Courses recommended for incoming freshmen...
German 101
Introductory program; no previous German required. Students will develop their competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing German by means of interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communicative practice. This first course serves as an introduction to German grammar and culture; goals range from developing the communicative skills necessary to find an apartment to being able to read modern German poetry. Students will learn how to apply their knowledge of basic cases and tenses in order to hold a conversation or write a letter describing their interests, family, goals, routines, etc. and to discover personal information about others. In addition to the regular class meetings, students should sign up for a twice-weekly subsection.
German 340C
Introduction in English to German writers from 1750 to the present. Discussion will focus on questions like the role of outsiders in society, the human psyche, technology, war, gender, the individual and mass culture, modern and postmodern sensibilities as they are posed in predominantly literary texts and in relation to the changing political and cultural faces of Germany over the past 250 years. Readings include works in translation by some of the most influential figures of the German tradition, such as Goethe, Nietzsche, Freud, Kafka, Thomas Mann, Brecht, and Christa Wolf. Open to first-year students, nonmajors, and majors. Required for admission to 400-level courses (except German 404 and 408D). Qualifies for major or minor credit when taken in conjunction with one-hour discussion section in German. The discussion section provides an introduction to critical German vocabulary and is open to students with prior knowledge of German (Ger 210D or equivalent, or placement by examination).
German 102D
In preparation for more advanced academic study in German, this second course will further introduce students to fundamental German grammar, culture and history. It is comprised of a combination of situational lessons and tasks which will challenge their critical thinking abilities. Students in 102 will familiarize themselves with the language necessary to understand and give directions, apply for a job and speak with a doctor; students will also read more advanced content such as Grimm´s fairy tales and a text from Franz Kafka. In addition to the regular class meetings, students sign up after the semester begins for a twice-weekly subsection.
German 210D
Continuation of German 102D. Reading and discussion in German of short literary and non-literary texts combined with an intensive grammar review. Further development of writing skills. In addition to the regular class meetings, students sign up for a subsection after the semester begins (time to be arranged). Prerequisite: German 102D, the equivalent, or placement by examination. Students who complete this course successfully should enter German 301D or 313.
German 301D
Discussion of literary and non-literary texts combined with an intensive grammar review. Systematic introduction to the expressive functions of German with an emphasis on spoken and written communication. In addition to the regular class meetings, students should sign up for a twice-weekly subsection. Prerequisite: German 210D, the equivalent, or placement by examination.
German 302D
Continuation of Ger 301D. Refinement and expansion of German communication skills (speaking, listening, writing, reading), deepening understanding of German grammatical structures, acquisition of more sophisticated and varied vocabulary, introduction to stylistics through discussion and analysis of literary and non-literary texts. In addition to the regular class meetings, students should sign up for a twice-weekly subsection.
