Language, Culture and Society I
GRMN 3010
Dr. Heide Crawford
TR 11:10AM-12:25PM
117 Joe Brown Hall
This introductory cultural studies course acquaints you with central social, cultural and political issues of post-war Germany. Our textbook is designed as a course for foreigners wishing to become German citizens. We are therefore becoming familiar with pertinent aspects of German culture from this unique and authentic vantage point. Our course also includes systematic grammar review. This class hones all your language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) while simultaneously teaching cultural content. It is a gateway course structured to prepare you for higher-level German classes.
Not open to students with credit in GRMN 3015.
Prerequisite: GRMN 2002
Language, Culture, and Society II
GRMN 3020
Dr. Jan Uelzmann
MWF 10:20-11:10AM
213 Joe Brown Hall
Development of language skills, emphasizing compositions, oral reports, discussions. Organized around literature, film, websites, and nonfiction on topics pertaining to contemporary Germany. Topics include political movements and parties; issues of postunification, the GDR and the Nazi past; multiculturalism; environmentalism; the press and other media; and Germany in a united Europe.
Taught in German
Prerequisite: GRMN 3010 or GRMN 3015
German Poetry
GRMN 3400
Dr. Alex Sager
TR 12:45-2PM
117 Joe Brown Hall
This course will approach German poetry along numerous dimensions: historical and cultural context; formal mechanics of versification; performance as living works of art; and writing poetry in German. Our definition of “poem” will be very broad, ranging from strict forms like the sonnet to modern pop-song lyrics. We will read many of the classics like Heinrich Heine, Rainer Marie Rilke, Ingeborg Bachmann, and Erich Fried, but also jewels from many lesser-known poets. There will be daily memorization and recitation practice (great for improving language skills!), working up to a class Poetry Reading at the end of the semester—possibly featuring a rap-battle auf Deutsch!
Taught in German.
Prerequisite: GRMN 3020
Introduction to Goethe's Life & Works
GRMN 3850
Dr. Martin Kagel
Tu/Th 3:55-5:10PM
213 Joe Brown Hall
Taking Goethe's late autobiographical writing Dichtung und Wahrheit as point of departure, this course explores the life and work of Goethe, focusing on dramatic, novelistic, and poetic genres for which he is renowned and considering their aesthetic, historical, and cultural implications.
Taught in German; English as necessary.
Prerequisite: GRMN 3010 or GRMN 3015
Senior Seminar
GRMN 4520
Dr. Berna Gueneli
MWF 11:30AM-12:20PM
217 Joe Brown Hall
Capstone course for German majors, minors, and advanced students. Selected topics in German literature and culture. Required for German majors.
Taught in German.
Prerequisite: GRMN 3020