Courses

GERM 101 , GERM 102, GERM 103 Elementary German

Development of basic communication skills in German (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) in order to discuss a variety of topics that relate to everyday life. Students interpret, discuss, and reflect upon many authentic readings, videos, films, and music that reveal the diverse cultural products, perspectives, and practices from the German-speaking world. Open to beginners, and placement by examination. Prerequisite(s): must follow sequence or permission of the instructor; GERM 103 is SL; T. Heidt; staff

GERM 151 German History on Film

This course will examine German films (alongside some graphic novels and other texts) which take as their subject historical moments and events. We will examine the manner in which German culture views its own history via mass, popular media such as film. Such media necessarily generate collective memories and historical imaginaries which may or may not comport with historical fact. Themes may include (but aren't limited to) the legacy of the Holocaust and World War II, the division and unification of Germany, and migrants' experiences. IC; Offered occasionally; T. Heidt

GERM 152 Dungeons, Dragons, and Deutsch: The Roots of German Fantasy

In this course, students encounter dragons, heroes, gods, oaths, and courtly love, following the early roots of these themes into their modern depictions and usage today. Drawing on their experience with modern fantasies, the Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game, and renaissance faires, students delve into the roots of the fantasy genre with Middle High German epics, lyric poetry, songs, and short stories. Additional materials from the French and English epic traditions will also be incorporated and students will discover the history of the texts� dissemination into their relevant contexts. In each unit students will navigate the texts in translation, draw connections between the Medieval referents and the modern adaptations, and then creatively incorporate the themes, characters, topics, and lessons of the literature into modern projects. These projects include but are not limited to: creating Dungeons and Dragons character sheets, assisting in developing a D&D world and/or campaign, developing a theatrical adaptation, writing knightly codes of conduct, and comparing modern fantasy stories with their Middle High German referrents. This course is taught in English. Cross Listing: IS 152; IC; B. Wilcox

GERM 155 Tolerance and Intolerance in Literature and Film

Ideas that came out of German Enlightenment spread throughout Europe and beyond. Tolerance, one of the core ideals of the Enlightenment, always faces its opposite, intolerance. This course provides an in-depth look at the reverberations of German Enlightenment in various forms of tolerance and intolerance in literature and film. Political, social, and religious tolerance and intolerance are examined through literature, film and theoretical texts in various historical moments, times of political unease, cases of religious mistreatment or coexistence etc. Specific attention is paid to topics such as racism, instances of political persecution, and interreligious amity. For each literary work or film, students get a historical background and examine the work with the help of theoretical discussions. Students will gain perspectives on diverse forms of tolerance and intolerance in different contexts. Cross Listing: IS 155; Offered alternate years; T. Heidt; staff

GERM 201 Intermediate German

Broad analysis of German-speaking cultural products, practices and perspectives supported by a broad range of authentic texts ranging from fiction and non-fiction readings to films, online videos and more. Topics include recent history, current events, traditions and contemporary German-speaking cultures. Students further develop the ability to understand and communicate new knowledge in German on a variety of topics and from a variety of perspectives. Oral and written examinations. Prerequisite(s): GERM 103 or equivalent; SL; T. Heidt; staff

GERM 210 Conversation and Composition

Training in speaking and writing idiomatic German through exploration of a broad range of authentic texts ranging from fiction and non-fiction readings to films, online videos and more. Also includes selective grammar review on the intermediate level. Students will write and present orally on a number of topics and in a number of genres of communication on German-speaking cultures. Prerequisite(s): GERM 201 or equivalent; T. Heidt; staff

GERM 211 German Traditions and Cultures

This course will examine traditions, festivals, celebrations and daily culture in the German-speaking world. These analyses will provide a window into the multifaceted history, culture, and values of the various peoples and cultures calling Central Europe home (whether intergenerationally or newly arrived). Possible topics include long-standing and well-known traditions such as Oktoberfest as well as daily routines and traditions which shape life in these cultures. Prerequisite(s): GERM 103; T. Heidt

GERM 235 Introduction to German Literature

Readings and discussions in German of various nineteenth- and twentieth-century works and their literary, cultural and historical contexts. Students will learn the basic skills they need to analyze literature and film (e.g., writing a summary, writing a characterization), culminating in critical analyses of narrative prose, drama, and poetry. Prerequisite(s): GERM 201 or equivalent; IC; T. Heidt

GERM 248 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

GERM 295 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of German not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

GERM 302 , GERM 302E Realism in the German Context

(In German or English) The realist tradition in German literature and film from the 19th century to the present. Students are presented with an overview of what German writers and filmmakers have viewed as 'life as it really is' and how they have chosen to represent 'reality' over the past 150 years. Prerequisite(s): GERM 235 or equivalent for GERM 302; sophomore standing or permission of the instructor for GERM 302E; T. Heidt

GERM 311 German Traditions and Cultures

This course will examine traditions, festivals, celebrations and daily culture in the German-speaking world. These analyses will provide a window into the multifaceted history, culture, and values of the various peoples and cultures calling Central Europe home (whether intergenerationally or newly arrived). Possible topics include long-standing and well-known traditions such as Oktoberfest as well as daily routines and traditions which shape life in these cultures. Prerequisite(s): GERM 103; T. Heidt

GERM 317 Goethe

Reading and discussion of Goethe's major works, including selections from his lyric poetry. Class discussions in German. Prerequisite(s): GERM 235 or equivalent; Staff

GERM 320 Advanced Conversation and Composition

Training in speaking and writing idiomatic German through exploration of materials from German language fiction and non-fiction readings, films, online videos and more. Also includes selective grammar review at the advanced level, and intensive practice in conversation and composition. Students will improve the skills they need to analyze cultural products, practices and perspectives. Prerequisite(s): GERM 210 or equivalent; T. Heidt

GERM 324 , GERM 324E 19th Century German Culture

(In German or English) Course topics are the political and ideological consolidation of a German nation in the nineteenth century; intersections of the construct of nation with Germany's imaginary others; challenges posed to national identity by social, political, and intellectual developments. We discuss philosophy, literature, art, and music/opera in their social and political contexts. Thematic aspects of the course typically include: industrialization, urbanization, antisemitism, the culture/civilization distinction, class struggle, changing perceptions of the human subject. Prerequisite(s): GERM 235 or equivalent or permission of instructor for GERM 324; sophomore standing or permission of instructor for GERM 324E; GERM 324E cross-listed with HIST 324; T. Heidt

GERM 325 , GERM 325E German Culture: Focus on Berlin

(In German or English) Exploration of contemporary German culture through focus on the nation's once and future capital. This is not a cultural history course but is instead designed to give students insight into the people and concerns "behind the headlines." Course materials include both fiction and non-fiction (political and economic) readings, interviews, slides, film, video and music. Prerequisite(s): GERM 235 for GERM 325; sophomore standing or permission of the instructor for GERM 325E; T. Heidt

GERM 326 , GERM 326E 1920's Berlin: Fears/Fantasies

(In German or English) Introduction to the society, culture, and politics of the Weimar Republic 1919-1933) with particular focus on Berlin. We investigate the literature, visual culture (including film), and political and philosophical writing of that period to acquaint ourselves with major themes of modernity that are still virulent today. The course content may include, but is not limited to, the political, social, and psychological impact of WWI; new technologies (radio, film); mass society and the city; the "New Woman"; the gay liberation movement; theatre, film, and cabaret; the rise of fascism. Prerequisite(s): GERM 235 or equivalent or permission of instructor for GERM 326; sophomore standing or permission of instructor for GERM 326E; GERM 326E cross-listed with HIST 326; T. Heidt

GERM 330 or GERM 330E Afro-German Culture

This course will explore the history and culture of the African diaspora in Central Europe. For centuries, there has been a black population in German-speaking Europe, but only in the 1980s did that population begin to think of themselves as Afro-Germans or Black Germans. This class will explore the relationship between race, nationality and history in this context. This class may include topics such as the history of German colonialism, key Afro-German writers and filmmakers, Afro-Germans in the Nazi era and/or communist East Germany, the portrayal of black people in Europe and/or Africa in German-speaking cultures and more. Prerequisite(s): GERM 210 for GERM 330; sophomore standing or permission of the instructor for GERM 330E; Cross Listing: AFST 330;GERM 330E; T. Heidt

GERM 331 , GERM 331E German Fairy Tales in Context

In this course, students study the advent of the fairy tale genre in the context of the German literary tradition and against the background of the changing national consciousness of Germany around 1800. By analyzing the fairy tale, students will also address German cultural identities and values, ideas of nation building, and didacticism. We will also trace the appropriation and subversion of the fairy tale in later eras and the present. Other topics in this course might include: additional theoretical frameworks (i.e. feminism in fairy tales); queer identities; adolescent development; religion (i.e.: Christianity/paganism); and linguistic projects. Prerequisite(s): For 331: GERM 235 or instructor approval. For 331E: one other course in the English department, sophomore standing, or instructor approval; T. Heidt

GERM 332 or GERM 332E Gender Studies in German Literature and Culture

(In German or English) How is gender constructed in the intellectual and literary history of German-speaking countries, and what are the interrelations between gender construction and the life of cultural or political institutions? Possible course topics include: literature as a gendered institution; sexuality and the state; education; gay/lesbian literature; gender and race. Prerequisite(s): GERM 210 for GERM 332; sophomore standing or permission of the instructor for GERM 332E; IC, PI; GERM 332E is cross listed with GWST 332; T. Heidt

GERM 334 , GERM 334E Politics and Literature

(In German or English) The course situates literary texts in their specific historical and political contexts, and confronts the philosophical and conceptual problems that arise at the intersection of literature and politics. This dual (historical and philosophical) perspective requires a combination of readings in history, literature, and philosophy/criticism. Topics include: literature and the formation of the public sphere; political agendas and aesthetic autonomy; economics and literature; writers in exile; censorship; revolution and literature. Prerequisite(s): GERM 235 or GERM 210 for GERM 334; sophomore standing or permission of the instructor for GERM 334E; T. Heidt

GERM 335 Contemporary Europe, Migration and Refugees

In this course, students primarily explore the post-WWII European history, culture, and politics in the face of mass migration, refugee crises, displacement, and increasing nationalism and racism as they are transferred and shown in literature. Students first examine the historical contexts of migration and refugee crises to gain perspective for the later texts. An initial focus is on the literary representations of immigrants and refugees in different genres both by European and non-European authors. There is also a focus on the cinematic representations of immigrants and refugees both in documentary and feature films. Prerequisite(s): For GERM 335: GERM 210; For English-language sections, sophomore standing or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: GERM 335E;IS 335;MODL 335;PJST 335; T. Heidt; staff

GERM 336 , GERM 336E Contemporary German Culture

(In German or English) The course examines contemporary German society and culture in an historical context. Topics include the political legacies of Nazism, East German communism, and the Student Movement of 1968; the role of religion in public life; Germany in a united Europe; immigration and changing concepts of German-ness; changing attitudes towards family, gender, and sexuality. Materials include scholarly essays, fiction, and film. Prerequisite(s): GERM 235 or 210 for GERM 336; sophomore standing or permission of the instructor for GERM 336E; Cross Listing: HIST 336; GERM 336E cross-listed with HIST 336; T. Heidt

GERM 337 , GERM 337E German Society and Film

(In German or English) Survey and analyses of German films within their social, political, and intellectual contexts. The course may present a broad survey from 1919 to the present, focus on an individual historical period, a director or group of directors, or on a theme in German film. Prerequisite(s): GERM 235 or 210 for GERM 337; sophomore standing or permission of instructor for GERM 337E; GERM 337E is cross listed with FILM 337; IC; T. Heidt

GERM 348 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

GERM 395 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of German not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

GERM 399 Senior Project (1/2 or 1)

Seniors prepare a study of appropriate scope in conjunction with any 300-level course in which they participate as regular students during their senior year. Students should identify the course in which they choose to do their project no later than the third term of their junior year and submit a preliminary topic and bibliography. With departmental approval students may undertake a project as an independent study. T. Heidt

GERM 400 Advanced Studies (1/2 or 1)

See College Honors Program. T. Heidt