Information über das Endprojekt

Information über das Endprojekt

Instead of cramming for a final exam, you will do a final project, in order to bring the course to a creative and enjoyable end.

 

Content, Length and Logistics

  • You will work on a final project with your partners in groups of 3-4. 
  • You chose the format of your project. For example, it can be a video, a podcast, a newscast, a short film, a zine, illustrated story or anything else that would allow you to showcase what you have learned during the semester. You can also create a “sales pitch” for German 231 using themes and materials from the course (see more below on using materials and themes from the course). 
  • Each project will have a written component (a group writing project, in which students are expected to collaborate), and an oral component that allows each member to speak freely (!) For the written component, you will submit at least  450  words (you can add to this part if you need later). In the oral component, you should aim at about 3 mins of speaking per person. 
    • If you are doing a film, video or podcast, your writing will be the actual script, while the oral component will be the performance itself. If you prefer a zine or a story, the oral component will be the presentation of your work and telling your audience about your project (but not just reading it out loud!). 
    • If you have an idea and are not sure how to incorporate a written and a spoken component into your project, please consult your instructor early! 
    • Always provide a WORD COUNT with your submission. 
  • Your project should focus on the main theme we explored during the semester: the question of Identity. Please note that it is not enough just to speak about your own identity, childhood or “Heimat” in German. It is expected that you relate your project to questions and themes we talked about as we explored the society, history, geography and culture of the German-speaking countries. 
  • Your project should incorporate themes or characters of at least one resource (reading, film, video, piece of music etc) that we explored during the semester. As a survey course that aimed at showcasing various aspects of German-speaking culture, German 231 introduced you to a number of resources. The final project gives you a chance to go back to something that caught your attention and explore its themes in more depth. 
  • Your project should incorporate grammar and vocabulary you learned during this semester. 
  • In the oral component, the project must demonstrate your ability to speak freely (as opposed to reading from a script or from props like laptops, books or letters) when you film the video or present your work. Each member of the group should aim at about 3 mins of free speaking. 
  • The oral component of the project should be recorded no matter what format you chose. If your instructor nominates your project for the Kothe Hildner Prize, your video enters the competition. There is a length limit: videos competing for the prize cannot be longer than 15 minutes.
  • Comprehensibility: it is extremely important that your project will be comprehensible to the rest of the class. Incorporating materials and vocabulary familiar to everyone not only will help you to make sure your classmates can follow your presentation, but it will also help you to feel more comfortable preparing and performing your project. You are also welcome to start your presentation with a short list of unfamiliar vocabulary if needed.  

Grading

  • Each group will receive the same grade for the group essay (the written part of your project, draft 1 and 2). You are expected to collaborate with your partners. Please avoid writing three independent essays and then putting them together at the last minute before the due date. Plan ahead, work together, learn from your partners. 
    • However, you will not receive credit for this assignment if you do not contribute or contribute inadequately to your group’s writing project. 
    • If you anticipate and/or experience problems with any of your group members, please notify the instructor promptly. 
  • Each member will be evaluated individually for the speaking part of the project if the oral part of their presentation meets the expectations described above. 
    • You will NOT receive credit for the oral component if you did not demonstrate your ability to speak freely but instead read off the script or screen. 
    • You will NOT receive credit if your part is not well prepared, if you are struggling with remembering your lines, if your pronunciation impedes comprehension. 
    • We recommend that you schedule an appointment with your instructor or with the German Lab in advance where your whole group can run through the script once to get feedback on pronunciation.

Please note that if you are making a video, the quality of your camera work/video editing does not factor into the grade. Many students enjoy practicing their filmmaking skills, but you are not required to produce a professional-looking video. What is required is that you edit the video sufficiently to create a coherent sequence of scenes, and that you ensure sufficient sound quality so that your German can be easily understood.

Guidelines for Content of Role-Plays and Videos:

These are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Please click on the link above and read these guidelines carefully.  Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt as to whether something you’re planning to do is appropriate. Otherwise s/he may have to ask you to rethink your project or to come up with an entirely new one.

A Kothe-Hildner Prize of $200 is awarded each semester to the group producing the best final project in 221/231.

  • There is a length limit: videos nominated for the prize competition cannot be longer than 15 minutes.

Here are a number of prize-winning videos from previous semesters.