GERS - German Studies
GERS101 Elementary German I (4 Credits)
Introduction to basic structures and pronunciation by emphasis on the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Readings concern the current lifestyle and civilization of the German-speaking world.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM101 or GERS101.
Formerly: GERM101.
GERS103 Intensive Elementary German (4 Credits)
Covers speaking, reading, writing, listening, and culture of German-speaking world.
Prerequisite: Must have appropriate Foreign Language Placement Test (FLPT) score.
Restriction: Must not be a fluent/native speaker of German.
Credit Only Granted for: GERS103 or GERM103.
Formerly: GERM103.
GERS141 Yiddish I (3 Credits)
Introduction to the Yiddish language, with emphasis on speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students will also learn the history of the language, its significance to Jewish culture, its origins and basic structure.Cross-listed with: JWST281.
GERS142 Elementary Yiddish II (3 Credits)
Continuation of JWST281.
Prerequisite: JWST281; or permission of ARHU-Meyerhoff Program & Center for Jewish Studies. Cross-listed with: JWST282.
GERS148 Germanic Languages - Elementary I (3 Credits)
Basic instruction in a Germanic language other than German; Yiddish and Swedish are offered regularly, Danish, Netherlandic, and Norwegian when demand is sufficient. Subtitle will reflect the language. May be repeated in a different language.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM148.
GERS149 Germanic Languages - Elementary II (3 Credits)
Continuation of GERM148. May be repeated in a different language. Subtitle will reflect the language.
Prerequisite: GERM148.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
Formerly: GERM149.
GERS169 Special Topics in Study Abroad I (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM169.
GERS203 Intensive Intermediate German (4 Credits)
Covers speaking, reading, writing, listening, and culture of German-speaking world.
Prerequisite: GERS103; or must have appropriate Foreign Language Placement Test (FLPT) score.
Restriction: Must not be a fluent/native speaker of German.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM203 or GERS203.
Formerly: GERM203.
GERS204 German Grammar Review (3 Credits)
An in-depth study and analysis of selected grammatical topics in a contextualized framework.
Prerequisite: GERS203; or Must have appropriate Foreign Language Placement Test (FLPT) score.
Restriction: Must not be a fluent/native speaker of German.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM204 or GERS204.
Formerly: GERM204.
GERS248 Germanic Languages Intermediate - I (3 Credits)
Intermediate instruction in a Germanic language other than German. May be repeated in a different language. Subtitle will reflect the language.
Prerequisite: GERM149.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
Formerly: GERM248.
GERS249 Germanic Languages - Intermediate II (3 Credits)
Continuation of GERM248. May be repeated in a different language. Subtitle will reflect the language.
Prerequisite: GERM248.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
Formerly: GERM249.
GERS255 Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm (3 Credits)
A critical examination of how fairy tales and folklore pervade and influence diverse facets of Western culture, ranging from issues of politics and national identity, ethics and morality, violence and fear, education and pedagogy, to gender and sexuality in the establishment and regulation of social norms. Taking the German tales collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm as its focal point, the magical and often terrifying world of fairy tales within the German, European, and American cultural traditions from Romanticism to today will be explored. Taught in English.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM255 or GERS255.
Formerly: GERM255.
GERS269 Special Topics in Study Abroad II (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM269.
GERS289 Selected Topics in the Cultures of the German-Speaking Countries (3 Credits)
Topics in the cultures of the German-speaking countries.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM289.
GERS299 Special Topics in German Studies (3 Credits)
Selected topics on language, literature, or culture of the German-speaking world.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Repeatable to: 9 credits if content differs.
GERS301 Conversation and Composition I: The German-Speaking World (3 Credits)
Practice in contemporary spoken and written German. Systematic review of grammar, and exercises in composition. Emphasis on cultural contrasts in the German-speaking world.
Prerequisite: GERS204; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM301 or GERS301.
Formerly: GERM301.
GERS302 Conversation and Composition II: Current Topics in German-Speaking Society (3 Credits)
Further practice in contemporary spoken and written German. Contemporary social, political, and cultural themes.
Prerequisite: GERS301; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM302 or GERS302.
Formerly: GERM302.
GERS315 Practicum in Translation I (3 Credits)
Problems and strategies of translation from German to English.
Prerequisite: GERS301; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM315 or GERS315.
Formerly: GERM315.
GERS319 Selected Topics in German Language Studies (1-3 Credits)
The analysis of the German language as a reflection of cultural, functional, and social practice in the German-speaking world.
Prerequisite: GERS203; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
GERS320 Survey of German Studies (3 Credits)
Approaches to analysis of German cultural products such as literature, film, poetry, architecture and works of art. Taught in German.
Prerequisite: GERS301; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM320 or GERS320.
Formerly: GERM320.
GERS322 Highlights of German Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected literary masterworks, social and cultural issues, and historical events in German-speaking countries from the Enlightenment, Romanticism, Junges Deutschland, Realism, Naturalism and its counter currents, Expressionism to the present. Taught in German.
Prerequisite: GERS302; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM322 or GERS322.
Formerly: GERM322.
GERS331 Kafka and Film: The Uncanny in Literature and Film (3 Credits)
Analysis of major works by Franz Kafka (1883-1924), his affinity to the cinema and use of cinematic means and techniques (e.g. the gaze, flashback, parallel action, gesture and body language, etc.) in his writings, as well as examination of adaptations of Kafka narratives (e.g. the Orson Welles and David Jones adaptations of The Trial, 1961, 1992) and other films that use Kafkaian themes (e.g. Steven Soderbergh's 'Kafka', 1991).Cross-listed with: CINE331.
GERS339 German Literature In Translation (3 Credits)
Selected movements, genres or other special topics in German literature. Readings and instruction in English. May not be counted in the fulfillment of German major requirements in German literature.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM339.
GERS349 Germanic Literatures in Translation (3 Credits)
Study of an important author, period or theme in a Germanic literature other than German: Yiddish, Netherlandic or Scandinavian. Taught in English.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM349.
GERS356 German for the Professions (3 Credits)
An examination of the structures and work conditions of various industries in the German-speaking world including understanding and navigating company culture, professional development, and preparation for an internship or job where German is spoken.
Prerequisite: GERS301.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM319B, GERM356 or GERS356.
Formerly: GERM356.
GERS367 The Great Derangement: Climate, Art, and Literature (3 Credits)
An investigation of the relationship between climate and art & literature. Introduction to ecological thinking followed by study of artistic and literary works thematically grouped by the four elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. Readings from the German literary tradition (Goethe, Tieck, Stifter, Kafka, Frisch, Wolf) and contemporary research in the environmental humanities, with additional readings and viewings from elsewhere on the planet. Taught in English.
Recommended: 200-level General Education and/or humanities course; and sophomore standing. Cross-listed with: CMLT399E.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM399E, CMLT399E, or GERS367.
Formerly: GERM399E.
Additional Information: Priority in enrollment will be given to German majors.
GERS369 Special Topics in Study Abroad III (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERS369.
GERS383 The 'Warrior' in German Culture: From Valiant Knights to Brazen Terrorists (3 Credits)
Acknowledging the nexus between acts of military aggression and political apparatuses, this course examines the semiotic significance of literary and cinematic manifestations of the warrior at critical junctures in German history. Taking the warrior as its focal point, this course explores the intricate web connecting various forms of military conflict, political systems of power, and social conventions within Western civilization from Antiquity to today. Taught in English.
GERS385 German Cinema (3 Credits)
A history of German cinema from the golden age of silent films to the flourishing film culture of the 21st Century. Focuses on changing ideas of the role and purpose of national cinema, as well as the cinematic representation of nation and national identity. Taught in English.Cross-listed with: CINE385.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM385, GERS385, CINE385 or FILM385.
Formerly: FILM385.
GERS386 Experiential Learning (1-6 Credits)
Internship and practicum.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM386 or GERS386.
Formerly: GERM386.
GERS388 Language House Spring Colloquium (1 Credit)
For students residing in the Language House Immersion Program. Focuses on the development of skills in the target language and acquiring the cultural knowledge of the countries that speak the target language.
Restriction: Must be a resident of Language House.
Repeatable to: 8 credits.
Formerly: GERM388.
GERS389 Topics in German Culture (3 Credits)
Topics in the cultures of the German-speaking peoples. Taught in English.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
GERS397 Honors Reading (Independent Study) (3 Credits)
Supervised reading to be taken normally only by students admitted into honors program.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM397 or GERS397.
Formerly: GERM397.
GERS398 Honors Research (3 Credits)
Prepares students to write an honors thesis. Under the direction of a German department faculty member, the student will select a thesis topic and conduct the necessary research.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM398 or GER398.
Formerly: GERM398.
GERS399 Selected Topics in German Studies (3 Credits)
Selected topics on the language, literature, and culture of the German-speaking world.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Repeatable to: 9 credits if content differs.
GERS401 Advanced Conversation (3 Credits)
Development of fluency in spoken German to achieve advanced level.
Prerequisite: GERM302; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM401 or GERS401.
Formerly: GERM401.
GERS402 Advanced Conversation and Composition (3 Credits)
Advanced instruction in and acquisition of written and oral communication skills in German
Prerequisite: GERS302; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Restriction: Must not have completed GERS401 or GERS403.
Credit Only Granted for: (GERM401 and GERM403), GERM402, or GERS402.
Formerly: GERM402.
GERS403 Advanced Composition (3 Credits)
Advanced instruction in and acquisition of German writing skills.
Prerequisite: GERM302; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM403 or GERS403.
Formerly: GERM403.
GERS411 German for International Business I (3 Credits)
Advanced skills in German for international business, including understanding and writing correspondence, reports, graphics, ads, etc., according to current German commercial style.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM411 or GERS411.
Formerly: GERM411.
GERS415 German/English Translation I (3 Credits)
An intensive presentation of German grammar limited exclusively to reading skill; graded readings in the arts and sciences. Instruction in English; cannot be used to satisfy the arts and humanities foreign language requirement.
Restriction: Must not have completed GERS103, GERS203, GERS204, GERS301, or GERS302.
GERS419 Selected Topics in German Language Studies (3 Credits)
The analysis of the German language as a reflection of cultural, functional, and social practice in the German-speaking world.
Prerequisite: GERS302; and permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM419 or GERS419.
Formerly: GERM419.
GERS436 The Usual Suspects: Criminals in German Literature and Film (3 Credits)
An examination of how historical, cultural and political discourses in German-speaking countries influence social norms and criteria for judging what is considered socially acceptable or "deviant". Texts and films span from the 18th to 21st centuries. Taught in German.
Prerequisite: GERS320 or GERS322; or permission of instructor.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM436 or GERS436.
Formerly: GERM436.
GERS439 Selected Topics in German Literature (3 Credits)
Special study of an author, school, genre, or theme. Taught in German.
Prerequisite: GERS320, GERS321, or GERS322; or permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM439.
GERS441 Border Crossings and Cultural Transfers (3 Credits)
Border Crossings and Cultural Transfers emphasizes the transnational and global dimensions of German culture, analyzing the interrelationship of dominant and minority cultures within Germany and/or the impact of German cultures abroad. Topics include migration, exile, (post)colonialism, and globalization. Taught in German.
Prerequisite: GERS320 or GERS322.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM441 or GERS441.
Formerly: GERM441.
GERS442 Gender and Sexuality in German Literature and Society (3 Credits)
Gender and Sexuality in German Literature and Society analyzes gender and sexuality as key discourses for understanding German-speaking literatures, cultures, and societies. Topics include the history of sexuality; death and desire; and representations of gender in German literature. Taught in German.
Prerequisite: GERS320 or GERS322.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM442 or GERS442.
Formerly: GERM442.
GERS443 Literature as Cultural Discourse (3 Credits)
Investigates literature as cultural discourse in the construction of knowledge, emphasizing a discursive approach to analyzing a range of literary texts. Taught in German.
GERS444 The German-Jewish Experience (3 Credits)
Focuses on the German-Jewish experience as a key dimension of European history, literature, and culture. Topics include Heinrich Heine, German-Jewish authors and texts, and the Holocaust in literature and film.
Prerequisite: GERS320 or GERS322.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM444 or GERS444.
Formerly: GERM444.
GERS449 Selected Topics in German Studies (3 Credits)
Study of a linguistic, literary or cultural topic in Yiddish, Netherlandic, or Scandinavian studies.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM449.
GERS457 Germany: Energy Transition, Climate Change, and Sustainability (3 Credits)
Interdisciplinary examination of Germany as a leading model in dealing with contemporary issues of sustainability as well as the economic, social, and political impacts of climate change in a global world. Students will learn the basics of climate change, examine policy tools (e.g. carbon taxes, regulations, incentives, etc.) and technological innovations to curb the causes of climate change and promote sustainable practices. Students will also learn how cultural values and traditions inform policy making by examining the history of the environmental movement in German cultural artifacts (e.g., art, literature, grass-roots social movements, etc.). Designed to appeal to students with a variety of backgrounds (technical, policy and government, and humanities), the course blends site visits (e.g. coal mines, government offices, technical universities, artist studios, grass-roots collectives, museums, parks, etc.) with academic lectures by experts in pertinent fields and faculty-led discussion groups. Students will receive an overarching and holistic overview of the economic, political, and cultural costs of climate change as well as current efforts to offset the negative impacts through greater sustainability. Taught in English.Cross-listed with: AREC357.
GERS458 Literary or Media Genres (3 Credits)
Literary or Media Genres studies the formal and stylistic dimensions of specific genres, emphasizing genre as a social, political, and aesthetic category. Topics include pop literature; the history of German drama; and German film genres among others.
Prerequisite: GERS320 or GERS322.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM458.
GERS473 Variation in Contemporary German Language (3 Credits)
Examines the unique, multilingual society that is modern Germany, exploring issues such as regional varieties, gendered language, language reform (and resistance to it), public and media speech, the influence of American English on colloquial speech and in specific fields, and the problems of immigrant communities acquiring both dialect and standard German.
Prerequisite: GERS302; or permission of instructor.
Credit Only Granted for: GERM473, GERS473, GERM673, or GERS673.
Formerly: GERM473.
GERS488 Capstone Seminar (3 Credits)
Provides an opportunity for German majors (usually in their senior year) to demonstrate that they have achieved the goals for learning established and approved by the department. Students analyze in depth a research topic and apply their accumulated learning. Requirements include engaging in an in-depth research project (research paper or media project) and an in-class presentation of their research to faculty and student peers. Taught in German.
Prerequisite: Students must have completed two 400-level courses taught in German.
Formerly: GERM488.
GERS489 Social Issues in German Culture (1-3 Credits)
Special topics course examining the cultural constructions and representations of important social, political, and linguistic issues, investigating their connection to German values and institutions. Taught in German.
Prerequisite: GERS320 or GERS322.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM489.
GERS498 Honors Thesis Writing (3 Credits)
Required for students pursuing departmental honors in German languages and literatures. Under the direction of a German department faculty member, students write their honors theses.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM498.
GERS499 Directed Study (1-3 Credits)
Student-driven, independent study of a specialized topic in coordination with a faculty advisor.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: GERM499.