About the Required Portfolio

As a German student, you will purchase your portfolio in conjunction with the first class you take in the German section. You will be responsible to maintain and build your portfolio throughout your German studies. The portfolio will help you to:

Track your German language proficiency. The final exams for German 102 (103), 202 and 321 (322) will be standardized proficiency exams, the results of which will be recorded in your portfolio. Your German language instructors can also make comments in your portfolio on your progress and overall skill level. This will allow your instructors to work with you more effectively as you move from skill level to skill level.
Reflect on your own German learning through periodic self-evaluations.
Achieve a mastery of selected masterworks of German literature. A reading list is included as a part of the portfolio. As a requirement for graduation, you will read each of these works and write a 1-2 page response, which you will post in the portfolio. It is recommended that you read these works in conjunction with a literature course, but you may choose to read them and complete the reports on your own.
Display the best essays and papers you have produced during your German courses.

Your portfolio will be reviewed and signed by your instructors during your first and second year language courses. Toward the end of your third year if you are a major, or at the end of your German studies if you are a minor, you will visit a faculty advisor of your choice, who will review your portfolio and sign it. If you are a major, your portfolio will be reviewed and signed once again during 400R at the time of the Senior Proficiency Exam.