Intermediate German I

Recommended Course Description for High School Registration Guides

Taking German 1003 will assist you on your journey to becoming a global citizen. You will explore a variety of cultural, social and historical issues while developing skills to communicate effectively in German. Topics include the ways in which older texts, such as fairy tales, are still relevant today, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and health and well-being in urban and rural environments. German 1003 will engage you with authentic German-language materials to expand your vocabulary and learn new language structures. In addition, learning strategies and reflection skills woven throughout the course will foster your development into an effective and thoughtful communicator.

German 1003 has specific course goals as well, which will help you become:
A multilingual communicator who can identify and use a range of language structures, understand main ideas of texts, and create texts in various genres about yourself and general-interest topics, such as: fairy-tales and comics, cultural and civic interests, volunteer work, and health and the environment.

A critical thinker who is developing knowledge of the historical, educational, socioeconomic, and cultural interconnections between German-speaking communities and the global context, and who can use your well-rounded understanding of complex topics to analyze information and assess multiple views on issues such as urban planning, environmental justice, and the current German political landscape.

An intercultural communicator and problem-solver who can demonstrate awareness of elements important to German-speaking communities in relation to their histories, politics, economies, or beliefs and practices and examine your own culture's customs, perspectives, and who values fostering an understanding of cultural differences and cultivating respectful engagement between individuals with different worldviews.

A reflective, life-long learner who can identify connections between German and other academic fields to develop new perspectives on and goals for your career plans, knowing that German is an advantage in many STEM careers such as engineering, in business, as well as in the liberal arts and social sciences. 

Student Eligibility

Grades: 11, 12

One of the following:

• Prerequisite: 2–3 years or high school German or equivalent
• Approval: Instructor

Grades: 9, 10

Both of the following:

• Prerequisite: 2–3 years or high school German or equivalent
• Approval: Instructor 

Instructor Qualifications

Instructors apply and are selected by faculty in accordance with the UMN policy governing Academic Appointments with Teaching Functions. Once approved, an instructor is appointed as a Teaching Specialist 9754 (University Job Title and Code) in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. Instructor qualifications are determined by the sponsoring University department.

Visit the Apply to Teach a Course page for course-specific qualifications and application steps.

Textbooks

2024–2025

German 1003 and 1004 use course packets created by members of the Department of German, Nordic, Slavic & Dutch. Interested teachers can get information by emailing Ginny Steinhagen, faculty coordinator of the CIS German program, at [email protected].

2025–2026

Frei et al. Augenblicke: German Through Film, Media, and Texts, 2nd ed. XanEdu, 2013. ISBN: 1711472077

Minnesota public schools are responsible for the cost of required textbooks and course materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all of the texts and readings specified or mandated by the University of Minnesota? If not, what are some of the choices?
German teachers offering UMN courses through College in the Schools use the same materials as their counterparts teaching on the UMN campus. Teachers have choices in the supplementary materials, such as readers, films, and internet exercises.

Do teachers have a choice in assignments? Are there required assignments?
Teachers are required to teach the material, but they have flexibility in how they do this. Individual teachers adjust the syllabus to fit their school’s schedule.

Who creates the exams?
Quizzes, exams, exercises, and classroom activities for each course are posted on a secure website. Teachers are free to modify the materials to fit their teaching styles and program needs.

Is there a training and mentoring system for German teachers new to CIS?
Yes. Experienced instructors help new teachers get accustomed to the system. Teachers frequently email one another with questions and share materials with the whole group. New teachers also benefit from workshops that focus on course content and University processes, as well as an orientation to College in the Schools that will familiarize them with the support available through CIS and prepare them for administrative tasks such as registering students and posting grades.

High school class schedules vary: can a teacher in the block system teach UMN German?
Yes. Although the fast pace is a challenge, several teachers offer German on the block schedule and can provide insight into how to make the course a successful learning experience for the students. All CIS courses have the same minimum number of contact hours as the on-campus sections.

What happens at typical teacher workshops?
Typical activities at CIS workshops include sharing best practices, discussing particular content, pedagogy, or assessment of the University course; reviewing and/or developing student assessment tools; sharing instructional materials; planning field days; receiving updates on CIS program policies and practices.

What happens at typical student field days?
Student field days provide an opportunity for CIS students to meet their peers, practice skills they have learned in class, and explore the Twin Cities campus. The German fall field day includes classroom visits, campus tours, and panel discussions with undergraduate and graduate students majoring in German. A highlight of the German spring field day is the video competition; each CIS class enters one video in the competition and everyone enjoys viewing the winning videos.