General Policies and Expectations:

How the approach in the UW-Madison German Department may be different from previous foreign-language learning experiences:

Because of the foreign-language entrance requirement, all students at Madison are experienced foreign-language learners. Most experiences, especially good study skills and strategies for language learning, will be very useful to your future success in this class. However, on occasion misconceptions arise. Sometimes students ' past experiences lead them to form definite opinions on how to learn and teach a foreign-language properly or what appropriate roles are for teachers and students. And sometimes these ideas differ from what is done in this program. So just to avoid such misunderstanding, please familiarize yourself with the policies:


*(1)*
	There are no second chances. Poor quiz grades cannot be dropped, homework cannot be turned in late, and absences cannot be made up through alternative assignments. There is no extra credit.

(2)
	There are no grades of "incomplete" in foreign-language classes, even under the most compellingcircumstances. The nature of the course simply does not allow for it. If you feel you cannot complete the semester's assignments drop the class immediately.

(3)
	Language learning is cumulative, you cannot ever "forget" what you learned without jeopardizing what you know and can use the next. As a result, testing happens in small increments to gauge problems before they multiply. However, unless the same problem affects the entire class, the teacher cannot hold up the group for your sake. It is your responsibility to catch up. You may want to talk to your instructor in office hours or if the problem is a larger one, get a tutor. The departmental office can refer you to appropriate services.

(4)
	Because of the cumulative nature of language learning, there are no large exams, no mid-terms, and no final. While generally considered an attractive feature of the course, it also means that you cannot hope to make a big comeback at the end of the course.

(5)
	Regular attendance and punctual arrival to class are mandatory and count toward your grade. There may be regrettable circumstances but there are no acceptable reasons to forego these essential requirements. Please note that we are happy to accommodate special-needs students (as e.g., referred by the McBurney Center) as much as possible. However, under no circumstances can we forego the requirement of regular course attendance. If you believe that circumstances, such as an illness, will prevent you from coming to class regularly, please consult with your instructor as soon as possible about dropping the course so as to avoid a bad grade. You can then take the course at a later point, after your illness has been resolved. If you believe that an illness preventing you from regular attendance will last through college, you might want to seek an exemption from the foreign-language requirement or seek a department with less stringent attendance requirements. Do know that most if not all foreign-language programs have strict attendance requirements.

(6)
	Overall, regular work, good study skills, appropriate strategies (i.e., knowing HOW to learn vocabulary), self-reliance, and motivation are the essential ingredients of foreign-language learning success. If you encounter a problem, address it right away.

(7)
	German 101 is a multi-section course, i.e., with a number of sections using the same syllabus. Your instructor needs to move forward at a set pace and needs your cooperation in doing so. The syllabus needs to accomplish certain goals (see below) and needs to proceed at a rather brisk pace. Please know that multi-section courses also need to operate within a language -program sequence, with many different instructors. Ultimately, no matter which section of German 101 you are in, by a given date you need to be ready for German 102, no matter who teaches it. The pace should not be a problem for committed students but it does not allow for slacking off. It requires constant work at home, conscientious advance preparation and equally conscientious follow-up. At a minimum, fast-paced learners should count on one hour of homework per regular class meeting. Preparation for exams needs to be considered in addition. Please be sure that your schedule allows for the amount of time needed for this course. If not, drop the course if you see you can't keep up or live with a lower grade. Please do not make unreasonable demands on your teacher or classmates to compensate for your lack of time.

*(8)*
	Based on decisions made by the entire group of 101 teachers, certain larger changes to the syllabus (e.g., moving quiz or exam dates) may be made during the course of the semester. Smaller modifications may be made at the instructor's discretion. Changes will only affect timing and not grading policies. Your teacher will alert you to changes but it is your responsibility to keep track of any alterations in the syllabus.

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