Class participation and homework are designed to help you practice and build new skills in German steadily and regularly. As such, daily preparation, attendance, and active participation in class are essential. The quality of your participation is measured in several ways: through homework and oral contributions during classes. Remember that any absence will put you in a catch-up situation, which can affect your performance in class, your achievement on tests and other assignments, and your grades.

If you have to miss class, please let your instructor know as soon as possible. You must arrange with a peer to pick up handouts from class and find out what was covered in the day’s lesson. Please note that it is not the instructor’s responsibility to inform individual students of what had been covered in a particular class they missed, or to provide documents from missed class by email. If you need to talk about missed class periods, come to my office hours or make an appointment. 

Active participation is essential to the success in this course. To ensure a high-quality learning environment in this class, you are allowed to miss 4 class periods without documentation and without repercussions. If you miss more than 3 classes, you are running the risk of receiving a lower course grade, as one percent of the final grade percentage will be deducted per extra unexcused absence.

To document absences, you must bring documentation from the dean of Students. The document must state the date and time of your appointment explicitly, as well as the duration of your absence and contact information of the issuing body. 

All homework must be handed in on time for full credit.