Courses

101 Beginning German  I

Content: Fundamentals of German language and culture through speaking, listening, reading, writing. Basic vocabulary and grammatical structures of German practiced orally and in writing. Large- and small-group activities. Oral projects. Interactive computer exercises for individual student practice.  Web-based activities.

Prerequisite: None. Must be taken in sequence.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits each.

 

102 Beginning German II

Content:  Continued study of German language and culture through speaking, listening, reading, writing. Basic vocabulary and grammatical structures of German practiced orally and in writing. Large- and small-group activities. Viewing and discussion of short films to develop conversational skills and understanding of German culture. Interactive computer exercises for individual student practice. Final oral group projects. Web-based activities.

Prerequisite: Germ 102 or placement exam. Must be taken in sequence.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits each.

 

201 Intermediate German I

Content: Strengthening of language skills and solid grammar review. Reading of short prose to develop reading skills and expand vocabulary. Viewing and discussion of films to improve listening comprehension and speaking ability and to increase cultural understanding. Compositions based on the films provide grammar and vocabulary practice.

Prerequisite: German 102 or placement exam. Must be taken in sequence.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits each.

 

202 Intermediate German II

Content: Continued strengthening of language skills and solid grammar review. Reading of short prose to develop reading skills and expand vocabulary. Viewing and discussion of films to improve listening comprehension and speaking ability and to increase cultural understanding. Compositions based on the films provide grammar and vocabulary practice.

Prerequisite: German 201 or placement exam. Must be taken in sequence.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits each.

 

230 German Literature in Translation

Content: Introduction to major writers and texts of German literature. Topics vary from year to year and have included Femininities and Masculinities in German Literature, Deconstructing the German Fairy Tale, Viking Cultures and the German Film. Taught in English: no background in German language or literature required.

Prerequisite: None.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits. May be taken twice for credit if the topic is different.

 

244 German Practicum

Content: Advanced language students lead beginning German students in weekly discussions of German instructional films.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Taught: Each semester, 1-2 semester credits. May be repeated for credit.

 

251, 252 Conversational German

Content: Development of speaking and listening proficiency through analytical and creative activities such as discussions, presentations, skits, interactive games. Newspapers, magazines, and contemporary films provide sources for topics of conversation, vocabulary, idioms, and patterns of language use.

Prerequisite: German 201.

Taught: Annually, 2 semester credits each. Both courses may be taken twice for credit or taken in sequence for a maximum of 4 credits, credit-no credit.

 

301 German Composition and Conversation

Content: Oral expression, idiomatic usage, and creative and expository writing with grammar review and new grammatical material. Readings, discussions, and compositions based on selections from German literature and culture. Emphasis on developing proficiency in spoken and written German with correct syntax and style.

Prerequisite: German 202 or placement exam.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

 

321 Introduction to Literary Studies

Content: Expository and creative writing with compositions, critical readings, and discussions based on selections from 20th-century German literature and culture. Advanced grammar, stylistics, and idiomatic usage studied in the context of reading and writing. Proficiency-based oral presentations, compositions, exams, projects.

Prerequisite: German 301 or consent of instructor.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

 

350 Topics in German Literature and Culture

Content:  Exploration of prominent issues in the literature and culture of German-speaking countries.  Topics will vary and may include the study of a genre, literary movement, historical period, or theme:  fairy tale, film, Romanticism, literature of the 21st century, Austrian and Swiss literature and culture, and Migrantenliteratur.  Focus on linguistic, literary, and cultural proficiency through extensive oral and written work and final examination.

Prerequisite and/or restriction:  German 321 or equivalent.

Taught:  Annually, 4 semester credits.

 

 

410 Major Periods in German Literature From the Beginning to Enlightenment

Content: Introduction to the literature and culture of the early Middle Ages, the courtly period of the 12th century, the Reformation, and the baroque period. Close reading of texts and development of writing and speaking proficiency, culminating in a research paper written and presented in German.

Prerequisite: German 321 or consent of instructor.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

 

411 Major Periods of German Literature From the Enlightenment to the Present

Rischer (Munich)

Content: The major literary periods of German literature from the Enlightenment to the present through theatre. Plays by writers such as Lessing, Goethe, Schiller, and Brecht are read and discussed in their social and literary contexts. Students then see the plays performed on stage. Close reading of texts and development of writing and speaking proficiency, culminating in a critique of a play.

Prerequisite: German 321 or equivalent.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credit

 

422 German Culture and Civilization (Landeskunde)

Haas (Munich)

Content: German history, society, arts, and politics, with particular emphasis on the process and consequences of German unification and Germany’s role in the European Union. Students also learn about Munich, a major German city and the capital of Bavaria, by performing interviews in schools, political institutions, arts organizations, and social service agencies. Oral and written reports.

Prerequisite: German 321 or equivalent.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

 

444 German Practicum  

Content: Advanced language students lead intermediate German students in weekly discussions of German instructional films.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Taught: Each semester, 1-2 semester credits.

 

450 Special Topics

Content: Special topics pertaining to prominent issues of German literature and culture. Primary texts explored in the context of current critical discourses. Topic varies. Recent topics include Modernism and the City: Vienna, Paris, Berlin. Proficiency practiced through extensive oral and written work culminating in a research paper written and formally presented in German.

Prerequisite: German 321.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits. May be repeated for credit with change of topic.

 

490 Honors Thesis

Content: Independent research project suitable for granting departmental
honors. Details determined by student in conference with supervising faculty
member.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Departmental approval.

Taught: Annually, 1-4 semester credits, credit-no credit.