GER 105, 106 Elementary German I, II
Introduction for students with little or no knowledge of German. Emphasis on fundamentals of grammar, acquisition of vocabulary, listening comprehension, basic oral expression, elementary writing, and short readings on topics pertaining to Germanic culture. Taught largely in German. Prerequisite: GER 105, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for 106
GER 207, 208 Intermediate German I, II
Intensive review with frequent practice in oral expression and listening comprehension; special emphasis on developing reading and writing skills via encounters with authentic texts and videos. Taught primarily in German. Prerequisites: GER 106, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for 207; GER 207, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for 208.
GER 235 Introduction to the German Speaking World
This course introduces students to the culture, history, and life of the people who live in the German speaking countries of Europe including modern day Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Students learn about the long and diverse history of these people, while simultaneously learning about the cultural aspects that shaped life in these regions. Through film, text, audio, and images, students will learn about the art, literature, history, and linguistic aspects of life in German speaking Europe from the early beginnings to the modern day. This class is taught in English and does not fulfill the language requirement.
GER 257 German Literature in Translation
A study of a special topic, such as nineteenth century German literature, the modern German novel, or the work of a particular author. The topic to be studied will be announced during pre-registration. This course is taught in English and does not fulfill the language requirement. Prerequisite: ENG 111, 112, or permission of the instructor.
GER 260 Theory and Techniques of Teaching Modern Foreign Languages
An introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching modern foreign languages. Students will study the history of language teaching as well as the various approaches and strategies to language instruction and their relationship to second-language acquisition theory. This course must be completed prior to student teaching. Taught in English. This course satisfies the Pennsylvania Department of Education requirement that candidates for certification in foreign languages receive instruction in methods of teaching foreign languages, a subject which in the last 50 years has developed an extensive literature and repertoire of theoretical approaches. Offered fall term, every other year. Prerequisites: Sophomore status and permission of the instructor.
GER 289 German Film
This course will introduce students to trends and examples from the German cinematic tradition. Students will view and analyze various film genres starting with Weimar cinema and continuing through present day German language films. This course will present films within their historical and cultural context. Representative films will be chosen for each period including Weimar Republic, National Socialism, zero hour, economic miracle, sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties, and post unification. This course is taught in English and does not fulfill the language requirement.
GER 309, 310 Advanced German I, II
A course on the development and application of advanced German language skills, with special emphasis on speaking and writing. A variety of texts, videos, Web sites, etc., serve as thematic points of departure for daily discussions, frequent writing assignments, and oral presentations. Systematic review of sophisticated grammar topics. GER 309 is generally offered in the fall term; GER 310 in the spring term. Taught in German. Prerequisites: GER 208, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for 309; GER 309 is a prerequisite for 310.
GER 371 German Business Communication and Culture
An intensive, advanced level German course designed to develop the linguistic skills and cultural competency necessary for working in a business environment in the German-speaking world. This course provides an overview of the socio-historical contexts and contemporary business practices in a variety of German-speaking regions. In addition, the course will prepare students for more in-depth study abroad. Prerequisite: GER 310 or permission of the instructor.
GER 485 Cultural History of Germany
A survey of German cultural and intellectual history from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, with an emphasis on art, literature, philosophy, politics, religion, and science. Discussions, oral presentations, compositions. Review of advanced grammar as necessary. Offered in the fall term of odd-numbered years; taught in German. Prerequisite: GER 310 or permission of the instructor.
GER 486 Topics in German Culture
A course in German cultural topics, varying from year to year, with emphasis on non-literary aspects of culture. Possible topics include German-Americana, film history, art movements, or how a variety of cultural media reveal the spirit of a particular period of German history. The topic or topics to be studied in a given session will be announced during pre-registration. Offered in the spring term of even-numbered years; taught in German. Prerequisite: GER 310 or permission of the instructor.
GER 455 Survey of German Literature
A course designed to give students a broad understanding of German literary history. The works examined will span multiple literary movements to reveal the evolution of literary trends and to demonstrate how writers of a period engage in dialog with their artistic forebears. The period to be studied in a given session will be announced during pre-registration. Offered in the fall term of even-numbered years; taught in German. Prerequisite: GER 310 or permission of the instructor.
GER 456 Topics in German Literature
Focused study of a special topic in literature varying from year to year. Likely concentrations include genre studies, in-depth analysis of a seminal work, or the work of a particular author. The topic to be studied in a given session will be announced in the pre-registration schedule. Offered in the spring of odd-numbered years. Taught in German. Prerequisite: GER 310 or permission of the instructor.
GER 500, 501
Independent Study
