German (GER)

• Horst Ludwig

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 exercising comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

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 or the instructor’s permission is a prerequisite for GER-102. Offered annually.

201, 202 Intermediate German I, II (1 course, 1 course) A sequential two-semester program. These courses will include 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: GER-102 or two years of senior high school German. GER-201 or the instructor’s permission is a 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.

251, 252 Conversation and Composition (1 course, 1 course) A sequential two-semester program. These courses are 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, magazines 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 or permission of the instructor. Offered occasionally.

291, 391 Independent Study (Course value to be determined) Independent study project and scholarly paper. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.