Writing as Discovery (305-0-1)
Instructors
Franziska B Lys
847/491-8298
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Rm 3317
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
Communicating Correctly, Clearly, and Persuasively through VOCABULARY
This course focuses on reviewing and developing German vocabulary using a variety of indirect (incidental) and direct (intentional) methods of vocabulary learning. Why is a large vocabulary important for second language acquisition? A large and robust vocabulary is one of the most important indicators of language proficiency in general, and reading proficiency in particular. As a matter of fact, student achievement can be explained as much by vocabulary size as by academic ability, even in the first language. In order for students to advance in their foreign language proficiency to a C1 level on the CEFR scale (or an advanced level on the ACTFL proficiency scale) it is estimated that learners need to acquire at least 1,000 base words per year to reach the 4000-5000 base words necessary for comprehension of authentic sources and literary texts. The goal of this course is to encourage and facilitate the review and acquisition of intermediate- and advanced-level vocabulary items in German through explicit vocabulary instruction which aims at engaging students in actively thinking about word meanings, the relationships among words, and how we can use words in different situations. Short reading, writing, speaking and listing exercises will help students refine vocabulary depth which includes learning about grammar constructions and collocations, connotations, register, and style. Studying words directly will improve vocabulary breadth, which refers to the understanding of meaning in various contexts. Students will study and commit words to memory through a variety of well-established activities including researching learning opportunities through technology as well as understanding and working with google translate.
Registration Requirements
2 courses in German in the 200-level or permission of the instructor
Learning Objectives
The goal of this course is to encourage and facilitate the review and acquisition of intermediate- and advanced-level vocabulary items in German through explicit vocabulary instruction which aims at engaging students in actively thinking about word meanings, the relationships among words, and how we can use words in different situations. Short reading, writing, speaking and listening exercises will help students refine vocabulary depth which includes learning about grammar constructions and collocations, connotations, register, and style. Studying words directly will improve vocabulary breadth, which refers to the understanding of meaning in various contexts. Students will study and commit words to memory through a variety of well-established activities including researching learning opportunities through technology as well as understanding and working with google translate.
Class Materials (Required)
Course material will be distributed by the instructor.