Winter 2012 Adult German Classes – Austin
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. Intensive German is also available.
In addition, Highlights of 19th Century German History will be offered starting in March. This class is instructed in English and taught by GTHS instructor and speaker James Damon, MA. The class will focus on early German Immigrant families, the Texas Revolution and the Arts including musical works by Hoffmann von Fallersleben and the visual works of Elisabeth Ney.
Classes are 90 – 120 minutes long and meet once or twice a week for 6 -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 $55 to $90 for GTHS members and $65 to $100 for non-members. Some classes require a textbook, which can be purchased from GTHS for $20. Class size is limited, so please register soon. Please note the registration deadline for each course. Any registrations received after the registration deadline will be subject to a $5 late fee per student.
Download a registration form at Adult Winter 2012 Registration Form, 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. For more information email us at programs@germantexans.org.
Note: The city of Austin announced in August of 2011 that they will begin charging for parking on downtown city streets during evenings and Saturdays, in addition to Monday – Friday normal business hours. Unfortunately, this will affect students taking classes at the German Free School. There are a number of parking spaces in front of the building on 10th Street, but of course these are First Come-First Served. If you can’t find a spot there, we recommend that you park at the Capitol Visitors Center Parking garage, which is free of charge, and is located only three blocks from the German Free School. We suggest you allow a little extra time for parking so that you can arrive to class on time. After class, it would be wise to walk together to the lot.
Beginning Conversational German
Teacher: Carola Meister
Wednesdays – 7:00 to 8:30pm; January 18 – April 11, 2012 (no class 03/14/12)
(12-week course, 1.5 hours, once a week, no textbook required)
Cost: $70 Members/$80 Non-Members
Registration Deadline: January 13, 2012
This class is full. Please contact programs@germantexans.org or (512) 482-0927 to be placed on the German I wait list. Otherwise, we suggest enrolling in Beginning Conversational German in Round Rock, TX.
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.
Teacher: Anna Tapfer
Tuesdays – 7:30 to 9:00pm; January 24 – April 17, 2012 (no class 03/13/12)
(12-week course, 1.5 hours, once a week, textbook required)
Cost: $70 Members/$80 Non-Members
Registration Deadline: January 18, 2012
This class is full. Please contact programs@germantexans.org or (512) 482-0927 to be placed on the German I wait list. Otherwise, we suggest enrolling in Beginning Conversational German in Round Rock, TX.
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 and Haas’ German: A Self Teaching Guide and is designed for beginning students as well as those who already know some German. The self-teaching guide is available from GTHS and costs $20.00. No prerequisite, although many find Beginning Conversational German helpful.
German II – German for Travelers
Teacher: Leslie Decker
Thursdays – 7:00 to 8:30pm; January 19 – April 12, 2012 (no class 03/15/12)
(12-week course, 1.5 hours, once a week, textbook required)
Cost: $70 Members/$80 Non-Members
Registration Deadline: January 16, 2012
This class is a continuation of the German I class and uses the second half of Taylor 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 12 weeks of German II, students should be able to participate in basic conversations focused on traveling abroad using the present, past, subjunctive and future tenses, as well as grasp adjective endings, comparisons of adjectives, and possessive forms. Students will learn how to get around in Germany while on vacation and acquire the necessary vocabulary in group discussion, as well as in role-playing. Pre-requisite: German I or equivalent.
Intensive German
Teacher: James Damon, MA
Mondays & Wednesdays – 7:00 to 9:00pm; January 23 – February 29, 2012
(6-week course, 2 hours, twice a week, textbook required)
Cost: $90 Members/$100 Non-Members.
Registration Deadline: January 18, 2012
This class covers the entire German: A Self-Teaching Guide by Taylor and Haas in 12 meetings. It is designed for students who want to expose themselves to as much German as possible in a short time. Students often take this course in conjunction with a conversation course. In support of the mission of the German Texan Heritage Society, each class meeting includes cultural as well as structural materials. Students taking this course should be highly motivated and able to devote at least an hour a day to home study. The text is available at GTHS for $20.00. No prerequisite, although many find Beginning Conversational German helpful.
Intermediate Conversational German
Teacher: Hannelore Damon
Mondays – 7:00 to 8:30pm; January 23 – April 16, 2012 (no class 03/12/12)
(12-week course, 1.5 hours, once a week, no textbook required)
Cost: $70 Members/$80 Non-Members
Registration Deadline: January 18, 2012
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; January 19 – April 12, 2012 (no class 03/15/12)
(12-week course, 1.5 hours, once a week, no textbook required)
Cost: $70 Members/$80 Non-Members
Registration Deadline: January 16, 2012
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).
Highlights of 19th Century German-Texan History
Teacher: James Damon, MA
Mondays – 7:00 to 9:00pm; March 5 – April 16, 2012 (no class 03/12/12)
(6-week course, 2 hours, once a week, no textbook required)
Cost: $55 Members/$65 Non-Members.
Registration Deadline: February 29, 2012
This course examines the history of German Texans in the 19th century. Classes will focus on Germans and German Americans who arrived in Texas before 1835 and participated in the Revolution (such as Nicholas Adolphus Sterne, Hermann von Ehrenberg and Jakob Darst, killed at the Alamo); the Adelsverein; early history of New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, Industry and other German settlements; and artists and writers who influenced immigration and the arts in Texas, such as Karl Anton Postl, Hoffmann von Fallersleben and Elisabeth Ney. Classes are conducted in English using translations of German works.
