German Studies Courses

Courses in German Studies

Elementary German I

An introductory program with a variety of learning approaches. Presentation and reinforcement of grammar, pronunciation and idiom through simple reading, guided writing and functional spoken German. An introduction to the German cultural tradition. GRMN 111 is open only to those without German language background or to those with two years or less of high school German.

Elementary German II

A continuation of GRMN 111.

Intensive Elementary German

Intensive study of the German language with emphasis on the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis on German-speaking countries and communication in authentic contexts. This course is designed for those students with no or little background in German who seek more immediate entry into higher levels.

Science and Technology in the Modern World

The German-speaking world, known today for its ecological awareness, was also the origin of much of the modern science and technology which dominates the structure and thinking of our contemporary lifeworld: from public health to heroin, from automobiles to sustainability, from the theory of relativity to the 'science' of race and sexuality. In this class, we will discuss various topics in the history of selected disciplines of natural science in modern times against the backdrop of their social and cultural contexts along with the moral issues they raise. Students will learn to see and evaluate the rise of natural science and technology as part of wider cultural developments of modernity. Course offered in English.

Modern European Culture from a Global German Perspective

"All that is solid melts into air"...Thus, Karl Marx describes the massive technological, political, social, artistic, and spiritual transformations which have shaken the modern world and which show no signs of abating. This course critically examines how modern European contributions in literature, philosophy, and the arts (with a German focus) have engaged these changes, from the perspective of 21st century global culture and its discontents. By examining modern Europe's unprecedented emphasis on individual fulfillment both in spiritual awareness and social change as well as seeing the triumphs of cultural achievement against the horrors of colonialism, students will explore models of interpreting a world of constant change, of seeking orientation in times of rapidly changing values, and negotiating a multilingual, multicultural universe. Topic units will vary by semester and may include: the "Project of Enlightenment" and European Imperialism, Romanticism and the "Oriental Renaissance," Contemporary Religion and Spirituality in Transcultural Context. Course offered in English.

Societies Past and Future: Marxism, Fascism, and In-Between in German Culture

Not long ago, it seemed that the world's future was destined to be a version of US-American culture, what some called "the end of history." Today we need to look farther afield to understand the decline of democracy and liberalism; the history of German politics and culture gives us important insights to the attractions and pitfalls of social movements in the post-American century and questions of transnationalism. In this course we will look back (via history, literature, film, and philosophy) at German-cultural ways of thinking communal living. We will examine societies which had multiple different forms of government and social organization in a single century (Empire, Republic, Fascism, Communism, Social Market Democracy, European Union) and ask questions such as: What are the attractions of totalitarianism? How are national and post-national identities formed? How do imaginative visions of the future comment upon and shape the way modern societies are organized and transform themselves? Course offered in English.

Germany Today

This course will introduce you to contemporary German culture and society. What does it mean to be a German? Is there such a thing as German culture? By closely examining a variety of texts and other media (film, music, contemporary art) we will try to understand what is means to live in today's Germany. How do Germans and recent immigrants perceive daily life in Germany? What are the societal issues Germans are confronted with (migration, gender roles, power structures, family life, environmental pollution, etc)? Are these issues specific to Germans and Germany or are these global issues that impact people around the world? How does life in Germany compare to life in the USA? By closely examining contemporary German culture and society, we will also gain new insights into our own culture and society. You will be introduced to a wide variety of topics, some of which you will study in more detail in upper-level courses. Course offered in English.

Topics in German Studies

This course focuses on a specific theme or issue of German-speaking countries and cultures. Students will be introduced to one or more fundamental approaches to German Studies. The course is taught in English and open to all students. No prerequisites. May be repeated for credit with different topic.

First-Year Seminar

A seminar focused on a theme related to German Studies. Open only to first-year students.

Intermediate German I

General preparation in German for personal, academic and professional use. Exercise in speaking the language and in writing brief original compositions. Reading from modern literary and cultural sources; selected topics about contemporary German life and the German tradition. Prerequisite: GRMN 112 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Intermediate German II

A continuation of GRMN 211. Prerequisite: GRMN 211 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Topics in German Studies

Courses in specific topics, such as culture, literary movements or genres, linguistics or film. Taught in English. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.

Advanced German

This course is designed to prepare students for advanced work in German language, literature and culture. Students will read a variety of texts. Active practice in spoken and written German. GER 212 or qualifying score on the placement test.

German Studies Through The Disciplines

An investigation that situates knowledge from other disciplines within a German cultural and linguistic context. Close analysis of a case study or case studies of places where other disciplines touch German Studies, in their origins, development, or application. Depending on enrollment, can meet either individually or seminar-style as a group, but in any case with a significant independent and interdisciplinary research component. Examples include the notion of sustainability (in its original and/or present German context), the economics of the German social market economy, Weimar Republic Film, Kantian philosophy, Neuroscience research in Germany, etc. German texts will be included consonant with the German ability of each student. Prerequisite: GRMN 212 or permission of instructor.

Introduction to German Literature and Culture

Experience in the study of literature and German literary history through texts from the 18th century to the present. Students will gain an overview of the historical development of the German tradition. Prerequisite: GRMN 212 or permission of instructor.

German Cultural Studies

Emphasis on aspects of popular, artistic, intellectual, religious and social tradition from selected periods. Prerequisite: GRMN 212 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics..

Topics: German

Critical investigation of a subject, usually from one of the following areas: genre or motif study, comparative arts, recent writers and criticism, social background to literature, cultural studies, linguistics, contemporary theory. Prerequisite:Any 300-level German course or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Senior Seminar

A detailed study of an author or a principal movement of German literature and/or culture.

Advanced Readings and Projects in German I

Open to advanced students in German with permission of chair. May be repeated for credit.

Advanced Readings and Projects in German II

A continuation of GRMN 447. Prerequisite: Open to advanced students with permission of chair.