German (GER)

The language of a people is the most important component of its culture. We view culture in the broad, sociological sense of the word, not simply in the narrow sense of literature and the fine arts, and attempt, at all levels, to develop in our students an understanding of as many aspects of the German culture and civilization as possible in conjunction with training in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. This emphasis on proficiency in the skills is carried into the literature courses, all of which are conducted in German to insure that graduates will be well prepared whatever their career decision may be.

We strongly encourage majors and minors in German to study abroad, and we support the goals of those who are interested in business, government, sociology, etc., where the need for individuals competent in foreign languages is increasing constantly. We believe such students should study a foreign language at least through GER-251 and then spend a semester abroad taking courses in the area of specialization.

Students who have studied German prior to enrolling at Gustavus should take the online placement exam to determine the appropriate level for registration.

Any courses presented for transfer credit into the major/minor must be approved by the German section and the department chairperson, who must also approve the study abroad curriculum prior to departure. The department will consider a maximum of three courses for acceptance as part of a student’s major/minor, not to exceed two courses per semester of work done in another institution. One course in the major/minor must be completed after returning from study abroad. Courses must be graded C or higher to fulfill the requirements for the major/minor.

Major in German:

GER-251, GER-252, GER-399, and five other courses approved by the adviser from German offerings above GER-252. In addition, a comprehensive examination is required before graduation.

Minor:

GER-251, GER-252, GER-399, and two other courses numbered above GER-252.

Courses

101, 102 Beginning German I, II (1 course, 1 course) A sequential two-semester program. Basic grammatical forms and patterns: conversation, cultural readings. GER-101 is prerequisite for GER-102. Offered annually.

201, 202 Intermediate German I, II (1 course, 1 course) A sequential two-semester program. Reading and discussion in German of short stories, expository German prose, songs, and poems. There will also be a thorough, systematic review of grammar. Prerequisite: 101–102 or two years of senior high school German. GER-201 is prerequisite for GER-202. Offered annually.

244, 344 Special Topics in German (1 course, 1 course) Special topics in German studies. Content will vary. Courses will explore a topic or a problem in depth and students will read, discuss, and write. In GER-244, readings, instruction, and discussion will be in English. In GER-344, readings, instruction, and discussion will be in German. More than one special topic may be taken. The prerequisite for GER-344 is GER-251 or permission of the instructor. Offered occasionally.

251, 252 Conversation and Composition (1 course, 1 course) A sequential two-semester program. Designed to give students the opportunity to further develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. One semester the students will read primarily non-fictional texts (essays, letters, magazine and newspaper articles); the other semester they will read selected texts of modern German prose fiction. During both semesters students will practice writing, actively participate in daily discussions, and give in-class presentations. Grammatical and compositional principles will be reviewed. Prerequisite: GER-202 or equivalent. Required of all majors and minors. Offered Occasionally.

371 Short Prose Works (1 course) Readings in German literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Selections mainly from the field of the German Novelle. Prerequisites: GER-251 and GER-252 or permission. Fall semester, even years.

372 German Lyric Poetry (1 course) Reading and discussion of poems by more than thirty great German poets from the old High German period to the present. Students will also write and present interpretations of selected poems. Prerequisites: GER-251 and GER-252 or permission. Spring semester, odd years.

373 Modern German Drama (1 course) Analysis of great dramas representative of the nineteenth century to the present. Prerequisites: GER-251 and GER-252 or permission. Fall semester, odd years.

376 Structure of German (1 course) A review of German phonetics, morphology, and syntax. Analysis of forms and sentences, laboratory practice, reading and free speech, and preparation of texts, all designed to increase the student’s use of German. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor or GER-251, GER-252 or permission. Spring semester, odd years.

391 Independent Study (Course value to be determined) Independent study project and scholarly paper. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

399 Culture and Civilization (1 course) A course in German culture and civilization required of all majors and minors. Intensive use of German, including student presentations as well as daily discussions of cultural history. To be taken by majors and minors during the senior year if possible. Prerequisites: GER-251 and GER-252, or permission of instructor. Offered occasionally.