World Lang & Lit: German (WLG)
An introduction to spoken and written German emphasizing cultural perspectives. Linguistic emphasis is on basic grammar, vocabulary, and the development of reading, conversation, and writing skills while learning about the culture of German-speaking countries.
Continuation of WLG 101. Further development of basic grammar, reading, conversation, and writing skills while focusing on cultural materials from German-speaking countries.
Intensive review of introductory reading, speaking, oral comprehension, and grammatical structures of the language for those with some experience in the fundamentals but who still need to acquire the competency expected at the completion of WLG102.
An introduction to German language and culture in the context of business. Students learn the elementary German language skills needed to understand and perform basic business transactions, read texts related to business, write a resume and rudimentary business correspondence, and understand the culture of business in the German-speaking world. Prepares students to continue the study of German at the level of WLG 203.
Continuing study of the structures of the German language. Extensive practice in conversation and writing. Vocabulary building through the reading of appropriate texts in the literature and culture.
Development of German skills at the advanced intermediate level. Extensive practice in idioms. Development of vocabulary and reading skills necessary for communication at native speed. Texts include contemporary news materials, film, Internet sources, literature, and music.
Intensive practice in daily use of German in a cultural context. Review of idioms, vocabulary, and writing skills.
An introduction to the development of German literature from the Age of Enlightenment to the present focusing on major authors (Lessing, Goethe, Schiller, Hoffmann, Kafka, Brecht, Wolf) and literary movements.
An exploration of life, art, and politics in Germany since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Topics include German reunification, political parties and current debates, the problematic relationship between Ossis and Wessis, multiculturalism, the Berlin art scene, film, visual arts, and music.
An introduction to creative writing in German. Emphasis is placed on the creative use of German to develop vocabulary, improve individual style, and compose short, sophisticated literary texts. Using exemplary German literature as models, students analyze and practice writing in various genres, such as the fairy tale, short story, poetry, and drama. Peer editing and revision will be a regular feature of all writing assignments with attention to content, grammatical accuracy, stylistics, and generic conventions. Selected structures will be reviewed with the purpose of honing grammatical, stylistic, and idiomatic usage of German.
A course designed for students who want to use their foreign language skills in any course taught in English at the college.
An exploration of traditional Fairy Tales from different perspectives with the help of a variety of modern adaptations, including films, songs, poems, and TV shows. The course combines literature and theory with language learning and performance. Students will be able to practice and improve their German language skills as well as have an outlet for their imagination through creative projects.
Literary or cultural study at an introductory to intermediate level of an author, a genre, a period, or a topic. Topics will vary from semester to semester.
A discussion group about an author, a period, a genre, a topic, a translation, or a research project in conjunction with another course.
A discussion group about an author, a period, a genre, a topic, a translation, or a research project in conjunction with another course.
The course focuses on enhancing German language skills for professional purposes and introduces German businesses in a variety of fields. Students learn how to apply for jobs and internships in German-speaking countries, as well as important intercultural skills to navigate professional settings.
Intensive practice of oral and written German to increase active vocabulary and fluency in German and to develop further and refine writing skills.
Students apply and develop their German language skills in conjunction with any course taught in English at the college. Students will read, report, discuss, and write about sophisticated materials in the disciplines, and learn how to translate them to and from English.
A study of the major works of Goethe, Schiller, and Lessing to show how they reflect major intellectual ideas of their time. Particular attention will be given to the transition from the so-called Classical to the Romantic period: the critique of the Classical by Romantic authors, the elevation of music as the highest form of artistic expression, the origins of psychology and "modernism" in the subjective irrationalism of the Romantics. An examination of the artistic, intellectual, and cultural trends of the period 1749-1832 through the study of the works of Goethe, Schiller, and their contemporaries.
A critical study of the novel, novella, short story, fairy tale, and other forms of narrative prose in the context of German intellectual, political, and social history. Prose texts include works by major German, Swiss, and Austrian authors (Goethe, Schiller, Tieck, Kleist, Hoffmann, Droste-Hülshoff, Fontaine, Kafka, Dürrenmatt, Böll, Grass, Wolf).
Theater and its cultural impact in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Topics include social drama, operatic spectacles, epic theater, cabaret, post-war and contemporary experimental theater and performance art. Works from such dramatists as Büchner, Wagner, Brecht, Weiss, Handke, and Müller will be examined.
A critical study of German poetry, drama, and prose in the twentieth century with emphasis on major artistic and sociopolitical movements. Readings vary from year to year but usually include works by Mann, Brecht, Sachs, Hesse, Böll, Grass, Bachmann, and Wolf.
Advanced literary or cultural study in an author, a genre, a period, or a topic.
Individual study projects under the guidance of the department.
An extended research project culminating in a paper based on readings and extensive individual conferences.
The study of an author, a period, or a theme prominent in the literature and culture of Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. German majors will examine fundamental questions in the field of German studies and enhance their understanding of key theories and methodologies relevant to contemporary scholarship. Frequent oral reports and activities to reflect on their intellectual growth over the course of their studies. Close attention to creative, original analysis and the development, organization, and writing of an extensive research paper.