Emphasis is placed on laying a foundation for further language development by integrating the basic skills of listening, speaking, writing and reading. Students learn basic communication in German. Students are also introduced to the geography and history of German-speaking countries with emphasis on recent historical events. Students will become familiar with cultural norms in everyday life situations. As a result of this course, students gain a better understanding of their own culture by comparing it to German culture.
Students exhibit an appreciation for different cultures and mastery of basic language skills.
In addition, students will have greater opportunities to develop an awareness and appreciation of cultural differences. This course develops the students' language skills by providing students with opportunities to participate more extensively in conversation, reading, writing, and listening activities. Students exhibit increased complexity in expression of language and increased maturity in cultural awareness. Students achieve a degree of proficiency which allows them to take advantage of honors and exchange programs in the German-speaking countries. This course reviews language and cultural aspects of German-speaking countries.