German Studies
The German Studies Program offers two majors. The first is a language major called "German" and the second is an interdisciplinary major called "German Studies". Program-level Student outcomes for each major follow below. Note that there is some overlap between the Program-level outcomes for
German Major/Minor Program-level Learning Outcomes:
- Students will develop oral, writing, reading, listening proficiency in German beyond the interpersonal level with presentational language abilities (CEFR levels A1-C1). Identify how language is used and shaped for a variety of purposes and develop a critical relationship with media, including literature, film, the arts, scholarly writing, Internet resources and the press.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of historically representative narratives, other cultural products, and social institutions of the German-speaking world including texts and objects relating to literature, fine arts, film, music, pop-culture, cultural difference, society, history, philosophy, politics, religion, business, economy, science, technology.
- Students will develop analytical and critical thinking skills as evidenced by students' ability to offer nuanced and persuasive interpretations of all kinds of German-language artifacts and German texts that attend to their socio-historical context; develop information literacy; identify and formulate incisive and relevant research questions; demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the field of German Studies, including ability to apply such knowledge to a substantial interdisciplinary research project which links the investigation of the German-speaking world and/or its global influence to another field of study.
- Students will attain intercultural/transcultural competency: an awareness of cultural differences within and between societies and their relationship to their economic and political structure, an understanding of how these differences inform cultural/personal identity and/or identifications; develop a coherent and sophisticated approach to understanding the significant and multifaceted contributions of German culture beyond the borders of German-speaking Europe.
- Students will gain the ability to view themselves and the world from multiple perspectives.
German Studies Major Program-level Student Outcomes
- Students will develop oral, writing, reading, listening proficiency in German beyond the interpersonal level with presentational language abilities (CEFR levels A1-C1). Identify how language is used and shaped for a variety of purposes and develop a critical relationship with media, including literature, film, the arts, scholarly writing, Internet resources and the press.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of historically representative narratives, other cultural products, and social institutions of the German-speaking world including texts and objects relating to literature, fine arts, film, music, pop-culture, cultural difference, society, history, philosophy, politics, religion, business, economy, science, technology.
- Students will develop analytical and critical thinking skills as evidenced by students' ability to offer nuanced and persuasive interpretations of all kinds of German-language artifacts and German texts that attend to their socio-historical context; develop information literacy; identify and formulate incisive and relevant research questions; demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the field of German Studies, including ability to apply such knowledge to a substantial interdisciplinary research project which links the investigation of the German-speaking world and/or its global influence to another field of study.
Requirements for a major
German
Total courses required Eight (exclusive of GRMN 111 and 112) Core courses GRMN 211, GRMN 212, GRMN 304, GRMN 307, GRMN 415 and additional courses in German to complete the major Other required courses Number 300 and 400 level courses Six Senior requirement and capstone experience The senior requirement consists of the completion of the senior seminar with a grade of C or better. Additional information A student may elect a German major with a minor in International Business, which must include GRMN 309. Writing in the Major In order to satisfy the Writing in the Major requirement for German, students must complete one 400-level course in German (German 411, 412, 447, or 448) in addition to the senior seminar (German 415). In these 400-level courses, students will have a variety of writing assignments and opportunities to revise and reflect on their writing. Upon completion of the major, students should be able to write clearly in German for a wide range of audiences and in varied contexts, from informal correspondence through professional and academic discourse. German Studies
Total courses required Eight Core courses - GRMN 115, 116, 117, or 118
- GRMN 211, 212
- A course in German history: HIST 244, HIST 245
- One 300-level German course: GRMN 307 or 314 and a Bridge Course, GRMN 306. The bridge course is an independent study seminar, with treatment of texts in German, in which students learn deeply about a German aspect of one of their other courses.)
- GRMN 448 (Senior Thesis)
Other required courses One cognate course taught in English, or an additional German course, or an additional bridge course
- ART 225, ART 275, ENG 261, GRMN 115, GRMN 116, GRMN 117, GRMN 118, HIST 244, HIST 245, HIST 342, MUS 265, MUS 266, PHIL 220
Topics courses with German content with the approval of the program.
- (e.g. ARTH 290, ENG 255, MUS 390)
Number 300 and 400 level courses Three Senior requirement and capstone experience GRMN 448 (Senior Thesis) Additional information Semester-long internships in Germany and/or courses taken during study abroad in Germany may count up to 2 credits toward the requirement for the major. Writing in the Major Students may satisfy the Writing in the Major requirement for German Studies either with GRMN 306 or GRMN 448. Requirements for a minor
German
Total courses required Five Core courses None Other required courses The minor requires a minimum of five German courses, starting at the 200-level. Only one of these courses may be taken off-campus. Number 300 and 400 level courses Three German Studies
Total courses required Five Core courses - GRMN 115, 116, 117, or 118
- Two semesters of German language above the 100-level
Other required courses - Two cognate or German courses or a combination (one at the 300-level)
- ART 225, ART 275, ENG 261, GRMN 115, GRMN 116, GRMN 117, GRMN 118, HIST 244, HIST 245, HIST 342, MUS 265, MUS 266, PHIL 220
- Topics courses with German content with the approval of the program.
- Semester-long internships in Germany and/or courses taken during study abroad in Germany may count up to 1 credit toward the requirement for the minor.
Number 300 and 400 level courses Courses in German Studies
GRMN 111Elementary German I
An introductory program with a variety of learning approaches. Presentation and reinforcement of grammar, pronunciation and idiom through simple reading, guided writing and functional spoken German. An introduction to the German cultural tradition. GRMN 111 is open only to those without German language background or to those with two years or less of high school German.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Language 1 course
GRMN 112Elementary German II
A continuation of GRMN 111.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Language GRMN 111 or qualifying score on the placement test 1 course
GRMN 113Intensive Elementary German
Intensive study of the German language with emphasis on the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis on German-speaking countries and communication in authentic contexts. This course is designed for those students with no or little background in German who seek more immediate entry into higher levels.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Language 1 course
GRMN 115Science and Technology in the Modern World
The German-speaking world, known today for its ecological awareness, was also the origin of much of the modern science and technology which dominates the structure and thinking of our contemporary lifeworld: from public health to heroin, from automobiles to sustainability, from the theory of relativity to the 'science' of race and sexuality. In this class, we will discuss various topics in the history of selected disciplines of natural science in modern times against the backdrop of their social and cultural contexts along with the moral issues they raise. Students will learn to see and evaluate the rise of natural science and technology as part of wider cultural developments of modernity. Course offered in English.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Global Learning 1 course
GRMN 116Modern European Culture from a Global German Perspective
"All that is solid melts into air"...Thus, Karl Marx describes the massive technological, political, social, artistic, and spiritual transformations which have shaken the modern world and which show no signs of abating. This course critically examines how modern European contributions in literature, philosophy, and the arts (with a German focus) have engaged these changes, from the perspective of 21st century global culture and its discontents. By examining modern Europe's unprecedented emphasis on individual fulfillment both in spiritual awareness and social change as well as seeing the triumphs of cultural achievement against the horrors of colonialism, students will explore models of interpreting a world of constant change, of seeking orientation in times of rapidly changing values, and negotiating a multilingual, multicultural universe. Topic units will vary by semester and may include: the "Project of Enlightenment" and European Imperialism, Romanticism and the "Oriental Renaissance," Contemporary Religion and Spirituality in Transcultural Context. Course offered in English.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Global Learning 1 course
GRMN 117Societies Past and Future: Marxism, Fascism, and In-Between in German Culture
Not long ago, it seemed that the world's future was destined to be a version of US-American culture, what some called "the end of history." Today we need to look farther afield to understand the decline of democracy and liberalism; the history of German politics and culture gives us important insights to the attractions and pitfalls of social movements in the post-American century and questions of transnationalism. In this course we will look back (via history, literature, film, and philosophy) at German-cultural ways of thinking communal living. We will examine societies which had multiple different forms of government and social organization in a single century (Empire, Republic, Fascism, Communism, Social Market Democracy, European Union) and ask questions such as: What are the attractions of totalitarianism? How are national and post-national identities formed? How do imaginative visions of the future comment upon and shape the way modern societies are organized and transform themselves? Course offered in English.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Social Science-or-Global Learning 1 course
GRMN 118Germany Today
This course will introduce you to contemporary German culture and society. What does it mean to be a German? Is there such a thing as German culture? By closely examining a variety of texts and other media (film, music, contemporary art) we will try to understand what is means to live in today's Germany. How do Germans and recent immigrants perceive daily life in Germany? What are the societal issues Germans are confronted with (migration, gender roles, power structures, family life, environmental pollution, etc)? Are these issues specific to Germans and Germany or are these global issues that impact people around the world? How does life in Germany compare to life in the USA? By closely examining contemporary German culture and society, we will also gain new insights into our own culture and society. You will be introduced to a wide variety of topics, some of which you will study in more detail in upper-level courses. Course offered in English.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Social Science-or-Global Learning 1 course
GRMN 195Topics in German Studies
This course focuses on a specific theme or issue of German-speaking countries and cultures. Students will be introduced to one or more fundamental approaches to German Studies. The course is taught in English and open to all students. No prerequisites. May be repeated for credit with different topic.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Arts and Humanities-or-Global Learning None 1 course
GRMN 197First-Year Seminar
A seminar focused on a theme related to German Studies. Open only to first-year students.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits 1 course
GRMN 211Intermediate German I
General preparation in German for personal, academic and professional use. Exercise in speaking the language and in writing brief original compositions. Reading from modern literary and cultural sources; selected topics about contemporary German life and the German tradition. Prerequisite: GRMN 112 or qualifying score on the placement test.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Language GRMN 112 or qualifying score on the placement test 1 course
GRMN 212Intermediate German II
A continuation of GRMN 211. Prerequisite: GRMN 211 or qualifying score on the placement test.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Language GRMN 211 or qualifying score on the placement test 1 course
GRMN 295Topics in German Studies
Courses in specific topics, such as culture, literary movements or genres, linguistics or film. Taught in English. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits 1 course
GRMN 304Advanced German
This course is designed to prepare students for advanced work in German language, literature and culture. Students will read a variety of texts. Active practice in spoken and written German. GER 212 or qualifying score on the placement test.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Global Learning-or-Language GER 212 or qualifying score on the placement test 1 course
GRMN 306German Studies Through The Disciplines
An investigation that situates knowledge from other disciplines within a German cultural and linguistic context. Close analysis of a case study or case studies of places where other disciplines touch German Studies, in their origins, development, or application. Depending on enrollment, can meet either individually or seminar-style as a group, but in any case with a significant independent and interdisciplinary research component. Examples include the notion of sustainability (in its original and/or present German context), the economics of the German social market economy, Weimar Republic Film, Kantian philosophy, Neuroscience research in Germany, etc. German texts will be included consonant with the German ability of each student. Prerequisite: GRMN 212 or permission of instructor.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Language GRMN 212 or permission of instructor 1 course
GRMN 307Introduction to German Literature and Culture
Experience in the study of literature and German literary history through texts from the 18th century to the present. Students will gain an overview of the historical development of the German tradition. Prerequisite: GRMN 212 or permission of instructor.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Global Learning-or-Language GRMN 212 or permission of instructor 1 course
GRMN 314German Cultural Studies
Emphasis on aspects of popular, artistic, intellectual, religious and social tradition from selected periods. Prerequisite: GRMN 212 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics..
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Global Learning-or-Language GRMN 212 or permission of instructor 1 course
GRMN 412Topics: German
Critical investigation of a subject, usually from one of the following areas: genre or motif study, comparative arts, recent writers and criticism, social background to literature, cultural studies, linguistics, contemporary theory. Prerequisite:Any 300-level German course or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Language Any 300-level German course or permission of instructor 1/2-1 course
GRMN 415Senior Seminar
A detailed study of an author or a principal movement of German literature and/or culture.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits 1 course
GRMN 447Advanced Readings and Projects in German I
Open to advanced students in German with permission of chair. May be repeated for credit.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Open to advanced students in German with permission of chair 1/2-1 course
GRMN 448Advanced Readings and Projects in German II
A continuation of GRMN 447. Prerequisite: Open to advanced students with permission of chair.
Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits Open to advanced students in German with permission of chair 1/2-1 course