German
Through a diverse range of films, the course will critically examine topics such as immigration and multiculturalism in Germany, the history of the GDR, German reunification and the legacy of the Berlin Wall, and the commemoration of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany. Students will develop the critical language and thinking-tools for a sustained analysis of cinema, while also further developing their speaking and writing skills in German. Films will may include, among others, Funny Games (Michael Haneke, 1997); Run Lola Run (Tom Tykwer, 1998); Good Bye, Lenin! (Wolfgang Becker, 2003), The Lives of Others (Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, 2006), The Edge of Heaven (Fatih Akin, 2007); The Counterfeiters (Stefan Ruzokwitzky, 2007), and The Reader (Stephen Daldry, 2008). Reading- and writing intensive course with discussions and most readings in German. Coursework will include weekly response-papers, in-class presentations, and several formal essays on selected films. Taught in English.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
There are currently no Majors or Minors.
Courses
This communicative approach to language is designed to give students the ability to understand, speak, read and write simple German. Primary goals are to introduce beginning students to basic structures of the German language by developing vocabulary and a command of idiomatic expressions; to familiarize students with sentence structure through written exercises and short compositions; to give students a basic foundation in German history and culture; and to interest students in traveling to German-speaking countries.
This course reviews German grammar, emphasizing idiomatic construction and expressions. Discussions and interpretations are based on selected readings from contemporary German literature.
This course stresses finer grammatical points, idioms, and vocabulary used every day. The course is highlighted by intensive and extensive reading, discussion and interpretations of more advanced German works on literature, philosophy, and culture.