German
Professor DAVIS; Associate Professor STECKENBILLER (Chair) ; Assistant LISIECKI.
Major Requirements
German Studies Major
Students majoring in German Studies must complete nine units from the point of German language placement including GR305 (Composition, Conversation, and Context), GR416 (Senior Project), and at least one GR320 course. The remaining six courses must carry a GR course number and/or have a thematic focus on German studies and be approved by the major advisor. Here, depending on initial placement, students can count courses from the beginner and/or intermediate German language sequence (GR101, GR102, GR201, GR202, if placing into a lower proficiency level or without previous knowledge of German); accordingly, if placing into a higher proficiency level, they can count GR220 or GR320 topics courses or 200- and 300-level courses in other disciplines that have a thematic focus on German Studies. Students may not count German courses toward the major that are lower than their level of placement.
German majors are encouraged to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Germany. The college’s CC in Berlin program in the fall semester allows students to study German language at all levels and all courses taken for the CC in Berlin program can count towards the German Studies major.
*updated 2024-25
Minor Requirements
German Studies Minor
Students minoring in German Studies must complete six units from the point of German language placement including either GR202 or a GR300-level class and not more than two courses taught in English. The courses in English must carry a GR course number and/or have a thematic focus on German studies and be approved by the minor advisor.
*updated 2024-25
Courses
German
(Summer only 2025-26).
An introductory German language course with emphasis on four basic skills--reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. Meets the Language Requirement requirement.
An introductory German language course with emphasis on four basic skills--reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. Meets the Language Requirement requirement.
Reading material and exercises maintain previously acquired skills until the student is able to continue with 201.
Reading material and exercises maintain previously acquired skills until the student is able to continue with 201.
Explores major elements of the cultures of German-speaking countries from the Middle Ages through the 18th Century. Through the study of texts from literature, philosophy, art and music, examines key moments in German cultural history from the Age of Charlemagne and the “Holy Roman Empire,” to the Enlightenment. Taught in English. Meets the Critical Learning: AIM requirement.
Through the examination of various forms of media such as writing, film and music, explores major elements of the cultures of German-speaking countries from Romanticism to the present. Taught in English. Meets the Critical Learning: AIM requirement.
A German language half-block course with emphasis on four basic skills--reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. Intended as a review and cannot substitute for GR101, GR102, GR201, or GR202. (Not offered 2025-26).
Building language proficiency through a systematic review of German grammar and readings of selected texts. (Completion of this level is required for participation in the German semester in Luneburg.) Meets the Language Requirement requirement.
A continuation of German grammar review begun in German 201, with special emphasis on vocabulary building through readings, discussions and special projects. Meets the Language Requirement requirement.
Maintenance of language proficiency for students at the advanced intermediate level or higher.
Maintenance of language proficiency for students at the advanced intermediate level or higher.
Participation in performance and production aspects of a German play. Presented in the German language. Rehearsal time: 6-8 weeks. (Not offered 2025-26).
Exploration of a selected topic in German Studies (including literature, film, history, philosophy, et al.). Taught in English, and all work may be completed in English.
Advanced study of German language and culture focusing on all four skills with an emphasis on writing and conversation. Course content will include authentic material to raise cultural awareness and increase students’ knowledge of contemporary German culture. Meets the Language Requirement requirement.
Continued work toward proficiency in written and spoken German with attention to stylistic nuance and fluency of expression. (Offered in Luneburg only.) (Not offered 2025-26).
For students wishing to read literature not covered by courses they have taken or to bridge scheduling difficulties. (This course may also be taken in extended format, i.e. over 4 blocks for 0.5 unit or over 8 blocks for 1 unit.)
For students wishing to read literature not covered by courses they have taken or to bridge scheduling difficulties. This course may also be taken in extended format, i.e. over 4 blocks for 0.5 unit or over 8 blocks for 1 unit.)
Advanced study of German language and culture focusing on all four skills with an emphasis on writing and conversation. Course content will include authentic material to raise cultural awareness and increase students’ knowledge of contemporary German culture. Meets the Language Requirement requirement.
The Senior Project will reflect the student’s course of study and academic, personal, and professional interests, and must be approved by the major advisor.