Course Descriptions in German at W&J College

Updated Feb 2006

GER 105, 106 Elementary German I, II
Introduction for students with little or no knowledge of German. Emphasis on fundamentals of grammar, acquisition of vocabulary, listening comprehension, basic oral expression, elementary writing, and short readings on topics pertaining to Germanic culture. Taught largely in German.
Prerequisite: GER 105, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for 106

GER 207, 208 Intermediate German I, II
Intensive review with frequent practice in oral expression and listening comprehension; special emphasis on developing reading and writing skills via encounters with authentic texts and videos. Taught primarily in German.
Prerequisites: GER 106, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for 207; GER 207, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for 208

GER 235 Introduction to the German Speaking World
This course introduces students to the culture, history, and life of the people who live in the German speaking countries of Europe including modern day Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Students learn about the long and diverse history of these people, while simultaneously learning about the cultural aspects that shaped life in these regions. Through film, text, audio, and images, students will learn about the art, literature, history, and linguistic aspects of life in German speaking Europe from the early beginnings to the modern day.

This class is taught in English and does not fulfill the language requirement.

GER 257 German Literature in Translation
A study of a special topic, such as nineteenth century German literature, the modern German novel, or the work of a particular author. The topic to be studied will be announced during pre-registration.

This course is taught in English and does not fulfill the language requirement.

Prerequisite: ENG 111, 112, or permission of the instructor

GER 260 Theory and Techniques of Teaching Modern Foreign Languages
An introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching modern foreign languages. Students will study the history of language teaching as well as the various approaches and strategies to language instruction and their relationship to second-language acquisition theory. This course must be completed prior to student teaching. Taught in English. This course satisfies the Pennsylvania Department of Education requirement that candidates for certification in foreign languages receive instruction in methods of teaching foreign languages, a subject which in the last 50 years has developed an extensive literature and repertoire of theoretical approaches.
Offered fall term, every other year
Prerequisites: Sophomore status and permission of the instructor

GER 289 German Film
This course will introduce students to trends and examples from the German cinematic tradition. Students will view and analyze various film genres starting with Weimar cinema and continuing through present day German language films. This course will present films within their historical and cultural context. Representative films will be chosen for each period including Weimar Republic, National Socialism, zero hour, economic miracle, sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties, and post unification.

This course is taught in English and does not fulfill the language requirement.

GER 309, 310 Advanced German I, II
A course on the development and application of advanced German language skills, with special emphasis on speaking and writing. A variety of texts, videos, Web sites, etc., serve as thematic points of departure for daily discussions, frequent writing assignments, and oral presentations. Systematic review of sophisticated grammar topics. GER 309 is generally offered in the fall term; GER 310 in the spring term. Taught in German.
Prerequisites: GER 208, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for 309; GER 309 is a prerequisite for 310.

GER 371, 372 German Business Communication and Culture I, II
Two sequential courses on the topical application of advanced German language skills, with emphasis on the development of an appropriate idiom for business, German contexts, within which business activities are likely to occur. The emphasis on is speaking and writing in a professional context. Taught in German. These courses count toward the international business major only.
Prerequisites: GER 309, or permission of instructor, is a prerequisite for GER 319; GER 319, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for GER 320

GER 485 Cultural History of Germany
A survey of German cultural and intellectual history from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, with an emphasis on art, literature, philosophy, politics, religion, and science. Discussions, oral presentations, compositions. Review of advanced grammar as necessary.
Offered in the fall term of odd-numbered years; taught in German
Prerequisite: GER 310 or permission of the instructor

GER 486 Topics in German Culture
A course in German cultural topics, varying from year to year, with emphasis on non-literary aspects of culture. Possible topics include German-Americana, film history, art movements, or how a variety of cultural media reveal the spirit of a particular period of German history. The topic or topics to be studied in a given session will be announced during pre-registration.
Offered in the spring term of even-numbered years; taught in German.
Prerequisite: GER 310 or permission of the instructor

GER 455 Survey of German Literature
A course designed to give students a broad understanding of German literary history. The works examined will span multiple literary movements to reveal the evolution of literary trends and to demonstrate how writers of a period engage in dialog with their artistic forebears. The period to be studied in a given session will be announced during pre-registration.
Offered in the fall term of even-numbered years; taught in German
Prerequisite: GER 310 or permission of the instructor

GER 456 Topics in German Literature
Focused study of a special topic in literature varying from year to year. Likely concentrations include genre studies, in-depth analysis of a seminal work, or the work of a particular author. The topic to be studied in a given session will be announced in the pre-registration schedule. Offered in the spring of odd-numbered years. Taught in German.

Prerequisite: GER 310 or permission of the instructor

GER 500, 501
Independent Study 

Courses taught abroad

Year of Study in Munich

GER 314 Composition and Conversation I in MUNICH

This is the first of a three course sequence taught throughout the year. This course is an intensive review of different means of communication in the German language. Knowledge of grammar, listening and reading comprehension, and oral and written expression will be refined at the advanced level. The skills in this course are tested within the cultural context of everyday life in Munich and refer specifically to the course of study at the University of Munich.

This course is taught in German in Munich, Germany as a part of the Year in Munich Program. Please see the W&J German Program coordinator for additional information.

Prerequisite: Placement by on-site director in Munich, Germany

GER 315 Composition and Conversation II in MUNICH

This is the second of a three course sequence taught throughout the year. This course is an intensive review of different means of communication in the German language. Knowledge of grammar, listening and reading comprehension, and oral and written expression will be refined at the advanced level. The skills in this course are tested within the cultural context of everyday life in Munich and refer specifically to the course of study at the University of Munich.

This course is taught in German in Munich, Germany as a part of the Year in Munich Program. Please see the W&J German Program coordinator for additional information.

Prerequisite: Placement by on-site director in Munich, Germany

GER 316 Composition and Conversation III in MUNICH

This is the third of a three course sequence taught throughout the year. This course is an intensive review of different means of communication in the German language. Knowledge of grammar, listening and reading comprehension, and oral and written expression will be refined at the advanced level. The skills in this course are tested within the cultural context of everyday life in Munich and refer specifically to the course of study at the University of Munich.

This course is taught in German in Munich, Germany as a part of the Year in Munich Program. Please see the W&J German Program coordinator for additional information.

Prerequisite: Placement by on-site director in Munich, Germany

GER 451 German Poetry in MUNICH

This course explores the role of poet and poem within its cultural context in German literary history. Archetype, utopian ideas, and the concept of the “Golden Age” are explored through poetic representations across epochs from the Enlightenment to present day.  Particular attention is paid to aspects of pronunciation and cultural comparison
This course is taught in German in Munich, Germany as a part of the Year in Munich Program. Please see the W&J German Program coordinator for additional information.

Prerequisite: Placement by on-site director in Munich, Germany

GER 452 Modern German Literature in MUNICH
This course investigates trends in contemporary German literature. Selections are made from the vast amount of contemporary texts that have (in addition to their literary quality) particular relevance and meaning concerning political and social topics pertinent to contemporary German society.
This course is taught in German in Munich, Germany as a part of the Year in Munich Program. Please see the W&J German Program coordinator for additional information.

Prerequisite: Placement by on-site director in Munich, Germany

GER 475 German Theater in MUNICH

This course provides a survey of German theater from roots in the antique world and the Germanic oral tradition to the heyday of classical German theater in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Additional works from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries highlight further developments in German theater to provide students with a broad knowledge of German theatrical history. Students will also visit several theaters and view dramatic productions of classical German dramas available during their year of study.

This course is taught in German in Munich, Germany as a part of the Year in Munich Program. Please see the W&J German Program coordinator for additional information.

Prerequisite: Placement by on-site director in Munich, Germany

GER 481 German and European Culture and Civilization in MUNICH

Feeling at home in a foreign country! This course aims to achieve this goal within the context of German social and political structures. This course analyzes contemporary life and culture in Munich, Germany with the aim to promote cross cultural understanding for newly arrived participants of the Year in Munich Program. At the end of the course, students will better understand the points of cultural difference that are confusing due to differences European and American cultural models and will learn about trends in German and European cultural history that affect the present.

This course is taught in German in Munich, Germany as a part of the Year in Munich Program. Please see the W&J German Program coordinator for additional information.

Prerequisite: Placement by on-site director in Munich, Germany

PCIC

GER 201 German Language and Culture I in Cologne
This is the first of a two-course sequence taught in one semester. This course is devoted to the intensive study and practice of the German language within the context of contemporary German life. The first half of the semester constitutes German Language and Culture I and the second half German Language and Culture II. Upon arrival in Cologne, students are tested and placed into different levels. This course is designed for students at the low-intermediate level. Taught largely in German.
This course is taught in Cologne, Germany, as a part of the W&J Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne Program (PCIC)
Prerequisite: GER 106 or placement by on-site program director (Consult with W&J PCIC director)

GER 202 German Language and Culture II in Cologne
This is the second of a two-course sequence taught in one semester. This course is devoted to the intensive study and practice of the German language within the context of contemporary German life. The first half of the semester constitutes German Language and Culture I and the second half German Language and Culture II. Upon arrival in Cologne, students are tested and placed into different levels. This course is designed for students at the low-intermediate level. Taught largely in German.
This course is taught in Cologne, Germany, as a part of the W&J Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne Program (PCIC)
Prerequisite: GER 106 or placement by on-site program director (Consult with W&J PCIC director)

GER 211 German Language and Culture I (Intermediate) in Cologne
This is the first of a two-course sequence taught in one semester. The curriculum consists of German language instruction including aspects of everyday life and culture in Germany and Cologne. Through immersion in everyday German life, students have an opportunity to speak and live with local residents. This environment is conducive to applying newly learned skills and understanding the land, people, culture, and language. In conjunction with the language program, there are regular excursions throughout the region of Cologne and students are required to write an essay about their experience. Regular homework and evaluations check the student's language competence and progress. There is particular emphasis on oral communication throughout the course. The course content includes reading and discussion of general interest subjects where important grammar themes are introduced and practiced. Media and methods include workbook, authentic language on audio/video cassettes, newspaper articles, short stories, role play, and group work. Taught in German.
This course is taught in Cologne, Germany, as a part of the W&J Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne Program (PCIC)
Prerequisite: GER 106 or placement by on-site program director (Consult with W&J PCIC director)

GER 212 German Language and Culture II (Intermediate) In Cologne
This is the second of a two-course sequence taught in one semester. The curriculum consists of German language instruction, including aspects of everyday life and culture in Germany and Cologne. Through immersion in everyday German life, students have an opportunity to speak and live with local residents. This environment is conducive to applying newly learned skills and understanding the land, people, culture, and language. In conjunction with the language program, there are regular excursions throughout the region of Cologne and students are required to write an essay about their experience. Regular homework and evaluations check the student's language competence and progress. There is particular emphasis on oral communication throughout the course. The course content includes reading and discussion of general interest subjects where important grammar themes are introduced and practiced. Media and methods include workbook, authentic language on audio/video cassettes, newspaper articles, short stories, role play, and group work. Taught in German.
This course is taught in Cologne, Germany, as a part of the W&J Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne Program (PCIC)
Prerequisite: GER 106 or placement by on-site program director (Consult with W&J PCIC director)

GER 247 Special Topics in German Culture in Cologne
A course at the intermediate level offering readings, field trips, essays, and interactive projects, all reflecting aspects of the cultural and historical development of the city of Cologne. Taught in German.
This course is taught in Cologne, Germany, as a part of the W&J Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne Program (PCIC)
Prerequisites: GER 106 or placement by on site program director (Consult with W&J PCIC director)

GER 280 Special Topics in German Culture In Cologne
A course at the intermediate level offering readings, field trips, essays, and interactive projects, all reflecting aspects of the cultural and historical development of the city of Cologne. Taught in German.
This course is taught in Cologne, Germany, as a part of the W&J Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne Program (PCIC)
Prerequisite: GER 106 or placement by on-site program director (Consult with W&J PCIC director)

GER 311 German Language and Culture I (Advanced) in Cologne
This is the first of a two-course sequence taught in one semester. The curriculum consists of German language, including aspects of everyday life and culture in Germany and Cologne. The materials used in the course (the text, videos, radio and television programs, description of pictures, newspaper articles, fictional texts, and 82 GERMAN role plays, etc.) are designed to broaden the student's knowledge of German. Given the many intercultural exchange opportunities available, the acquired knowledge can and should be put into practice. Excursions are a part of the cultural program and are integrated into the German classes by using reports, accompanied with exercises as necessary. Taught in German.
This course is taught in Cologne, Germany, as a part of the W&J Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne Program (PCIC)
Prerequisite: German 208 or placement by on-site director (Consult with W&J PCIC director)

GER 312 German Language and Culture II (Advanced) in Cologne
This is the second of a two-course sequence taught in one semester. The curriculum consists of German language, including aspects of everyday life and culture in Germany and Cologne. The materials used in the course (the text, videos, radio and television programs, description of pictures, newspaper articles, fictional texts, and role plays, etc.) are designed to broaden the student's knowledge of German. Given the many intercultural exchange opportunities available, the acquired knowledge can and should be put into practice. Excursions are a part of the cultural program and are integrated into the German classes by using reports, accompanied with exercises as necessary. Taught in German.
This course is taught in Cologne, Germany, as a part of the W&J Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne Program (PCIC)
Prerequisite: GER 208 or placement by on-site director (Consult with W&J PCIC director)

GER 356 German Short Fiction in Cologne
An introduction to short literary texts by major contemporary authors in German and to the historical, political, and cultural background of the period in which they were produced. The class is conducted in a discussion format. Taught in German.
This course is taught in Cologne, Germany, as a part of the W&J Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne Program (PCIC)
Prerequisite: GER 310 or placement by on-site program director (Consult with W&J PCIC director)