German

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN GERMAN STUDIES

The German Studies minor focuses on the study of language, literature, history, culture, and cinema. A minimum of 6 units is required and one elective course may be taken in English. Students starting their German studies at a level higher than GE 107 will take more electives in order to complete the minor.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

German 107: (Re) Discovering German: Accelerated Basic German

Why learn German? One in every four Americans has German heritage. Germany has the third largest economy in the world, and it is estimated that today German is spoken by 140 million people in Europe and across the world. This fast-paced course welcomes students with up to two years of previous high school experience to rediscover German at the college level. It is also appropriate for those who wish to discover the language for the first time. Designed for highly motivated learners, the course provides students with solid basic functional skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural competence. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of German language use while introducing students to the cultures of Germany, Austria and Switzerland through interactive exercises, authentic texts, popular culture, and the visual arts. Pre-requisite: 0-2 years of high school instruction or permission of instructor. Students with more than two years of German require instructor’s permission.

German 111: Intermediate German I

In this course students will work toward solid intermediate-level proficiency while they gain a broader knowledge of the history and popular culture of the German-speaking world. The curriculum offers both a solid review and expansion of basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural competence, utilizing a variety of authentic materials from various regions of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Students engage in extensive work with German-language literature and film as a vehicle for reinforcing communication skills in interpreting, discussing and presenting information. Pre-requisite: GE 107 or equivalent, or permission of instructor

German 112: Intermediate German II

As a continuation of GE 111, participants will work with more advanced features of the language, utilizing authentic materials illustrating vocabulary in context, as well as important “high” and “low” cultural aspects of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Linguistic work will focus on the ability to narrate, describe and explain, as well as on strategies for beginning to hypothesize and support opinion in an increasing number of contexts. German-language literature and cinema will be used as a vehicle for reinforcing communication skills, and students will also design a project relevant to their own personal interests or studies/major. Pre-requisite: GE 111 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester.

German 231: Topics in German Cinema: Composition and Conversation I

What can film teach us about a country’s culture? In this class students will discuss both feature-length and short German-language films as the basis for understanding the history, society, culture, and national identity of German-speaking countries. Films will range from serious to comedic, from historical and documentary works to 21st century trends. Students will work on consolidating and improving advanced aspects of written and spoken German including narration and description, summarization, presentation, and discussion skills. Prerequisite: GE 112 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

German 232: People, Politics and Pop! Composition and Conversation II

People – past and present, German, Austrian, and Swiss -- politics of all kinds, and culture – high and pop – will be the topics of this course. Students will strengthen their ability to converse and write about a wide range of people, events and values in contemporary society. Course materials will be drawn from written materials, film, music, and internet sources to create an integrated collage of contemporary issues tailored in part to participants' specific interests and studies. Students will continue to review advanced aspects of written and spoken German and improve their skills in understanding, interpreting and presenting information. Pre-requisite: GE 231 or permission of instructor.

FOUNDATION COURSES:

 

___ German 107: (Re) Discovering German: Accelerated Basic German

___ German 111: Intermediate German I

___ German 112: Intermediate German II

___ German 231: Topics in German Cinema: Composition and Conversation I

___ German 232: People, Politics and Pop! Composition and Conversation II

ELECTIVE* – UNITS TO BE CHOSEN AMONG THE FOLLOWING:

 

___ German 310: A Cultural Approach to Literature in German

ELECTIVES* – UNITS TO BE CHOSEN AMONG THE FOLLOWING:

 

___ Modern Languages 316: International Filmmakers

 

___ Art History 326-ILC: Cities and Perversities: Art in Turn-of-the-Century Paris, Vienna and Berlin

 

___ English 310-ILC: Cities and Perversities: Literature in Turn-of-the-Century Paris, Vienna and Berlin

___ History 334: Nazi Germany and the Holocaust

___ Philosophy 212: Hegel, Marx, and Nietzsche

___ Philosophy 213: Existentialism

___ Philosophy 302: Philosophy and Psychoanalysis

 

___ Religion 203: Spiritual Quest in Literature

* Please note that elective courses are not offered every year, so you must check the bulletin and plan accordingly. Additional electives may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

 

STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES:

 

You may complete the German Studies minor abroad by taking approved elective classes in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Studying abroad for a summer or a semester also fulfills the Intermediate Learning Community (ILC) requirement at Wagner. For more information, please see Ms. Ellen Navarro in the Center for Intercultural Advancement.

 

For more information on the German Studies minor please contact:

 

Professor Kathryn Buck, Campus Hall 205

kathryn.buck@wagner.edu

 

Professor Katica Urbanc, Parker Hall 207

Dane.stalcup@wagner.edu