Course Information Sheet
13:108 The German Media (Fall 2007)
Instructor: James P. Pusack, Associate Professor of German
Office: 575 Phillips Hall
Office hours: TF 1:00-2:15 & by appt.
Phone: 335-2203
Email: james-pusack@uiowa.edu
Department Chair: Prof. James P. Pusack
Time: MWF, 2:30-3:20
Place: 321 Phillips Hall
Web Site : http://www.uiowa.edu/~c013108
Goals: • Familiarization with selected, representative German-language media, including news magazines, network television, and internet information sources.
• Improvement of reading and listening skills at the intermediate-high and advanced levels through extensive work with media.
• Enhancement of German vocabulary in specialized areas related to current issues.
• Acquisition of cultural knowledge and cross-cultural understanding via media.
• Understanding of basic issues and problems related to the media in German life and the use of media as a source of cultural information.
Format: Class discussion of materials; individual student reports; viewing of TV materials.
Texts: None.
Requirements:
Course components |
pct |
Preparation of readings, viewings, or computer work as assigned on a daily basis, including pop quizzes |
15% |
Class attendance and general participation in discussions, small group projects, etc. |
15% |
Regular contributions to web discussion via ICON bulletin board |
25% |
Individual in-class and written reports on specific topics |
25% |
Mid-term exam on content of media and student reports |
10% |
Final exam on content of media and student reports. |
10% |
13:108 The German Media
Allgemeiner Arbeitsplan
August und September: Zeitschriften und Fernsehen
Familiarization with German-language search engines and key media outlets. Assignments to view pilot episode of German TV series Nesthocker.
Oktober: Suchmachinen und Web-Forschung
Assignments to locate and evaluate web-based materials based on specific cultural topics. Web materials will consist of sites from German-speaking countries, including commercial sites, government agencies, newspapers, TV, and radio. Further viewing and analysis of Nesthocker TV series.
November und Dezember: Studentenreferate
Groups of 2-3 students will present and lead discussions of various media topics. These groups will select materials for the class to read/view, will outline their presentation in advance, and write up a critique of their presentation as a follow-up.
Diskussions- und Medientagebücher
At the end of each week of the semester, each student will submit a short journal entry summarizing and commenting on either the week’s classroom discussions or a media document not discussed in class. Length will be approximately one paragraph, in polished German. The paragraph will be submitted via the ICON web bulletin board.
Department of German
Policies for Students
WORK ExPECTATIONS
For each semester hour credit in this course, students should expect to spend two hours per week preparing for class sessions. Attendance at all classes is required unless excused by the instructor in accordance with college policies.
SUGGESTION OR COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
If you have concerns about the design or conduct of the course or grading in the course, you should first discuss the matter with your instructors. If the issue cannot be resolved, you should make an appointment with your instructor, Professor James Pusack (575 Phillips Hall, 335-2203). Any complaints unresolved within the Department of German will be referred to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. All complaints must be made within six months of the incident. See www.clas.uiowa.edu/students/academic_handbook/ix.shtml#5
PLAGIARISM
A student who plagiarizes or cheats on any assignment in any course faces penalties that may include an F on the assignment or an F in the course. If your instructors suspect plagiarism or cheating, he or she is required to inform the student in writing and to give the student a copy of the report submitted to the Department of Geman. The College may assign additional penalties, as the incident warrants. The student has the right to request a hearing within the Department and/or within the College. Plagiarism and any other activities that result in a student presenting work that is not his or her own are academic fraud. Academic fraud is reported to the departmental DEO and then to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Services in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. See www.clas.uiowa.edu/students/academic_handbook/ix.shtml
ACCOMMODATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
I would like to hear from anyone who has a disability which may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements so that appropriate arrangements may be made. Please see me during my office hours. See www.uiowa.edu/~sds/
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment subverts the mission of the University and threatens the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Visit www.sexualharassment.uiowa.edu/ for definitions, assistance, and the full policy.