Catalog 2017-2018

German

Teaching Faculty

Professor Oudekerk

Description

The Department of Languages offers a major and a minor in German. The program is designed to develop written and oral communication skills, to promote global awareness through the study of culture and people, and to encourage aesthetic appreciation through the study of literature. 
Students may also choose to certify to teach a foreign language and should in that instance consult with the Education Department to follow the approved state program for teacher certification.

Major in German

9 courses above the basic sequence distributed as follows:

  • GERM 210 Intermediate Composition and Conversation
              or
    GERM 310 Advanced Composition and Conversation
  • GERM 320 Survey of German Literature (to 1848)
              or
    GERM 330 Survey of German Literature and Civilization (since 1848)
  • GERM 420 Senior Seminar in German Literary History
  • 6 other German courses, of which only one may be a 200-level course

 

Note(s):

While not specifically required for graduation in German, a significant study abroad experience clearly adds greatly to the linguistic skills and cultural awareness of our majors and is very strongly recommended. The most popular vehicles for study in German-speaking countries are the Hendrix-in-Graz and the ISEP programs, both of which permit the use of the student's Hendrix financial aid.

 

Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experience for the German major consists of three examinations taken in conjunction with GERM 420  Senior Seminar in German Literary History.    The examinations cover German history, literary analysis, and literary history, respectively.  Senior majors are also offered the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the language by taking an internationally recognized Goethe Institute language achievement test offered by the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in April of each year.

Minor in German

5 courses distributed as follows:

  • maximum of two 200-level courses
  • additional electives above the 200-level

Program Course Listings

The courses for this program are organized into the following categories:

Elementary German Courses

GERM 110

Elementary German I

Introductory language course stressing the skills of listening, reading, and writing, with special emphasis on the rapid acquisition of speaking ability. Introduction to the cultures of German-speaking countries.

GERM 120

Elementary German II

Continuation of GERM 110 with emphasis on further development of skills and cultural awareness. Introduction to literary and non-literary texts.

Language LA
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Intermediate German Courses

GERM 210

Intermediate Comp & Conversation

Open to any student who has completed the basic sequence. Further develops communication skills while offering a focused review of essential grammar concepts. Content varies annually, but focuses on contemporary life and literature in German-speaking Europe.

GERM 215

Language Immersion in Germany

German 215 is a month-long language immersion course taught as part of the Hendrix-in-Bonn summer program abroad. Students focus on rapid improvement of their speaking and listening comprehension skills by attending a four-week intensive language course taught by Goethe Institute instructors in Bonn, Germany. Dr. Oudekerk promotes and assess individual student progress on-site and assigns a pass-fail grade. GERM 215 counts towards graduation, but cannot be used to fulfill German major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: GERM 120 or equivalent. Co-requisite: GERM 315.

GERM 120 or equivalent. Co-requisite: GERM 315.
GERM 230

Masterpieces of Germ Cultural Hist

An introduction to some of the great works of German art, architecture, literature, music, and philosophy through a focus on significant periods in German cultural history such as the High Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Baroque era, the Classic and Romantic Periods, and Expressionism. The course continues the development of the student’s command of oral and written German.

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Advanced German Courses

Please note that students must either complete the second-year German sequence (GERM 210 and GERM 230) or request the instructor's permission in order to enroll in 300- and 400-level German courses.

GERM 310

Advanced Composition & Conversation

Allows advanced students of German, including those returning from study abroad in the language, to refine their written and oral skills, address lingering uncertainties about German grammar, and expand their vocabulary in a field of their own choosing. Prerequisite: GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.

GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.
GERM 315

Cultural Immersion in Germany

Germany 315 is a month-long cultural immersion course taught as part of the Hendrix-in-Bonn summer program abroad. After doing extensive pre-departure readings on both German cultural history and contemporary German, students explore the richness of German culture on-site. Multiple weekly excursions to different cities, museums, and historical sites, followed by student-led debriefings, provide the framework for students to investigate collaboratively countless challenging aspects of both historical Germany and contemporary daily life. May be used to fulfill German major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: GERM 120 or equivalent. Co-requisite: GERM 215.

GERM 120 or equivalent. Co-requisite: GERM 215.
GERM 320

Surv German Literature & Civ I

An overview of the most important literary figures and works in German history circa 800-1850 as reflections of the various cultural periods that produced them. The broader cultural context of each epoch—its social history, philosophy, art, architecture, and music—is stressed. Prerequisite: GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.

GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.
Literary Studies LS
GERM 330

Surv German Literature & Civ II

Applies the same approach as in GERM 320 to the period from the Revolution of 1848 to the present. GERM 320 is not a prerequisite. Prerequisite: GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.

GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.
Literary Studies LS
GERM 365

German Poetry & Short Fiction

This course explores the rich history of the lyric and short prose forms in German-speaking Europe. Works from the Baroque down to the present are examined, with a particular emphasis on 20th century writers. Authors such as Goethe, Heine, Rilke, Kafka, Böll, and Aichinger discussed. Prerequisite: GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.

GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.
Literary Studies LS
GERM 395

Contemporary German Civilization

This course focuses on the political, economic, social, and cultural institutions of Germany since World War II, with special emphasis on developments from 1989 to the present. Prerequisite: GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.

GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.
Writing Level 2 W2
GERM 420

Sr Sem: German Literary History

A course for senior German majors designed to help them synthesize their understanding of German literature and civilization to this point. Considerable individualization of content allows each participant to concentrate on key periods and authors not previously studied. Prerequisite: GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.

GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.
Literary Studies LS
GERM 490

Special Topics in German Lit

A topics course which explores various authors or cultural movements in depth. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Recent section topics include 20th-Century German Literature in Translation, German Culture through Film, and German Drama. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught. Prerequisite: GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.

GERM 210 and GERM 230, or consent of instructor.
Literary Studies LS
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