SAS Core Goal Courses:
Intermediate German I 01:470:131
Intermediate German II 01:470:132
Tales of Horror 01:470:227
Introduction to German Studies 01:470:275
Introduction to Literary and Cultural Analysis 01:470:301
Language Courses
Elementary German
01:470:101:01
Doris Glowacki
MWTh3 11:30am-12:50pm, Scott Hall 115
Elementary German
01:470:101:03
Thomas Wallerberger
MWTh2 9:50am-11:10am, MW Scott Hall 216, Th Scott Hall 202
Elementary German
01:470:101:04
Anna Mayer
M5 3:20pm-4:40pm, Allison Road Classroom Building 204 (Busch campus)
W56 3:20pm-6:20pm, Allison Road Classroom Building 204 (Busch campus)
This course introduces students to the language and culture of German-speaking countries, using both prepared and authentic materials with theme-related vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students will have the opportunity to practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking in German through in-class activities and homework assignments. Students also learn about cultural perspectives, products and practices of German-speaking countries. Some of the topics addressed in this course include geography and landscape, university studies and professional education, laws and regulations, and customs and holidays.
No prerequisites. Taught in German. German with some explanation of grammar points in English. Not open for credit to students who have had two or more years of secondary school German.
Elementary German
01:470:102:01
Therese Shire
MWTh3 11:30am- 12:50pm, MW Hardenbergh Hall A4, Th Hardenbergh Hall B4
This course continues developing the students’ German language proficiency at the elementary level. Students further develop their knowledge of the German language and culture of German-speaking countries, using both prepared and authentic materials with theme-related vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students have the opportunity to practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking in German through in-class activities and homework assignments. Students continue learning about cultural perspectives, products and practices of German-speaking countries. Some of the topics addressed in the course include everyday living, food and shopping, travel, health and illnesses, childhood and youth, and the life of modern society.
The course is taught in German with some explanation of grammar points in English.
Prerequisite: German 101 or placement test. Not open for credits to students who have had two or more years of secondary school in German.
German for Travel
01:470:103:01
Th4 1:10pm -2:30pm, AB 3100
This course will introduce students to the language and culture of German-speaking countries focusing on the language competencies particularly relevant in travel situations.
By the end of the semester students will be able to speak about themselves in general and as travelers, ask basic questions about travel, discuss their travel interests and express likes and dislikes, speak about German-speaking countries and their inhabitants, orient themselves in means of transportation and accommodations used in Europe, purchase tickets and book hotel rooms on German-language websites.
The course is taught in German with some explanation of grammar points and cultural references in English. Not open to students who have completed 01:470:102, 01:470:121, or the equivalent.
German Conversation
01:470:104:01
Eva Erber
W5 2:50pm-4:10pm, AB 3450
This course will introduce students to the language and culture of German-speaking countries focusing on the language competencies particularly relevant for oral communication in everyday situations.
By the end of the semester students will be able to speak about themselves, ask basic questions, share basic information about their families and relatives, speak about their studies, speak about objects relevant to everyday situations, speak about the weather, and express likes and dislikes.
The course is taught in German with some explanation of grammar points and cultural references in English. Not open to students who have completed 01:470:102, 01:470:121, or the equivalent.
German Intensive Review
01:470:121:01
Therese Shire
MWTh3 11:30am- 12:50pm, MW Hardenbergh Hall A4, Th Hardenbergh Hall B4
(121 is for students with two or more years of high-school German who do not place into German 131.)
Not open to students who have taken 01:470:101-102.
An intermediate reinforcement course. Practice in speaking, reading, and writing German; extensive grammar review; cultural topics. Prepares students to take German 131.
Intermediate German I
01:470:131:01
Christiane Fischer
MW4 1:10pm-2:30pm, Hardenbergh Hall A7
Intermediate German I
01:470:131:02
Alexander Pichugin
TTh7 6:10pm-7:30pm, Scott Hall 204
In this course, students will develop their competencies in German language and culture of the German-speaking countries towards the intermediate level, using both prepared and authentic materials. Students will have the opportunity to practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking in German through various in-class activities and homework assignments. Using a variety of media, such as written texts, video, and audio clips, students will explore the course’s five major themes: Time and History; Everyday Life; Gender and Relationships; Work and Profession; School and Education. The program of the course corresponds to the Level B1.1, which is the first half of Level B1 (Intermediate) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a widely accepted European standard for language proficiency. By the end of this semester, students will be able to talk about time and history, including German history and histories of regions; talk about everyday issues, gender stereotypes, relationships, school and workplace-related situations, professions and education; describe pictures; report about events; provide explanations and justifications; give advice; express agreement or disagreement; talk about wishes and hypothetical situations.
Taught in German, with some explanation of grammar points in English. Fulfills SAS Core Curriculum Learning Goal AHq. Prerequisite: 01:470:102 or placement test.
Intermediate German II
01:470:132:01
Janine Wahrendorf
TTh6 4:30pm-5:50pm, Murray Hall 111
In this course students develop their German-language skills, by discussing a variety of cultural topics and themes in the German-speaking world. Through extensive work on expanding vocabulary, reviewing major grammar topics, conversation and composition exercises, the students will strengthen their language skills and develop cultural competency. The course focuses on real communication in meaningful contexts, to develop and consolidate students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities at the upper intermediate level. Using a variety of media, such as texts, video and audio, students will explore the course’s five major themes: Traditions and Celebrations; Science and Technology; Nature and Environment; Economy and Job Market; and History and Society.
Taught in German. Fulfills SAS Core Curriculum Learning Goal AHq. Prerequisite: 01:470:131 or placement test.
Advanced German I
01:470:231:01
Eva Erber
MTh3 11:30am-12:50pm, HC N106
This course explores 20th century German culture, literature, and politics through an examination of the city of Berlin. Drawing on film, literature, and audio features we will focus on the following topics: Expressionism and Dada, Cabaret in the Golden Twenties, resistance against the Nazis, 1968 movement & left wing terrorism, the Berlin Wall & GDR protest culture, and contemporary Berlin scene. An emphasis will be placed on written exercises, listening and reading skills developing the ability to discuss and argue opinions, as well as a thorough review of grammar. All readings, discussions, and written works are in German. Prerequisites: German 132 or placement test.
Literature and Culture Courses
Tales of Horror (in English)
01:470:227:01 (Cross listed Comp Lit 01:195:227:01)
TTh4 1:10pm-2:30pm, T Murray Hall 212, Th Hardenbergh Hall B2
Frankenstein and Dracula, vampires and zombies, Doppelgänger, ghosts, and artificial humans continue to haunt our cultural imagination throughout the centuries. This course explores tales of horror through some of their most spellbinding creatures and fantasies in a period ranging from the Brothers Grimm to surrealist cinema: We will consider the historical or political context and the psychoanalytical underpinnings in each horrific tale and we will pay close attention to the ways a narrative (text or film) establishes, safeguards, or releases its horrific kernel. We will reflect the ways in which horror enters German Expressionism and why moving images relate particularly well to the uncanny and will explore the similarities and differences in the way film and literature explore horror. Readings include E.T.A. Hoffmann’s “The Sandman,” Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the figure of the devil in Jeremias Gotthelf’s “The Black Spider” and Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Black Cat,” the vampire in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and the monstrous vermin in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”. Filmic contributions range from Murnau’s Nosferatu and Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, Michael Powell’s Peeping Tom, and Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining.
Taught in English. No prerequisites. Fulfills SAS core goals AHo and AHp.
Intro to German Studies: 1750-1900
01:470:275:01
MW5 2:50pm-4:10pm, Scott Hall 204
This course is an interdisciplinary inquiry into seminal literary, artistic, social, political, and intellectual developments in the history of German-language cultures and thought from around 1750 to 1900. The course is open to first-year students and to all who might not necessarily wish to become a German major or minor but who seek, as part of a well-rounded liberal arts education, basic familiarity with the rich and often vexed history of things German and their impact on Europe and the world.
No prerequisites. All readings and discussions in English. Fulfills SAS Core Curriculum Learning Goals AHp, WCD.
Contemporary German Media & Society
01:470:299:01
Christiane Fischer
T8 7:40pm-9:00pm, AB 2200
The main goal of this course is to increase the students’ cultural awareness through the study of the various media and their role in contemporary German society, while furthering the students’ German language skills through consistent speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In this course, students explore the traditional (book and press), the new (film, radio and television) and the newest media (internet and mobile networking) and the role they play in different realms of contemporary German society in connection to some topics crucial to understanding the modern German-speaking world, including social structure, politics, culture, and everyday life. We will pay special attention to cultural comparisons between Germany and the United States.
In completing the homework assignments, the students will actively engage in watching videos, listening to audio clips, reading texts and participating in asynchronous online discussion. The class sessions will be discussion-based and include prepared, semi-prepared, and spontaneous discussions, which will provide the students with ample opportunity to advance their listening and speaking skills and further develop communication strategies. By the end of the course students will be able to better orient themselves in the German media landscape and engage in meaningful conversation about some aspects of the contemporary German-speaking world.
All course material and discussions in German. The course may be repeated for credit. All levels of language above German 121 welcome. Required of residents of the Wessels Hall German Language & Culture Living-Learning Community. Course open to other students and may be repeated for credit.
INCOMING FIRST-YEARS: If you are admitted to the community, we will notify the academic offices of your acceptance and you will be enrolled in the 1.5 credit Contemporary German Media and Society course, or a different course if your placement scores do not qualify you for Contemporary German Media and Society. You will receive your course schedule in August.INCOMING TRANSFERS: If you are admitted to the community, you will need to register for the 1.5 German Media and Society Course on your own, or another German course if you do not have the proficiency for Contemporary German Media and Society.
Intro to Literary & Cultural Analysis (in German)
01:470:301:01
Markus Kupferblum
TTh6 4:30pm-5:50pm, Hardenbergh Hall B5
Introduction to the basic German terminology of literary and cultural analysis, and preparation for courses in German at the 300 level. Study of literary works and films, as well as newspaper articles, film reviews, and literary analyses.Course is designed for students with a solid grasp of basic German vocabulary and grammar who wish to expand their knowledge of the language and culture through reading, discussion, and writing.
Taught in German. Fulfills permanent core requirements AHp, WCr, WCd. Prerequisite: 01:470:232, or simultaneous enrollment in 01:470:231 or 232. May be repeated for credit.
Business German I
01:470:313:01
MTh3 11:30am-12:50pm, M Scott Hall 205, Th Scott Hall 207
German, Austrian, and Swiss companies traditionally enjoy worldwide an excellent reputation representing innovation, quality and cutting-edge technology. The German economy ranks number one in Europe and number four worldwide. Both global-scale companies and smaller enterprises from German-speaking Europe attract business partners from all over the world. A great number of German corporations and banks have branches in New Jersey and the New York City area. This course presents an introduction to the language typically used in business settings in German-speaking countries. It prepares students to the use of the language in specific business-related contexts and helps them develop a better understanding of the German corporate culture. Topics include meeting business partners; business trips, company visits and professional fairs; offers, purchasing, and leasing; job search and job interviews; day-to-day office life; office organization and equipment; social meetings with business partners and small talk. The program of the course corresponds to the Levels A1/A2 (Elementary) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a widely accepted European standard for language proficiency. The course will greatly benefit students who plan to apply for internships at German companies in Europe or the US as well as at US companies based in German-speaking Europe.
Taught in German with English used in comparisons and translation exercises. Prerequisite: 470:232
The Short Narrative
01:470:325:01
MW4 1:10pm-2:30pm, Scott Hall 114
This course will take you on a journey through roughly 200 years of German literature. We will explore the impact of dreams, delusions, nightmares, and utopias in German culture and discuss the role of the unconscious, drugs, cinema, love, violence, and the impact of a traumatic history. While focusing on short prose texts, we will include film clips, graphic novels, and illustrations into our discussions based on the readings. Throughout the semester, students will develop their own practices of dream interpretation by keeping a dream journal.
Taught in German. Prerequisite: 01:470:232.
Classics of German Cinema: From Haunted Screen to Hyperreality
01:470:360:01 (Cross Listed 01:175:377:03)
Fatima Naqvi
T23 9:50am-12:50pm, Scott Hall 114
This course introduces students to films of the Weimar, Nazi, and post-war period, as well as to contemporary German cinema. We will explore issues of social class, gender, historical memory, violence, and conflict by means of close analysis. The class seeks to sensitize students to the cultural context of these films and the changing socio-political climates in which they were made. Special attention will be paid to the issue of style. Directors and films include Robert Wiene (The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, 1920), F.W. Murnau (The Last Laugh, 1924), Lotte Reiniger (The Adventures of Prinze Achmed, 1926), Fritz Lang (Metropolis, 1927), Josef von Sternberg (The Blue Angel, 1929), Leni Riefenstahl (Olympia, 1936), Wolfgang Staudte (The Murderers are Among Us, 1946), Billy Wilder (Sunset Boulevard, 1950), Volker Schlöndorff (The Young Törless, 1966), Werner Herzog (Aguirre, 1972), Wim Wenders (Wrong Move, 1975), Rainer Werner Fassbinder (The Marriage of Maria Braun, 1979), Fatih Akin (Head-On, 2004), Michael Haneke (Caché, 2005), Christian Petzold (Yella, 2007), Ulrich Seidl (Import Export, 2007), Jessica Hauser (Amour fou, 2014), Barbara Albert (Mademoiselle Paradis, 2017), among others.
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
Topics: From Nietzsche to Superman
01:470:390:01 (Cross Listed 01:195:396:01)
TTh5 2:50pm-4:10pm, Academic Building 4050
What is popular culture? How do “high” and “low” cultures inform each other? In what way can contemporary popular culture alter and challenge the established canon and provide new means of reflections of established philosophical paradigms? This seminar explores canonical works of (mostly German) literature and philosophy in regard to works from popular culture (mostly American film and pop music). Special attention will be paid to modalities of self-invention, imagination, dreams of transgression and failure thereof. We will examine Nietzsche’s Übermensch (Overman) and its gradual translation into the American Superman hero. We will look at the feminine version of Superman by reading Heinrich von Kleist’s Amazon tragedy Penthesilea together with the action film Wonder Woman. We will compare gender performance in early 1920s cabaret culture with the “material girls” of our contemporary culture, we will consider the impact of the “idiot” from the Dada movement over Forrest Gump to our contemporary media culture, and discuss the overcoming of boundaries between illusion and reality (Freud and Inception; Nietzsche and The Matrix) and between humans and androids (Donna Haraway and Blade Runner).
Course is taught in English. No prerequisites.
