Summer 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. There are two 12-week semesters each year, beginning in January and September, plus several summer classes. A full selection of classes will be available in September.
Summer classes are 90 – 120 minutes long and meet once or twice a week for 6 – 8 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 $60 to $90 for GTHS members and $70 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 Summer 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 on Thursday and Friday 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; May 30 – July 25, 2012 (no class 07/04/12)
(8-week course, 1.5 hours, once a week, no textbook required)
Cost: $60 Members/$70 Non-Members
Registration Deadline: May 25, 2012
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.
German I
Teacher: Anna Tapfer
Tuesdays – 7:00 to 9:00pm; June 26 – July 31, 2012
(6-week course, 2 hours, once a week, textbook provided for use in class)
Cost: $70 Members/$80 Non-Members
Registration Deadline: June 22, 2012
This class emphasizes vocabulary acquisition, simple conversation, and structure of the German language using traditional methods of instruction. The course covers most of the Ja Genau! Deutsch als Fremdsprache A1 Band 1 textbook published by Cornelsen. The cost of this class includes the use of the Ja Genau! textbook and audio cd in class. Copies for review and homework will be made available. No prerequisite, although this course is ideal for previous German I students who would like to review the material before joining the 12-week German II course starting in September.
Intensive German
Teacher: James Damon, MA
Mondays & Thursdays – 7:00 to 9:00pm; June 11 – July 19, 2012
(6-week course, 2 hours, twice a week, textbook required)
Cost: $90 Members/$100 Non-Members.
Registration Deadline: June 6, 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.
