Modern Languages at Carthage

101 Elementary German I 4 credits

This course teaches listening and speaking skills in German through active participation by the students in communicative situations. By the end of the course, students are able to comprehend and communicate orally in a culturally acceptable manner, using basic language structures and common vocabulary relating to everyday topics and communication needs.


102 Elementary German II 4 credits

This course teaches listening, speaking, reading, and some writing skills in German through active participation by the students in a wide variety of communicative contexts. By the end of the course, the students are able to comprehend, communicate orally, read intelligently, and write simply in German, using basic language structures. They will also be able to employ constructively a broad range of vocabulary related to the themes studied and to survival communication and cultural needs.

Prerequisite: German 101 or equivalent.

201 Intermediate German I 4 credits

This course teaches listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and basic writing skills in sequential development following 101/102, using a variety of original texts in German and exposing students to native German speakers and cultural events.

Prerequisite: German 102 or equivalent.

202 Intermediate German II 4 credits

Expanding on German 201, this course provides original texts, film media, music, and cross-cultural experiences. Students speak and read using all verb tenses and a broad range of structures and vocabulary. They create original compositions at their level, geared to their interests.

Prerequisite: German 201 or equivalent.

301 Advanced German I 4 credits

This course continues the linguistic and cultural experiences of 201/202. Grammar and phonetics are studied in relation to the language skills the students have acquired. Cultural inquiry and current foreign events are emphasized. Original compositions are linked to course goals as well as student interests.

Prerequisite: German 202 or equivalent.

303 German Conversation 1 credit
Instructor: German Target Language Experts

An opportunity for extended use of the target language to improve oral fluency and proficiency. A wide range of communicative opportunities will encourage active exploration of the target culture. (The course can be repeated for up to a total of 4 credits), S or U.

Prerequisite: German 202 or equivalent or consent of department chair.

308 The German-Speaking World: Social, Political, and Economic Issues 4 credits

Students will learn about social, political, and economic issues affecting the German-speaking world using a variety of media and texts. Issues will be discussed within the context of the contemporary world, and examination of their historical background will further students' understanding of these issues in their cultural context.

Prerequisite: German 301 or consent of instructor.

309 The German-Speaking World: Cultural and Intellectual Life 4 credits

Students will study major currents of cultural and intellectual life in German-speaking regions. Topics will range from high culture to daily life. The course will examine the historical background of cultural manifestations. A variety of media including printed texts will guide students' understanding of both past and present cultural life.

Prerequisite: German 301 or consent of instructor.

311 Interpreting Written Texts in German 4 credits

Students will learn to read and discuss in German a range of German texts. They will be exposed to the German literary tradition and learn to interpret textual intentions and assumptions.

Prerequisite: German 301.

401 Senior Seminar in German 4 credits

A capstone experience in which the students will study the theoretical foundations of German studies (cultural as well as literary). They will be introduced to the problems of translation. A major component of the course will be the preparation of an independent research paper, the Senior Thesis, which will culminate in a formal oral presentation of the results of the investigation as well as in a major paper written in German.

Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of instructor and GNRL 351.

424 German Theatre 4 credits

Students in the course stage a play in German. Students also read and discuss related texts; these include such topics as other plays which contextualize the play being performed or texts expanding on cultural or historical issues raised by it.The course may fulfill a topics course requirement of the major.

Prerequisite: German 308 or 309 and 311 or consent of instructor.

471 Topics in German 1-4 credits

Intensive study of specific topics relating to German literature and culture.

Prerequisite: German 308 or 309 and 311 and GNRL 351.