contact with German may not enroll in GER 001.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for GER 001, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.
An online course, however, is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
To complete this course, you must have the following equipment or capabilities:
- Have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
- Have access to a computer with audio speakers several days each week
- Have access once a week to a computer with a built-in microphone or an external microphone (which can be purchased inexpensively at most office supply stores)
- Be comfortable with navigating the Internet and downloading and uploading files.
You will be given detailed instructions on how to download and use the free audio recording software, Audacity.
You will also be given instruction on how to upload your recorded audio files into iTunesU.
How is the course structured?
GER 001 consists of six units, each of which is covered over a two-week period during the regular academic semester or more rapidly during the summer session.
Each unit consists of selected sections from the textbook, an interactive CD-ROM, two chats with classmates, two threaded discussion boards, and a series of speaking assignments (to be recorded and sent to your instructor as a digital audio file).
The remainder of the course is spent on the final audio recording (podcast), the final listening exam, and the final essay. There are no quizzes.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about GER 001 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access GER 001 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
Quedlinburg, Germany
“How soon 'not now' becomes 'never'.”
-Martin Luther (German Priest and Scholar whose questioning of certain church practices led to the Protestant Reformation. 1483-1546)
Eltz Castle, Germany
“What is my life if I am no longer useful to others.”
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German Playwright, Poet, Novelist and Dramatist. 1749-1832)