Requirements for the Major and the Minor
A major in German consists of 36 semester hours minimum beyond German 103 and must include advanced conversation and composition, phonetics, civilization, literature, translation, and German History 344. A contemporary criticism and research project and senior research essay are also required. Literature 127-- Masterpieces of German Literature-- may be counted toward the major as one of the required literature courses. In addition, students are advised to take English 198, and a course in religion and/or philosophy.
A minor in German consists of 18 semester hours minimum beyond German 103.
All majors and minors plan their sequence of courses with the German Department faculty.
The students are expected to develop a satisfactory command of the German language and develop an understanding of the culture, art and literature of German-speaking Europe.
All courses are taught in German, unless otherwise specified.
The students majoring or minoring in German are required to participate in one of the programs abroad: the Hiram Germany Program, a Goethe Institute, a German university, or an Intensive Summer School program in the U.S.A.
Both majors and minors take the language proficiency test Zertifikat Deutsch administered by the Goethe Institute in their second or third year. In their fourth year, majors take the Zentrale Mittelstufenprufung administered by the Goethe Institute.
Courses
101 Beginning German I (4 hours)
Introduction to basic German grammar. A course designed to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Supplemental lab and drill practice.
102 Beginning German II (4 hours)
A continuation of German 101. Supplemental lab and drill practice. Prerequisite: German 101 or equivalent.
103 Intermediate German I (4 hours)
Review and continued study of grammar. Supplemental readings with conversation and composition. Supplemental lab and drill practice. Prerequisite: German 102 or equivalent.
The three basic courses emphasize oral proficiency through class work as well as drill sessions with specially trained language assistants. A native language assistant regularly participates in the program.
104 Intermediate German II (4 hours)
Development of facility in spoken and written German and a review of grammar. A variety of texts and topics dealing with contemporary German culture and writing. Short stories, newspaper articles, magazines, tapes, or slides may be part of the material used in this course. Special emphasis is on classroom discussion and participation, as well as short expository exercises. Prerequisite: German 103 or equivalent.
211 Phonetics (3 hours)
A study of German sounds, intonation, and rules of pronunciation. Students are expected to master the knowledge and use of the international phonetic alphabet in order to correct and improve their accent, diction, and pronunciation. The course will include intensive group and individual practice in the language laboratory. Geared to the needs of future teachers. Prerequisite: German 104 or equivalent.
215 Advanced Conversation and Composition (4 hours)
Continued and intensive work on articulate written and oral expression in German with special emphasis on advanced grammar and syntax. Prerequisite: German 104 or equivalent.
220 Advanced Reading (4 hours)
Designed to deepen the comprehension of written texts and simultaneously increase reading speed. Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of an unglossed German text, and to give written and oral critical evaluations of the texts studied. Prerequisite: German 104 or equivalent.
225 Poetry (3 hours)
A historic and stylistic introduction to German poetry. Prerequisite: German 220 or equivalent.
226 The German Short Story (3 hours)
The study of the 20th century German short story. Prerequisite: German 104 or equivalent.
227 German Drama (3 hours)
The study of selected plays drawn either from a single period or author or a general survey. In some years the course might focus primarily on the radio play. Prerequisite: German 220 or equivalent.
250 Contemporary Germany (4 hours)
Taught abroad. Students use contemporary print and visual media materials collected in situ, as well as attend public cultural events in order to explore aspects of contemporary German civilization. Students will interact with native speakers in everyday situations. Prerequisite: German 104 or equivalent.
280 Seminar (1-4 hours)
281 Independent Study (1-4 hours)
316 Stylistics and Translation (3 hours)
Translation from a variety of sources to deepen understanding of the language and develop accuracy of expression. Students will learn to deal with problems of usage and nuance. Special emphasis on idiomatic expressions. Prerequisite: German 220 or permission.
320 The 19th Century Novella (3 hours)
The study of selected examples of the 19th century novella. Prerequisite: German 225, 226, 227, or equivalent.
380 Seminar (1 - 4 hours)
The course may undertake the study of a chosen theme, the study in depth of one author, or trace the development of a genre or a literary movement. Prerequisite: German 225, 226, 227, or equivalent.
390 Contemporary Criticism and Research (2 hours)
An introduction to contemporary criticism and research methods in the study of German literature.
481 Independent Research (1-4 hours)
490 Senior Presentation (1 hour)
498 Internship (1-4 hours)
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