Information found in this online edition of the 2008-09 catalog is unofficial and for informational purposes only. By authority of the dean of the College, some factual corrections to the printed version may appear here. The official document of record is the printed edition of the 2008-09 Catalog. For more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

German Studies

GERM 101, 102 Beginning German

Altpeter-Jones
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 participation. Viewing and discussion of short films to develop conversational skills and understanding of German culture. Interactive computer exercises for individual student practice. Oral projects. Web-based activities.
Prerequisite: None. Must be taken in sequence.
Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits each.

GERM 201, 202 Intermediate German

Staff
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.

GERM 230 German Literature In Translation

Altpeter-Jones
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 and Deconstructing the German Fairy Tale. 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.

GERM 244 German Practicum

Altpeter-Jones
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.

GERM 251, 252 Conversational German

Staff
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.

GERM 301 German Composition And Conversation

Staff
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.

GERM 321 Introduction To Literary Studies

Altpeter-Jones
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.

GERM 410 Major Periods In German Literature From The Beginning To Enlightenment

Altpeter-Jones
Content: Introduction to the most important works of literature of the early Middle Ages, the courtly period of the 12th century, the Reformation, and 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.

GERM 411 Major Periods Of German Literature From The Enlightenment To The Present

Rischer (Munich)
Content: Study of 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 credits.

GERM 422 German Culture And Civilization (Landeskunde)

Rischer (Munich)
Content: Study of 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.

GERM 444 German Practicum

Staff
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.

GERM 450 Special Topics

Staff
Content: Special topics pertaining to prominent issues of German literature and culture. Primary texts explored in the context of current critical discourses. Topical content varies. Recent topics: art and politics in German literature and film, genius and madness, love and obsession in German literature. 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.

GERM 490 Honors Thesis

Altpeter-Jones, Staff
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.

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