German (AGER)

AGER 101 Beginning German. (4) (Prereq: Open to students who have not studied German previously or who place into this course) Study of the fundamentals of the language to develop an ability to read, write, speak, and understand spoken German at the most basic level as well as to be aware of cultural contexts.

AGER 102 Continuing German. (4) (Prereq: C or better in AGER 101 or by placement) Continuation of Beginning German with more intense practice in reading, writing, understanding and analyzing spoken German at the ACTFL-recommended novice high level. Knowledge of culture, traditions, and customs of the regions where German is spoken will also be included.

AGER 210 Intermediate German. (4) (Prereq: C or better in AGER 102 or by placement) Students will develop proficiency in German at the Intermediate High level or above through the use and intense practice of multiple linguistic skills. Among these skills are sustaining and concluding a conversation in German on controversial topics, debating opinions, writing analytical paragraphs based on a movie and/or a newspaper article, and understanding native speech articulated at the normal pace. Emphasis will also be placed on knowledge of the cultural constructs in which German is spoken as well as on the geographic region in which this language is spoken.

AGER 300 Conversation and Composition. (3) (Prereq: AGER 210 or by placement) Intensive oral-aural practice in conversational German with emphasis on spontaneous discourse in German, on pronunciation and fluidity, on critical analysis and interpretation of short monographic texts in German and on the techniques of writing basic compositions, utilizing diverse tenses and advanced vocabulary.

AGER 301 Advanced German Conversation and Composition. (3) (Prereq: AGER 210 or by placement) Intensive study of conversation and written German using the multi-skills approach and on the techniques of writing extemporaneous, anecdotal, humorous, descriptive and controversial compositions using expanded vocabulary and advanced tenses and moods in German.

AGER 303 German Culture and Civilization. (3) (Prereq: AGER 300 or 301, or consent of instructor) Intensive study of the Germanic cultures and civilizations, concentrating on the evolution of High and Low German; the development of the conditions that led to the downfall of the Berlin Wall; the current immigration into Germany by a variety of people, particularly from East Germany; world-changing issues like the Holocaust; and the current and traditional impact of German economic power on other European countries and on the USA.

AGER 305 Survey of German Literature. (3) (Prereq: AGER 300 and 301, or by placement) Reading, discussion, study and analysis of selected representative literature from German writers beginning from Middle Ages up to the present. Special attention will be given to the development of critical skills for literary analysis.

AGER 395 Selected Topics. (1-4) (Prereq: AGER 103, or permission of instructor, or by placement exam) Intensive study of selected topics of German and the German-speaking world, with specific topics announced for each offering of the course.

AGER 397 German Film. (3) (Prereq: AEGL 102) The course investigates how post WWII German filmmakers deal with the Nazi past and the Third Reich. In addition, films by the most important contemporary German filmmakers (Fassbinder, Schloendorff, Herzog, Wenders, etc.) will be analyzed. Films will be in German with English subtitles or dubbed. Taught in English. No prior knowledge of German is required. Satisfies the humanities requirement.

AGER 398 Selected Topics in Translation. (1-4) (Prereq: AEGL 102) Intensive studies in selected authors or literary movements of the German speaking countries. Specific topics to be announced each semester/year. May be repeated with permission of instructor.

AGER 399 Independent Study. (1-6) (Prereq: permission of instructor)