German (GER)
GER 101. Beginning Active German. 3 Hours.
A comprehensive introduction to the four skills of the language: speaking, aural
comprehension, reading, writing. Structure and communication skills are emphasized through extensive use of German in the classroom.
GER 102. Beginning Active German. 3 Hours.
A comprehensive introduction to the four skills of the language: speaking, aural
comprehension, reading, writing. Structure and communication skills are emphasized through extensive use of German in the classroom.
GER 201. Intermediate Active German. 3 Hours.
An intensive review of the language, with emphasis on development of fluent oral
skills, refinement of grammatical structure, vocabulary building, and expansion of
reading and writing skills. Oral communication is stressed in class.
Prerequisite: GER 102 with a minimum grade of C-.
GER 202. Intermediate Active German. 3 Hours.
An intensive review of the language, with emphasis on development of fluent oral
skills, refinement of grammatical structure, vocabulary building, and expansion of
reading and writing skills. Oral communication is stressed in class.
Prerequisite: GER 201 with a minimum grade of C-.
GER 280. Selected Topics in German. 1 to 4 Hours.
The study of selected topics at the introductory or intermediate level in German.
GER 303. Advanced German. 3 Hours.
Modern short stories are the basis for discussions on a wide range of topics contrasting German and American cultural attitudes and the ways in which they are expressed. Written assignments are related to discussion topics. The course stresses application of grammar, idiomatic usage of German, and vocabulary acquisition, with the goal of moving the student toward advanced proficiency in German. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: GER 202 with a minimum grade of C-.
GER 304. The German World. 3 Hours.
A discovery of Austria, Germany and Switzerland, their social, cultural, and political
institutions, their geography and recent history through authentic listening and
reading materials. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: GER 303 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 306. Popular Culture and Traditions in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. 3 Hours.
An exploration of the historical development of popular culture in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Using representative samples of literary works, films, music, and fine arts, the course will examine the production, manifestation, and audience of popular culture. Outside influences that shape popular culture will also be discussed. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: GER 303 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 308. Introduction to German Literature. 3 Hours.
Selected readings in poetry, drama, and prose introduce the student to the historical development of various literary genres and foster an appreciation of diverse styles and literary techniques. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: GER 303 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 309. Business German. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to build speaking and oral comprehension skills, reading and writing skills, and cultural proficiency with a strong focus on business-German. The course concentrates on contemporary Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and will introduce students to essential aspects of business culture and practices in German-speaking countries.
Prerequisite: GER 303 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 370. Independent Study. 1 to 4 Hours.
Independent study of selected topics in German language, literature, or culture offered under the guidance of a member of the department. Permission of instructor required.
Prerequisite: GER 202 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 380. German Drama Workshop. 3 Hours.
Participation in German language drama productions.
GER 401. German Prose. 3 Hours.
A careful reading of selected texts by major German-speaking authors that trace the evolution of specific genres within German prose. The course surveys one of the major literary genres of either the German novel, the "Novelle," or the fairytale. The techniques and styles of major German authors are examined, with emphasis on their historical and social importance. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: GER 308 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 402. German Theater. 3 Hours.
A careful reading of representative texts of the German theater designed to acquaint the student with the different genres of theater and to teach the student to read critically. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: GER 308 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 403. German Expressionism. 3 Hours.
An interdisciplinary study of Expressionist literature, art, and culture that takes into
account the political and historical relevance of its revolutionary time period. Using
prose, drama, and poetry, as well as representative films of this period, the course
explores the importance of these works as documents of turn-of-the-century European culture, the dawn of modernism, industrialism, and urbanization, as well as the political and social realities of pre-war, World War I, and "Weimar" Germany. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: GER 308 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 404. German Contemporary Film Seminar. 4 Hours.
A study of German-speaking film as an art form. Using a representative sample of
films as "texts," the course considers narrative processes, representational modalities, and the language of film (cinematographic techniques and devices). Other topics of consideration may include the contrastive analysis of literary and cinematic fictions, the cinematic depiction of social and cultural realities (film as cultural mirror, film as propaganda), the historical development of a national film industry, and the director as auteur. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: GER 308 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 405. German Poetry. 3 Hours.
A careful reading of selected poems by major German-speaking authors, tracing the evolution of specific genres within German poetry. The authors' techniques and styles are examined, with emphasis on their historical and social importance. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: GER 308 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 406. Multiculturalism and Diversity in the German-Speaking World. 3 Hours.
An exploration of the cultural and social diversity within Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Selected literary texts, texts dealing with current events, and films about and by minority cultures will be studied. The course will examine how minorities adapt to and/or adopt the majority culture of the host country. Conducted in German. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.
Prerequisite: GER 308 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 480. Advanced Topics in German. 1 to 4 Hours.
The study of selected topics at the advanced level in German.