Course descriptions may be updated periodically to reflect changes since the last published catalog.
Course Number Name
GER-101 Elementary German I...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Practice in both oral and written language skills using German culture as background for language study. Emphasis on active use of German to master structure, pronunciation and vocabulary. One language laboratory session per week.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

BA FOREIGN

GER-102 Elementary German II...

Prerequisites

Ger-101 or instructor's permission

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Continuation of skills development from 101. One language laboratory session per week.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Course Types

BA FOREIGN

GER-201 Intermediate German I...

Prerequisites

GER 102 or instructor's consent

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Four-skills approach (speaking, listening, reading, writing) utilizing authentic texts, recordings, and visual media. Grammar review, vocabulary expansion, and intensive practice. One language laboratory session per week.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

BA FOREIGN

GER-202 Intermediate German II...

Prerequisites

GER 201 or Instructor's consent

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Continuation of skills development from 201. One language laboratory session per week.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Course Types

BA FOREIGN

GER-216 Masters of German Literature in English Translation...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Discussion of works by major authors from the 18th century to the present. Drama, fiction, and poetry. The specifically "German" contributions as related to the European context. Lessing, Goethe, Schiller, Heine, Buchner, Schnitzler, Kafka, T. Mann, Hesse, Brecht, Seghers, Grass, Boll, Wolf and/or others.

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

Humanities Literature Requirement

GER-218 Grimms' Fairy Tales...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

A critical reading of Grimms' Fairy Tales in the cultural, literary, and political context of the times in which they were collected, edited, and read. Comparisons will be drawn with 20th/21st century cinematic adaptations. The investigation will include uncovering reasons for the graphic violence present in the tales. The contributions of major folklore scholars will also be discussed. The texts will be read in English translation.

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

Humanities Literature Requirement

GER-301 German Civilization...

Prerequisites

GER 202 or instructor consent

Course Credits

4.00

Description

A survey of civilization in the German-speaking countries from the Reformation to German unification (1871). Major figures, movements, and periods. Art, literature, music, and philosophy in the context of political and economic developments. Normally offered alternate years.

Term Offered

Course Types

Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN

GER-302 German Civilization II...

Prerequisites

GER 202 or consent of instructor.

Course Credits

4.00

Description

A survey of civilization in the German-speaking countries from the late 19th century to the present. Major figures, movements, and periods. Art, literature, music, philosophy, and popular culture in the context of political and economic developments.

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN

GER-303 Advanced Conversation...

Prerequisites

GER 202, or Instructors consent

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Further development of speaking ability in various contexts (e.g., informal conversation, debate, discussion of current events in the German-speaking countries). Short texts and audio- visual materials as a basis for classroom activities.

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

BA FOREIGN

GER-304 Advanced Composition...

Prerequisites

GER 202 or consent of the instructor

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Additional training in writing German. Practice in various modes (e.g., essay, poetry, dramas, short fiction). Some translation into English. Special attention paid to grammatical points where needed.

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

BA FOREIGN

GER-306 German Cinema...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

A survey of films produced in the German speaking countries from the 1920's to the present. Includes the Weimar republic, the Nazi period, postwar production from both East and West Germany, and new trends since reunification. Film esthetics and socio-historical context. All films shown in German with English subtitles.

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

GER-310 Masterpieces of German Literature...

Prerequisites

GER 202 or Instrucor's Permission

Course Credits

4.00

Description

A reading of major works in the context of cultural trends and historical developments. Includes such texts as Goethe's Faust, Grimm's fairy tales, a selection of poetry, dramas, and short prose pieces, and at least one novel. GER 301 or GER 302 strongly recommended.

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN

GER-320 The German Press...

Prerequisites

GER-202

Course Credits

4.00

Description

A comparative reading of articles from the German language press on such topics as contemporary culture, the environment, the European Union, globalization, immigration, minorities and the women's movement.

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

BA FOREIGN

GER-412 Contemporary Germany...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

A survey of German culture, politics, and society from the end of World War II to the present day. Discussion of such topics as the "post-fascist" mentality, economic efficiency, re-education, Americanization, division and it's legacy, high culture, entertainment for the masses, environmental movements, pacifism, and multiculturalism.

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

GER-419 East Germany and the Cold War...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

When the German Democratic Republic was founded in 1949, observers in the West viewed it as an artificial construct created to serve the needs of the Soviet empire. The self-image of the GDR as created by its leadership revolved around the idea of an anti-fascist German state designed as a bulwark against any revival of National Socialism. Over a generation after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it is possible to undertake a dispassionate analysis of the forty-year history of the 'other' German state as manifested in its cultural identity and political role during the Cold War. Cross- list with GVT 472/872

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

Social Science

GER-420 The Greens and Environmentalism...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

The rise of the Green Party, from it's grass-roots beginnings to participation in the federal government. Background on the development of green consciousness in Germany and Europe since the early 20th century. Present governmental policies and programs (e.g. alternative energy sources, organic farming, recycling, dismantling of nuclear power). Cross-list with ENST 420/GVT 420/620.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Course Types

Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

GER-502 Honors Thesis...

Prerequisites

Permission of the Dept Chair.

Course Credits

4.00

Description

A major research project completed under the supervision of a regular faculty member.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

BA FOREIGN