Please note that students must either complete the second-year German sequence
(GERM 210, then 220 or 230) or gain the instructor’s permission in order to enroll
in 300- and 400-level 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 (FL)
Continuation of GERM 110 with emphasis on further development of skills and cultural
awareness. Introduction to literary and non-literary texts.
GERM 210 Intermediate Composition and 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 220 German Literature and its Context (LS)
An introduction to the study of German literature in its sociohistorical context.
Provides the student with essential research and analytical skills through the examination
of short, representative works by authors such as Goethe, Heine, Kafka, Hesse, Grass,
and Seghers. Continues the development of the student’s command of oral and written
German.
GERM 230 Masterpieces of German Cultural History
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.
GERM 310 Advanced Composition and 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.
GERM 320 Survey of German Literature and Civilization I (to 1848) (LS)
An overview of the most important literary figures and works in German history
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.
GERM 330 Survey of German Literature and Civilization II (since 1848)
(LS)
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.
GERM 365 German Poetry and Short Prose (LS)
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 will be discussed.
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.
GERM 420 Senior Seminar in German Literary History (LS)
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.
GERM 490 Special Topics in German Literature (LS)
Provides the opportunity to explore
non-canonical works and movements in more depth. Recent examples of topics
include German Culture through Film and German Literature in Translation. The latter
is generally cross-listed as a LITR 330 course and taught also in English so
that a wider spectrum of students might participate.