GERM 100: Views of Reality: Understanding Literary Works of the Past

Views of reality constantly change over time and find their expression in art and literature. This course will focus on European views of reality in the eighteenth century, a century of contentment as well as revolution. Works by such authors as Goethe, Voltaire, Schiller and Pope will be studied within their historical and social context. Readings and discussion in English. 6 credit; Argument and Inquiry Seminar, Writing Requirement; offered Fall 2012 -- R. Paas

GERM 101: Elementary German

This course stresses a firm understanding of the basic structural patterns of the German language through reading, writing, speaking, and listening drills. For students with no previous knowledge of German or for those whose test scores indicate that this is the appropriate level of placement. 6 credit; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2012 -- K. Herklotz, R. Paas

GERM 102: Elementary German

Further study of the basic structural patterns of the German language. Prerequisite: German 101, or appropriate placement score. 6 credit; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Winter 2013 -- K. Herklotz, R. Paas

GERM 103: Intermediate German

Completion of the study of basic structural patterns of the German language, and the reading and discussion of a longer literary work. Prerequisite: German 102. 6 credit; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Spring 2013 -- K. Herklotz, R. Paas

GERM 204: Intermediate German

Critical reading and discussion of selected German plays, short stories and/or films. Prerequisite: German 103 or appropriate placement score. 6 credit; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2012 -- K. Herklotz

GERM 205: Berlin Program: Intermediate Composition and Conversation

This course, taught by a native speaker, will focus on students’ reading, writing, and speaking abilities. The class format will feature mainly discussions with grammar exercises interspersed as needed. Students will write frequent papers and correct these papers themselves. 6 credit; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 206: Composition and Conversation

Short texts, films, video clips and other cultural materials serve as the basis for discussions of contemporary German and Austrian culture. Prerequisites: German 204 or the equivalent. 6 credit; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Winter 2013 -- S. Leonhard

GERM 207: Young Adult Literature

The best current German-language literature for teen-aged readers treats serious topics with wit and sensitivity. These texts, many of which have won prizes, are linguistically accessible and written with flair. Readings and class discussions will be in German. Prerequisite: German 204 or the equivalent. 6 credit; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Literary/Artistic Analysis; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 209: Reading German

This course is designed to help students make the transition to reading German texts of their own choosing in any academic discipline. Prerequisites: German 204 or the equivalent 2 credit; S/CR/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 -- R. Paas

GERM 210: Coffee and the News

This course is intended as a refresher course for students who have completed the basic language sequence and/or taken part in the German program. Practice in writing and speaking German. Prerequisite: German 204 or the equivalent. 2 credit; S/CR/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, International Studies, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 219: German Film after World War II

This course introduces postwar German cinema, emphasizing films in their socio-historical contexts while also providing an introduction to theoretical approaches and analytical tools for film analysis. Topics include: Remembering the Holocaust and WWII; terrorism; socialism and utopia; Berlin films and reunification; as well as race and migration. We will discuss a wide range of genres and styles, from New German Cinema to Turkish German comedy, from documentary to socialist musical. We will watch one or two films per week, accompanied by readings on specific films, German film history, and film analysis. All readings and class discussion in English. 6 credit; Arts and Literature, Writing Requirement, Literary/Artistic Analysis, Writing Requirement; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 230: From Gutenberg to Gates: The History and Practice of Printing

Gutenberg's invention of printing with movable type has had a far-reaching impact on the political, social, and intellectual development in the Western World. A similarly profound revolution is taking place today with the use of computers. This course focuses on the major developments in printing since 1450 against the relevant historical and social background. In addition to lectures and discussions there is a weekly "lab," in which students will gain first-hand knowledge of such techniques as woodcutting, engraving, etching, lithography, bookbinding, and papermaking. In English translation. 6 credit; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature, Humanistic Inquiry; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 231: Damsels, Dwarfs, and Dragons: Medieval German Literature

Around the year 1200 German poets wrote some of the most lasting works in the Western literary tradition. It was a time of courtly love and Arthurian romances, and themes vary widely from love and honor to revenge and murder. Special attention is given to the poetry of Walther von der Vogelweide and two major epics: The Nibelungenlied and Gottfried von Strassburg's Tristan and Isolde. In English translation. 6 credit; Arts and Literature, Humanistic Inquiry; offered Winter 2013 -- R. Paas

GERM 247: Fairy Tales, Myths, and Legends

From bedtime stories to Disney films to video games, narratives familiar to us as fairy tales, myths and legends are ever present. This course examines tales in multiple forms, including versions of oral tales, literary tales, feature and animated film, and popular culture manifestations. While the course has a special emphasis on the German tradition, we will also examine many stories (in all their forms) in traditions that have been in dialogue with European traditions, including the Arabian Nights, Disney films, and anime. In several cases we will also read contemporary literary rewritings of familiar tales. All readings and class discussion in English. 6 credit; Arts and Literature, Humanistic Inquiry; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 250: Tense Affinities: A History of German Jewish Culture

The tragedy of the Holocaust in the twentieth century often has overshadowed the long and lively history of German Jewish culture. This course will trace the historical developments of a diverse and complex German Jewish culture and the multiple ways in which it is intertwined with European and German mainstream culture from the Middle Ages to its revival in post-unification Germany. The readings include overviews of historical periods; the literary, political, and philosophical texts by major German Jewish authors; autobiographies; painting; graphic novels; and film. Prerequisites: German 204 or equivalent 6 credit; Humanities, Humanistic Inquiry, International Studies; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 254: Berlin Program: Theater in Berlin

This course will be structured around the theater productions of the fall season in Berlin. The class will read six to eight plays from different literary and historical periods, study their historical and literary context, and also see them performed in the theater. Prerequisites: German 204 or equivalent. 6 credit; Arts and Literature, Literary/Artistic Analysis, International Studies; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 261: Contemporary German Fiction

In this course we will explore very contemporary writings in German from the last decade or two and analyze current trends in literature, society and politics. Readings will include novels, short stories, plays and graphic fiction. Conducted in German. Prerequisites: German 204. Recommended preparation: at least one course above German 204. 3 credit; Arts and Literature, Literary/Artistic Analysis, International Studies; offered Spring 2013 -- K. Herklotz

GERM 295: Berlin Program: Berlin: The German Metropolis

Today Berlin is at the center of unified Germany and an evermore-united Europe. This course will trace the significance of Berlin for both Germany and Europe, taking a historical as well as comparative approach. Representations of Berlin in theoretical essays, literature, art and film, as well as Berlin as site of history, will provide the starting point from which we will explore many facets of twentieth century modernity, German-Jewish history, the Cold War, and the New Europe. Readings and discussions are in German. 6 credit; Arts and Literature, Humanistic Inquiry, International Studies; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 312: Rilke and His Circle

Rainer Maria Rilke, perhaps the foremost poet of his century, lived among a variety of artists, thinkers, and writers. Among them are Rodin, Lou Andreas-Salome, and the Worpswede group of artists. We will follow the threads of Rilke's life and poetry, and see where they lead us. The course will center on Rilke's poetry and prose fiction, but will also include correspondence, and the works of some of Rilke's associates. Class discussions and primary readings will be in German (sometimes with English translations provided); some secondary readings may be in English. Prerequisites: German 204 or equivalent. 6 credit; Arts and Literature, Literary/Artistic Analysis; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 345: Vienna: Dream and Reality

The course will examine the beginnings of Modernism in Austrian culture, music, theater, art, architecture, and philosophy, focusing on literature within its wider context. Students will look at such thinkers and artists as Freud, Schnitzler, Hofmannsthal, Hermann Bahr, Karl Kraus, Robert Musil, Peter Altenberg, and Wittgenstein, as well as the great musicians, architects, and painters of the time. The group will survey the history and culture of the period between 1870 and 1930, with the primary focus on the period from around 1890-1920. Lectures and discussions will be in German. This course is part of the off-campus winter break program to Vienna, involving two linked courses in fall and winter terms. This course is the first class in the sequence. Prerequisites: German 204 or the equivalent 6 credit; Arts and Literature, Literary/Artistic Analysis, International Studies; offered Fall 2012 -- A. Ulmer

GERM 346: Viennese Culture on Site

The first part of the course consists of a two-week field trip to Vienna, Austria, to visit museums and see the architecture and art the group discussed in German 345, including many works by such artists as Loos, Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka. The course will conclude on campus when students will give oral presentations on topics selected in the fall term and investigated during the winter break trip. Prerequisites: German 345 6 credit; Arts and Literature, Literary/Artistic Analysis, International Studies; offered Winter 2013 -- A. Ulmer

GERM 351: The Age of Goethe

The literary movements of Enlightenment, Storm and Stress, and Classicism as seen through selected works of Goethe, Schiller, Lessing and Herder. Prerequisite: German 204 or the equivalent. 6 credit; Arts and Literature, Literary/Artistic Analysis; not offered 2012-2013

GERM 400: Integrative Exercise

Examining an aspect of German literature across eras or genres. 6 credit; S/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013 -- Staff