German-Texan Heritage Society
Fall 2008 Adult German Classes
The German-Texan Heritage Society offers two styles of German language courses – structural and conversational. The structural classes emphasize grammar, comprehension, and speaking skills, while the conversational classes focus on speaking skills, although grammar and comprehension are integrated within the lessons. A suggested progression is: Beginning Conversation, German I, German II, Intermediate Conversation, Advanced Conversation.
Classes are 90 - 120 minutes long and meet once a week for 12 weeks. The classes are taught at the German-Texan Heritage Society’s headquarters in the historic German Free School at 507 East 10th Street in downtown Austin. The cost is $65 for GTHS members and $75 for non-members. Class size is limited, so please register soon. The registration deadline is August 25. Download a registration form at Adult Class Registration Form - Fall 2008 fill it out, and mail it along with your payment to GTHS, PO Box 684171, Austin, TX 78768. Credit card payments can be made by phone at 512-482-0927. Questions? Email us at programs@germantexans.org.
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Beginning Conversational German
Teacher: Carola Meister
Tuesdays – 7:00 to 8:30pm; Sept 2 – Nov 18
This class concentrates on commonly used words and phrases and their correct pronunciation, using a conversational approach to teaching. No textbook is used, but handouts will be made available. This class is meant for those who know no German or who want to brush up on the basics. Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to pronounce the alphabet and sound out word combinations, read and speak simple phrases, and be able to understand and speak simple sentences, including asking for directions, ordering off the menu, and telling time and general conversation. No prerequisite.
German I
Teacher: James Damon
Wednesdays - 7:00 to 9:00pm; Sept 3 – Nov 19
This class emphasizes vocabulary acquisition, simple conversation, and structure of the German language using traditional methods of instruction. The course covers the first half of Taylor’s and Haas’ German: A Self Teaching Guide and is designed for beginning students as well as those who already know some German. Each class meeting is divided into two parts, each one hour long. The first part covers half a chapter in the self-teaching guide while the second part, in support of the mission of GTHS (“Promoting awareness and preservation of the German heritage of Texas”), examines materials relating to German-Texan history and culture. The self-teaching guide is available from GTHS and costs $20.00. No prerequisite, although many find Beginning Conversational German helpful.
German II
Teacher: Mimi Parris
Thursdays - 7:00 to 8:30pm; Sept 4 – Nov 20
This class is a continuation of the German I class and uses the second half of Taylor’s and Haas’ German: A Self Teaching Guide (available at GTHS for $20). The class emphasizes structure, vocabulary, and conversation and is designed for those who have completed German I or already know some German. Upon completion of twelve weeks of German II, students should be able to participate in a simple conversation using the present, past, subjunctive and future tenses, as well as grasp adjective endings, comparisons of adjectives, and possessive forms. The class will be conducted primarily in German with a focus on speaking practice and vocabulary building. Pre-requisite: German I or equivalent.
Accelerated German
Teacher: James Damon
Mondays - 7:00 to 9:00pm; Sept 8 – Nov 24
This class covers the entire German: A Self-Teaching Guide in 12 meetings.It is intended for students who wish to expose themselves to as much German as possible in a short time. Students often take this course in conjunction with one of the conversation courses. As in German I, each class meeting is divided into a structural and a cultural part. Students taking this class should be highly motivated and able to devote at least a half hour each day to working exercises in the self-teaching guide, which is available at GTHS for $20.00. No prerequisite, although many find Beginning Conversational German helpful.
Intermediate Conversational German
Teacher: Hannelore Damon
Wednesdays - 7:00 to 8:30pm; Sept 3 – Nov 19
This course is designed to help students strengthen and expand their conversational skills. Specifically, students will improve listening comprehension skills and speaking skills and expand their German vocabulary. The course focuses on common areas of conversation like Essen, Freizeit, Einkaufen, Reisen, Kino, Telefon, etc. There is no textbook for this course; instead, the instructor will provide texts and listening activities. Prerequisite: at least one semester of college German or equivalent (at least two semesters of GTHS courses).
Advanced Conversational German
Teacher: Katja Marmetschke
Thursdays - 7:00 to 8:30pm; Sept 4 – Nov 20
This course is for students who have a working knowledge of German. In this course, students discuss media events and other topics of general interest, such as Reisen, Kultur, Essen, etc. The majority of the course will be in the German language, focusing both on group conversation and role-playing in smaller groups. Although most of the class focuses on speaking skills, there will be some occasion for grammar and written German. Improving German vocabulary and avoiding direct translation errors will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Several semesters of Intermediate Conversational German or equivalent; students should be able to form sentences using various tenses (past, present, future).