German: Language, Literature, Culture (including courses in English)

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  • CAS LG 111: First-Semester German
    For beginners or according to placement test results. Introduction to grammar, vocabulary, structure of German, emphasizing the four basic skills: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. (If CAS LG 112 or a more advanced college-level course has been completed, this course may not be taken for credit.)
  • CAS LG 112: Second-Semester German
    Continues study and practice of the basic skills of speaking, writing, and reading German. Conversational dialogues, reading of short texts, grammar sessions, compositions. Conducted in German. (If a more advanced college-level course has been completed, this course may not be taken for credit.)
  • CAS LG 211: Third-Semester German
    Further development of communicative skills acquired in the first year, emphasizing both production (speaking, writing) and comprehension (listening, reading). Grammar review. Reading and discussion of selected short stories, poetry, and plays as well as nonliterary texts. Conducted in German.
  • CAS LG 212: Fourth-Semester German
    Continued development of communicative skills and strategies for functioning socially in German-language contexts. Students learn to understand literary and nonliterary texts. Conducted in German.
  • CAS LG 250: Masterpieces of German Literature (in English translation)
    Introduction to the major works of German literature, emphasizing methods of close reading and the art of critical writing. Essays, plays, fairy tales, poetry, prose by Luther, Goethe, Grimm brothers, Heine, Nietzsche, Kafka, Thomas Mann, Rilke, Hesse, Christa Wolf. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS.
  • CAS LG 283: The Faust Tradition
    Comparative study of the Faust theme, 1500 to present: Marlowe, Goethe, Mann, Gertrude Stein, Jan Svankmajer, others. Transmission and adaptation of literary themes within and between national traditions. Emphasis on close reading and research, use of theory and criticism. Meets with CAS XL 351. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS.
  • CAS LG 303: Composition and Conversation I
    Increased sophistication in speaking German through simulation and role playing as well as in writing German through regular compositions and journal entries. Grammar review; practice in pronunciation, comprehension, conversation, vocabulary, and written expression. Discussion of contemporary topics, conducted in German.
  • CAS LG 304: Composition and Conversation II
    Increased sophistication in speaking German through simulation and role playing as well as in writing German through regular compositions and journal entries. Grammar review; practice in pronunciation, comprehension, conversation, vocabulary, and written expression. Discussion of contemporary topics, conducted in German.
  • CAS LG 325: Modern German History and Culture through Film
    Presentation of cultural differences between East and West Germany leading to reunification and beyond. Screenings of works by Fassbinder, Herzog, Schlöndorff, Sanders-Brahms, Dörrie, Wenders, and Tykwer. Texts on film art in different historical contexts. Discussions and essays in German.
  • CAS LG 345: German for Business and Economics
    Introduction to the language of business and to the German economy within the context of European integration and globalization. Includes online research, group projects, skits, and panel discussions.
  • CAS LG 350: Introduction to German Literature
    Masterpieces of German literature representing major eras and genres from the eighteenth century to the present. Practical introduction to methods of close reading and literary interpretation; class discussion. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS.
  • CAS LG 387: Weimar Cinema (taught in English)
    German silent and early sound films from Caligari to Hitler, viewed in the aesthetic context of contemporary and recent film theory and criticism and in the broader cultural context of the interwar Weimar Republic (1918--1933), with international points of comparison. Weekly screenings. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS.
  • CAS LG 401: Senior Independent Work
  • CAS LG 402: Senior Independent Work
  • CAS LG 403: Fourth-Year German: Vocabulary and Idiom
    Advanced study of German idiomatic usage and subtleties of grammar in cultural context, aiming to increase students' range and accuracy of expression in speech and writing. Texts from contemporary media, popular music, literature, film. Frequent short essays.
  • CAS LG 450: Origins of German Culture
    Survey of major developments in the cultural history of German-speaking countries, from the Middle Ages through the Enlightenment. Literature, expository texts, music, art and architecture, and their influence on contemporary cultural debates. Course conducted in German.
  • CAS LG 453: Romanticism
    Poetry and prose of major authors (Tieck, Novalis, Schlegel, Brentano, Gunderode, Eichendorff, Hoffmann), their connection to music and art and to German Idealism. Emergence of the fairy-tale. Women and the literary salons.
  • CAS LG 455: Twentieth-Century Culture: Before 1945
    Surveys a period of critical change and tremendous vitality in German-speaking culture and literature. Works by Rilke, Hofmannsthal, Mann, Kafka, Brecht, and others. Topics in politics, society, film, the arts. Practice in writing and interpretation.
  • CAS LG 491: Directed Study: German
    Application form available in department.
  • CAS LG 492: Directed Study: German
    Application form available in department.

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