This course develops facility in oral expression and writing, with emphasis on the expansion of vocabulary and the reinforcement of grammatical structures. It draws much of its audio, visual, and print material from the website of the Deutsche Welle, and it treats current events and other topics of interest in contemporary German society. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: German 3, or equivalent
Dist: WCult:W
This class investigates youth cultures in the German-speaking world, analyzing different ideas of youth and their political and cultural impact in four distinct units: fairy tales and nation building in the early 19th century, sexual awakenings in the early 20th century, authoritarian regimes of the mid- and late 20th century, and youth rebellion in post-war and post-unification Germany. This course will review more complex grammar, expand vocabulary, and strengthen listening, speaking and writing skills. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: German 3, or equivalent
Dist:SOC; WCult:CI
This course surveys the history and culture of the German-speaking lands to investigate the individual’s role in a changing society. Discussions will stress the uneven path of subjects, dependent on God, the ruler, or social hierarchy, towards becoming autonomous citizens. What role has philosophy, poetry, art, architecture, or music played in this emancipation process? Thinking and writing about this question will help intermediate language learners practice grammar, acquire vocabulary, and strengthen listening, speaking, and writing skills. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: German 3, or equivalent
Dist:TMV; WCult:W
This intermediate course explores the media scene of contemporary Germany, with a focus on newspapers, TV, radio, and blogs. We will compare these media, study the kinds of language they produce, and analyze their place in contemporary German culture. Students will develop writing skills by practicing the stylistic conventions of each medium, learning to communicate effectively with different audiences. The course reviews grammar topics in detail, expands vocabulary, and strengthens listening, speaking, and writing skills. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: German 3, or equivalent
Dist:ART; WCult:W
This course explores Germany's history from pre-modernity to the present through visual sources ranging from medieval manuscripts to contemporary film. Students analyze the iconography of major social, political, and artistic events and developments by “reading” posters, paintings, architectural plans, newspaper illustrations, and art installations as well as “texts" in other visual media. Analyzing such visual evidence of German history, intermediate learners of German will refine their grammar, expand their vocabulary, and improve their listening, speaking, and writing skills. Conducted in German.
Prerequisite: German 3, or equivalent
Dist:ART; WCult:W