German Course Descriptions
The first of two elementary-level courses intended to help students develop communicative as well as intercultural competence in German. This course is intended for students with no prior knowledge of German, or those who have had two years or less of high school German.
Builds on the skills acquired in GERM 111. Students will continue to develop an ability to communicate in real-life situations by acquiring additional reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills as well as cultural competency in the Germanic world. Students meet once a week with a language assistant from Germany.Prerequisite: GERM 111 or 2-3 years of high school German.
Taught entirely in English. The course includes a variety of literary genres from a cross-section of Germanic countries. Emphasis is on significant literary works ranging from the earliest to the most modern and their film adaptations.
Continue the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills through a variety of texts (journalistic, short story, poetry, advertising, film, etc.) that reflect the cultural, social, and linguistic diversity of the German-speaking world. Students explore the diversity of practices, products, and perspectives found within contemporary German-speaking societies. Topics may include gender, multiculturalism, ethnicity, family, religion, literature, art, music, gastronomy, education, economics, and politics. Students meet once a week with a language assistant from Germany. Prerequisite: GERM 112 or its equivalent.
Continue the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills through a variety of texts (journalistic, short story, poetry, advertising, film, etc.) that reflect the cultural, social, and linguistic diversity of the German-speaking world. Students explore the diversity of practices, products, and perspectives found within contemporary German-speaking societies. Topics may include gender, multiculturalism, ethnicity, family, religion, literature, art, music, gastronomy, education, economics, and politics. Students meet once a week with a language assistant from Germany. Prerequisite: GERM 211.
Offers the opportunity to practice conversational German in an informal setting. Activities are designed to help students use the language creatively. The course may be taken three times for credit but applied to the major or minor only twice. Prerequisite: GERM 111 or its equivalent.
A weekly meeting designed to expand vocabulary and increase the speaking proficiency of students at or above the advanced-intermediate level. Maximum number of German Table classes (251, 291, or a combination) that may be taken for credit: three. Maximum number of German Table classes that can be applied to the hours required for the major: two (can consist of two 251s; two 291s, or one of each). Prerequisite: GERM 212, its equivalent, or permission of instructor.
Emphasizes listening and speaking skills. Students improve their comprehension and speech through laboratory exercises, class discussions, and other activities. Prerequisite: GERM 212 or equivalent.
Emphasizes refinement of writing skills and good usage in German. Given different contracts, the course may be taken twice for credit. Prerequisite: GERM 212, its equivalent, or permission of instructor.
Introduces German history from 750 to 1800. The course provides a cultural, literary, and historical survey from the age of Charlemagne to the Enlightenment. Prerequisite: GERM 212 or permission of instructor.
Examines representative authors of the early 20th century, the literary resistance in the Third Reich, exile literature, and the emergence of a new German literature after 1945. Prerequisite: GERM 302 or permission of instructor.
Satisfies the study abroad requirement for the major. Students attend preparatory meetings and participate in assignments designed to maximize the value of the required study abroad experience. Before departure, students engage in readings and discussions. After study abroad, students submit a reflection paper and/or assigned written work related to their formal and informal learning gained during the stay.
Explores aspects of Germanic civilization and culture including history, the arts, architecture, religion, and literature in German speaking countries. The course may be repeated for credit as the subject matter changes. Prerequisite: GERM 212 or permission of instructor.
Concentrates on the vocabulary of business in German-speaking settings and intercultural awareness between the US and German-speaking countries. The emphasis is on reading, writing, translating, and fundamental oral communication skills in business settings. The course focuses on business topics pertaining to industry, marketing, finance, social welfare, the consumer in general and the environment, in the context of German business culture. Prerequisite: one 300-level German language course or permission of instructor.
Taught entirely in English. The course covers major German film directors treating themes that include the Third Reich, Germany after WWII, and gender roles. May be taken two times with change in topic
Provides an opportunity to study a linguistic, literary, or cultural topic related to the German-speaking world. Courses in topical areas not offered in the regular curriculum may be offered on a rotating basis. The course may be repeated for credit as subject matter changes. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and permission of instructor.
Provides the advanced student an opportunity to study in depth an aspect of Germanic culture, which may include: literature, art, cinema, business culture, or another approved topic. The course serves as a capstone for the German major. Prerequisite: Two German courses numbered above 302, at least one of which is taught in German, or permission of instructor.