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: GERMAN STUDIES AT VU German Major and Minor German Courses German Faculty German House Profiles of German Graduates VIEP-German for Engineering German Portal

GERMAN COURSES

Note the courses offered Fall 2009 •

BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE COURSES (descriptions below)
FLGR 101: First Semester German •
FLGR 102: Second Semester German
FLGR 200: German Literary Studies
FLGR 203: Intermediate German •
FLGR 204: German Composition and Conversation •
FLGR 220: Approaches to German Studies
FLGR 260: German Film Studies
FLGR 271: German Drama Practicum

ADVANCED COURSES (descriptions below)
FLGR 305: German in the Professions
FLGR 306: German in the Media •
FLGR 341: History of the German Language
new course FLGR 351: German Studies: The Middle Ages and Humanism
new course FLGR 352: German Studies: Enlightenment and Revolution
new course FLGR 353: German Studies: Constructing a Modern Nation •
FLGR 390: Seminar in German
FLGR 489: The Teaching of Foreign Languages
FLGR 493: Senior Seminar, Fall 2009: "Artists Among Us: Art and the Art of Creation" •

Tentative Spring 2010 Course Offerings: FLGR 102, 204, 220, 341, 390, 489, 495.

BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE COURSES:

FLGR 101 / First Semester German
Introduction to German language and culture with emphasis on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. (4 credits)

FLGR 102 / Second Semester German
A continuation of FLGR 101. Prerequisite: FLGR 101 or equivalent. (4 credits)

FLGR 200 / German Literary Studies
Study of selected works of German literature in English translation. Readings represent significant genres and literary periods presented in biographical historical, and cultural context. The course provides instruction and practice in the writing of careful critical analysis of the readings. May not be counted toward a major or minor in German. Fulfills the literature component of the Humanities General Education Requirement. (3 credits)

FLGR 203 / Intermediate German
A course designed to review and refine knowledge of basic grammar, to improve aural comprehension and verbal skills through classroom and laboratory work and to introduce reading and composition. Prerequisite: FLGR 102 or equivalent. (4 credits)

FLGR 204 / Composition and Conversation
A course designed to build communication skills and understanding of German-language culture. Grammar review, composition on varied topics, extensive oral practice, reading of a novel in German. Prerequisite: FLGR 203 or equivalent. May be repeated for credit at Reutlingen Center. (4 credits)

FLGR 220 / Approaches to German Studies
An introduction to the strategies of reading, interpreting, and writing about German texts. Reading and discussion of works from a variety of genres with particular attention to textual analysis. Prerequisite: FLGR 204. (3 credits)

FLGR 260: German Film Studies
Study of selected films representing significant milestones in German cinema from the 1920s to the present. The course is conducted in English and focuses on cultural and historical context, cinematic technique, and instruction and practice in the writing of careful critical analysis of the films. May not be counted toward a major or minor in German. May be used to fulfill the Humanities: Fine and Performing Arts component of the General Education Requirements. (3 credits)

FLGR 271: German Drama Practicum
Rehearsal and performance of a play or an except from a play in German. No prior acting experience required. Prerequisite: FLGR 204 and consent of the Chair of the Department. May be repeated for additional credit. May be used to fulfill the Humanities: Fine and Performing Arts component of the General Education Requirements. (1 - 3 credits)

ADVANCED COURSES:

FLGR 305 / German in the Professions (Formerly FLGR 307: Professional German)
A study of German language as used in the world of business and technology, including basic commercial and technical vocabulary, workplace correspondence, and professional presentation. Advanced communication skills are developed. Prerequisite: FLGR 204. (4 credits)

FLGR 306 / German in the Media (Formerly FLGR 306: Contemporary German Language in the Mass Media)
A study of German language and contemporary society through the media, including newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film, and the internet. Advanced communication skills are developed. Prerequisite: FLGR 204. (4 credits)

FLGR 341 / History of the German Language
A historical study of the development of the German language. Students are introduced to the basics of linguistics, to linguistic change from Indo-European to the present, and to contemporary dialect variation in German. Prerequisite: FLGR 220. (3 credits)

FLGR 351 / German Studies: The Middle Ages and Humanism
A study of German-language literature and culture from the emergence of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation to Luther and the early modern era. Intellectual and aesthetic works (e.g. architecture, art, drama, music, philosophy, poetry, prose fiction) are examined in cultural-historical context. Prerequisite: FLGR 220. (3 credits)

FLGR 352 / German Studies: Enlightenment and Revolution
A study of German-language literature and culture from the beginnings of the modern era to the failed revolution of 1848. Intellectual and aesthetic works (e.g. architecture, art, drama, music, philosophy, poetry, prose fiction) are examined in cultural-historical context. Prerequisite: FLGR 220. (3 credits)

FLGR 353 / German Studies: Constructing a Modern Nation
A study of German-language literature and culture from the emergence of the first unified German nation-state in the nineteenth century to the present. Intellectual and aesthetic works (e.g. architecture, art, drama, music, philosophy, poetry, prose fiction) are examined in cultural-historical context. Prerequisite: FLGR 220. (3 credits)

FLGR 390 / Seminar in German
A study of selected themes or issues in German literature, language, or civilization. May be repeated for credit if the topic varies. Prerequisite: one course from the following: FLGR 221, 222, 231, or 232. (3 credits)

FLGR 489 / The Teaching of Foreign Languages
A study of the methods of teaching foreign languages in secondary schools. A field component is required. May not be counted toward a major or minor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Prerequisite: admission to Teacher Education. (3 credits)

FLGR 493 / Senior Seminar
A senior-level capstone course which integrates knowledge and skills from previous German courses. Language skills (speaking, listening, writing, reading) are refined as depth and nuance are added to the understanding of German history, literature, culture and contemporary events. Prerequisites: senior standing and consent of the Chair of the Department. (3 credits)

FALL 2009: This capstone course allows senior German majors to hone their interpretive skills by examining a set of German-language texts (e.g. prose fiction, essay, and film) that depict artists. The "artist" will be understood broadly as someone who creates: painting, music, literature, or even -- in one diabolical case -- perfume for the olfactory sense. What makes the artist? How does the artist create? Must the artist compromise in some way in order to excel in creative abilities? These and other questions will be explored as we read texts and screen films (our primary sources), read what other scholars have suggested (secondary sources), and propose our own conclusions in discussion and writing. Prerequisitie is senior standing, normally German majors only (minors considered).