720: College Teaching of German, 1 cr.
James, M, 8:50
Prerequisites: Teaching Assistantship in German.
This course offers an introduction to principles and theories of second-language acquisition as well as foreign-language pedagogy. We will explore the many interpretations of the common term "communicative language teaching/learning"; how to put the concept into practice; and how the concept is rooted in theory. We will look at how every teacher can and should conduct what is called 'action' ("informal", classroom-based) research, as a check mechanism for intuitive practice. We will also consider the influence of teacher and learner variables and how these variables can be embedded in a common theory of teaching and learning. You will be encouraged to explore yourself as a teacher, to get to know the UW-Madison language program, and to familiarize yourself with the profession at large. The course will primarily be assignment- and project- rather than exam-based. Assignments include discussions of theoretical issues and of the connection between theory and practice; field “investigations”; collaborative and experimental teaching; self-reflection; self-description; on-line research; and interviews.
The overall theoretical nature of the course is complemented by practice-oriented work and regular consultation with a graduate-student TA mentor (available to both teaching and non-teaching graduate students).
Please note that a nearly week-long orientation, partially in collaboration with other language departments, is a course requirement. For the Fall 2007, the orientation program will begin on Monday, August 27. To compensate course participants for the early start, there will be no Friday course meetings during the second half of the semester.
Course participants are not required to hold concurrent teaching appointments. Graduate students new to the department who anticipate teaching in the department in the future are also encouraged to enroll. Please know that you will not be able to receive a teaching assignment unless you have taken or are taking this course (or its officially recognized equivalent) and the course is only offered in fall semesters. There are two versions of the syllabus, one for teaching, the other for non-teaching graduate students.
Required textbooks:
- Schmitt, Norbert (ed.). (2002). An Introduction to Applied Linguistics. London: Arnold.
- Omaggio Hadley, Alice. (2001). Teaching Language in Context. Boston: Heinle & Heinle. (Third Edition).
