German (GER)
German is part of the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. A major is available in German as well as a minor in German Studies. While the major focuses primarily on the language, the interdisciplinary minor provides students the opportunity to take courses from a diverse set of departments.
Special Considerations
Students who directly enroll in and complete a 300- level German language course with a grade of 'C' or higher may be awarded credit for 201 and 202 courses provided they have not previously earned any lower division credit in that particular language.
Students who earned/received credit for a higher level German language course may not take or repeat a course at a lower level and receive credit for that course.
Requirements for the Major in German
The German major consists of 24 credit hours. Students majoring in German are required to complete a semester of study abroad in a country where the German language is spoken, taking a majority of courses in German in a program approved by the language coordinator. In rare instances, exceptions to this policy may be granted, at the discretion of the faculty of the program, through a waiver process administered by the Coordinator of the German program.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Major Courses | 15 | |
| Intermediate Active German | ||
| Intermediate Active German | ||
| Advanced German 1 | ||
| The German World | ||
or GER 306 | Popular Culture and Traditions in Austria, Germany and Switzerland | |
| Introduction to German Literature | ||
| Literature Requirement | 3 | |
| Select one course from the following: | ||
| German Prose | ||
| German Theater | ||
| German Expressionism | ||
| German Contemporary Film Seminar | ||
| German Poetry | ||
| 400-Level Elective | 3 | |
Select one German (GER) course at the 400- level | ||
| Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
Select one German (GER) course at 300- or 400-level | ||
| Semester of Study Abroad | ||
| Total Hours | 24 | |
- 1
Students must earn a grade of 'C' or higher in order to continue in the major.
Requirements for Minor in German Studies
The curriculum consists of 18 credit hours as described below. Courses taken to meet the requirements of the Minor in German Studies will NOT count toward requirements in programs other than German Studies. Exceptions may be granted in extraordinary circumstances and with permission of both the German Language Coordinator and the Department Chair in Philosophy, Religion, History, and/or Government. The candidate for the Minor in German Studies is strongly encouraged to participate in an extended study, travel, or work-abroad experience.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 6 | |
| Intermediate Active German | ||
| Intermediate Active German | ||
| Language Electives | 6 | |
Select two German (GER) courses at the 300- level or higher | ||
| Culture Electives | 6 | |
| Select two courses from the following: | ||
| Europe in the Age of Revolutions, 1789-1850 | ||
| Selected Topics in History | ||
| War and Conflict | ||
| European Politics | ||
| Kant and 19th Century Philosophy | ||
| Phenomenology | ||
| Western Public Religious Thought, 1900-1965 | ||
Any 300 or 400-level GER course | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
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.
Prerequisite: GER 101 with a minimum grade of D.
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 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.
Prerequisite: GER 308 with a minimum grade of C.
GER 470. Independent Study in German. 1 to 4 Hours.
Independent study of selected topics in German at an advanced level. Specific topics vary from semester to semester. Permission of the instructor required.
GER 480. Advanced Topics in German. 1 to 4 Hours.
The study of selected topics at the advanced level in German.