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AP German Language and Culture Course and Exam Frequently Asked Questions
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| | How can I learn about the revised AP German Language and Culture course and exam?
To learn about the design and intent of the revised course and exam, download a copy of the AP German Language and Culture Course and Exam Description, Effective Fall 2011 (.pdf/3MB), which provides a complete description of the new exam format, a full set of exam questions and scoring guidelines for the new free-response questions. Bound copies will soon be available for purchase in the College Board Store.
When will the revised AP German Language and Culture course and exam go into effect?
The revised course goes into effect in the 2011-12 academic year. The first administration of the revised AP German Language and Culture Exam will be in May 2012.
What's new in the revised AP Exam?
Key revisions to the AP Exam include the following: (1) all exam tasks are contextualized — that is, the listening rejoinders are eliminated, and all exam tasks and source materials come with advance organizers and time for previewing the questions; (2) the exam uses authentic audio materials instead of scripted exchanges and dialogues, and — all audio sources are played twice; and (3) the exam includes a greater variety of authentic print and audio materials than in the past. These reflect, the linguistic and cultural diversity of the German-speaking world. To best prepare students for the exam, teachers must ensure that students encounter texts that represent the German-speaking world including and beyond Germany.
Has there been any change in how the exam is scored?
Yes. Total scores on the multiple-choice section are now based on the number of questions answered correctly. Points will no longer be deducted for incorrect answers and, as always, no points will be awarded for unanswered questions.
How will cultural knowledge be assessed on the AP Exam?
The exam assesses cultural knowledge throughout, and not in a separate "culture" section. Students will not be asked isolated questions about cultural trivia, but will be expected to demonstrate understanding of cultural information presented in print and audio texts. The best way to prepare students for this aspect of the new exam is to use authentic materials during classroom instruction.
Can students use a dictionary on the exam?
Use of dictionaries or other reference works during the AP Exam is not permitted. German is used exclusively in the exam materials, with the exception of directions in the exam booklet, which are printed in both English and German. Student responses must be in German.
Are there any prerequisites for students who want to take the AP German Language and Culture course and exam?
The AP German Language and Culture course is intended to be roughly equivalent both in content and in difficulty to an advanced-level college German language course. The AP course provides students with opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency in each of the three modes in the Intermediate to Pre-Advanced range as described in the ACTFL Performance Guidelines for K—12 Learners. The exam presupposes four to five years of language instruction.
Do I have to submit new materials for the AP Course Audit?
In March 2011, the AP Course Audit began accepting submissions of materials for the 2011-12 school year. Every AP German Language and Culture teacher must submit a course syllabus that meets the revised curricular requirements. Resources to support the development of your syllabus are available at AP Course Audit. Participation in the AP Course Audit ensures that all AP teachers have incorporated the revisions into their courses.
What will I need to show in the new syllabus I submit for the AP Course Audit?
A new Syllabus Development Guide and four sample syllabi, which meet all the curricular requirements of the revised course, are now available to download from AP Course Audit . In general, teachers will need to show the following in their syllabi: (1) use of authentic print, audio, and video materials in class; (2) activities that target each of the three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, presentational); (3) lessons or units that focus on the six course themes; and (4) activities that encourage students to demonstrate comprehension of cultural perspectives and to make comparisons among cultures.
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