German (GER)Academic Catalog: 2020–2021
- Bastain Treptau
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.
German Courses
101, 102 Beginning German Language and Culture I, II (1 course, 1 course) This is a sequential two-semester program designed to introduce students to the German-speaking world and its cultural products, practices, and perspectives. Students begin to develop linguistic and cultural competency through language learning framed within the context of ‘Alltagskultur,’ including such themes as the geography, history, customs, traditions, and social norms that shape every- day life. As students acquire elementary reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills through a variety of authentic language resources and media, they begin to develop an understanding of the German speaking world, and at the same time gain insight into their own culture. Prerequisites: GER-101: no previous experience, placement by exam, or instructor’s permission. GER-102: GER-101, placement by exam, or instructor’s permission. Fall semester, Spring semester.
201, 202 Intermediate German Language and Culture I, II (1 course, 1 course) This is a sequential two-semester program designed to further develop students’ linguistic and cultural competency through language learning within the framework of culture. Students acquire intermediate skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing through a variety of authentic language resources and media focusing on the theme of cultural identity in the German speaking world and historical events that influence that identity. Prerequisite: GER-201: GER-102, placement by exam, or instructor’s permission. GER-202: GER-201, placement by exam, or instructor’s permission. Fall semester, Spring semester.
251 Explorations in German Culture: Impressions and Expression (1 course) This upper intermediate level course is designed to increase competency in all four communication skills: listening and reading comprehension, speaking, and (especially) writing. Working with authentic texts, including poetry, short stories, and essays, as well as excerpts from German television and/or film, students improve their abilities in discussing and writing about a variety of topics and increase both their linguistic and cultural competence. In addition, students broaden their vocabulary base and strengthen grammatical structures within the context of classical and current literature and contemporary cultural and social issues, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, immigration, and German cultural identity. Students engage in daily discussions, produce both short and extended writing assignments, and participate in planned international exchanges as available online. Prerequisite: GER-202, placement by exam, or instructor’s permission. Fall semester.
244, 344 Special Topics in German (1 course, 1 course) Content will vary. Courses will explore a topic or 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. Prerequisite: GER-244: None; GER-344: GER-202, GER-251, or instructor’s permission. Offered occasionally.