German Department Course Descriptions

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German 110  Beginning German I
A course stressing the spoken language, elements of grammar, reading for comprehension, and introduction to German culture. Three class meetings; two oral practice periods per week.

German 120  Beginning German II
A course stressing the spoken language, elements of grammar, reading for comprehension, and introduction to German culture. Three class meetings; two oral practice periods per week. Prerequisite: German 110 or appropriate score on language placement test.

German 230  Intermediate German
A review of basic structural patterns and discussion of slected texts in literature and civilization. There is anemphasis on writing and speaking to improve communication skills in preparation for upper-level literature and culture courses. One oral practice session per week. Prerequisite: Appropriate score on language placement test or German 120.

German 235/245  German Language and Culture I and II: Intermediate
An intensive review of basic structural patterns to improve German language skills, emphasizing oral communication. To provide the study of language a cultural context, this course utilizes authentic German texts and a variety of field trip opportunities. Credit: Three semester hours. (Taught in Cologne.)

German 255/265  German Language and Culture I and II: Advanced
An intensive study of advanced aspects of the German language, emphasizing oral communication. Various types of exercises and compositions, in addition to field trips and excursions, are used to practice the language within the context of life and the culture of Germany today. Credit: Three semester hours. (Taught in Cologne .)

German 280  Reading German Texts
A transition from basic language courses to more advanced literary and cultural texts, emphasizing vocabulary acquisition, methods to read, summarize, and analyze texts, and develop writing and speaking skills.

German 285  German Short Fiction
An introduction to short literary texts in German by 20th-century authors and to the historical, political, and cultural background of the period. The course is designed to build vocabulary, increase reading skills and reinforce grammatical and communicative structures.(Taught in Cologne.)

German 305  Advanced German in a Cultural Context
An intensive review of all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the advanced level. Special emphasis is on selected grammar principles used in a contemporary cultural context. The course includes a variety of exercises with emphasis on composition. Prerequisite: German 225.

German 310  Advanced German in a Literary Context
A rigorous review of all four language skills on an advanced level and in a literary context. Based on individual needs, the course addresses selected grammatical and stylistic problems and concentrates on the writing of expository prose as well as on the discussion of literary texts. Prerequisite: German 225.

German 315  Advanced Language Practice in an Authentic Cultural Context
An intensive individualized review of advanced principles of grammar and style combined with extensive writing of expository prose. Participation in cultural events is utilized to practice oral communication. Credit: Four semester hours. (Taught in Cologne .)

German 325  German Culture
A comprehensive introduction to the historical, political, social, and intellectual background of German-speaking countries. Various types of compositions are used to practice language context. Special emphasis is placed on selected grammatical and linguistic concepts. Prerequisite: German 225.

German 345  Special Topics in German Literature and Culture
A use of literary and cultural texts to enrich cultural knowledge, to increase vocabulary, reinforce grammatical and communicative structures, and to introduce methods of textual analysis. (Taught in Cologne .)

German 350  Topics in German Literature
An introduction to texts from a variety of genres and different time periods. The course is designed to familiarize students with fictional literature and its critical evaluation. Emphasis is on modern developments (since 1750). May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: German 305.

German 360  Topics in German Culture
An in-depth study of one area of German culture. Topics may include the position of women in society, the Holocaust, the connection of personal and national identity, the outsider in literature, the European Union. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: German 305.

German 440  Seminar in Literature
In-depth study and discussion of texts within a theoretical framework. Emphasis is on the cultural, political, and historical context. The course examines a number of selected issues in literary theory. Individual research projects may be presented. Course may be repeated for credit by majors. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

German 490  Creative Writing in German
A study of the craft of writing in German, taught by the Max Kade Writer-in-Residence. Emphasis is on the creative use of German to develop vocabulary, improve individual style, and compose short prose texts. Course may be repeated for credit by majors. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit: Two semester hours.

German 580  Junior/Senior Seminar
Seminar, including lectures, oral reports, and discussion.

German 590  Independent Study

German 600  Senior Project I
Preparation of a Senior Project proposal. A thesis statement, a short description of the project, and a bibliography have to be developed. Taken on a Credit/No Credit basis only. Credit: Two semester hours.

German 610  Senior Project II
Completion and oral defense of the Senior Project. Prerequisite: German 600.