2007-2008 University of Guelph Undergraduate Calendar

XII. Course Descriptions

German Studies

School of Languages and Literatures

NOTE: The School reserves the right to determine the appropriate level to be taken by students enroling in language courses.

GERM*1100 Introductory German I F,W (3-1) [0.50]
A beginning course in German. Students will attain a basic knowledge of the language and practice all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). They will also learn about aspects of German culture. This course may not normally be taken by anyone who has Grade 12U or OAC German.
GERM*1110 Introductory German II F,W (3-1) [0.50]
An intensification of the four language skills introduced in GERM*1100. Students will attain a grasp of essential grammatical concepts and the ability to converse comfortably in everyday situations. This course may not normally be taken by anyone who has Grade 12U or OAC German.
Prerequisite(s): GERM*1100 or equivalent
GERM*2240 Germany Through the Ages W (3-0) [0.50]
A survey of German history, society and culture illustrated by art, music, film and literature. This course is taught in English.
GERM*2400 Contemporary Germany W (3-0) [0.50]
A multimedia approach to contemporary German culture, 20th-century history and recent political events. Emphasis on oral work in German.
Prerequisite(s): GERM*1110 or equivalent
GERM*2490 Intermediate German I F (3-1) [0.50]
This course will include systematic oral and written practice, discussion of contemporary texts, and comprehensive grammar review.
Prerequisite(s): Grade 12U German or GERM*1110
GERM*2500 Intermediate German II W (3-1) [0.50]
Further development of conversational and writing skills; introduction to more complex grammar.
Prerequisite(s): GERM*2490 or equivalent
GERM*2560 Themes in German Literature/Culture W (3-0) [0.50]
This course aims to provide students with basic skills for interpreting literary texts through an exploration of themes that have shaped German literature and culture. Note: Students intending to take both GERM*2560 and GERM*2590 should take GERM*2560 before GERM*2590.
Prerequisite(s): GERM*2490 or permission of the instructor
GERM*2590 Classics of German Literature F (3-0) [0.50]
This course is designed to introduce students to German literary texts which could be considered classics. Note: Students intending to take both GERM*2560 and GERM*2590 should take GERM*2560 before GERM*2590.
GERM*3020 Myth and Fairy Tales in Germany F (3-1) [0.50]
The course explores the role of mythology, fairy tales and legends in late 18th- and 19th- century German literature and culture in the context of socio-political developments. Topics may include the formation of a national identify, the allegorical fairy tale and its role in Romanticism, women and the fairy tale, the fairy tale and the socialization of children (incl. Disney), romantic mythology in music, art and literature. Authors may include Goethe, Brothers Grimm, ETA Hoffman, Wagner. Lectures and texts are English. Students registered in GERM*3020 will meet a fourth hour per week to discuss texts in German. This course is offered in conjunction with HUMN*3020. (Offered in even-numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): GERM*2560, GERM*2590
Equate(s): HUMN*3020
Restriction(s): GERM*3440, HUMN*3440
GERM*3450 20th-Century German Literature and Film F (3-1) [0.50]
Trends and cultural movements that have shaped the 20th-century as reflected in works of major writers (e.g. Mann, Kafka, Grass, Wolf) and film directors (e.g. Fassbinder). This course is offered in conjunction with HUMN*3450. Lectures are in English. Students registered in GERM*3450 will meet a fourth hour per week to discuss texts in German. (Offered in even-numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): GERM*2560, GERM*2590
Restriction(s): HUMN*3450
GERM*3460 Women in 18th & 19th Century German Lit. W (3-1) [0.50]
This course is a study of changing images and social roles of women as represented in literary texts by and about women. It will consider the contribution of women to the literary life and cultures of German speaking countries and explore myths and misconceptions regarding women by addressing questions of image and reality. Lectures and texts are in English. Students registered in GERM*3460 will meet a fourth hour per week to discuss texts in German. This course is offered in conjunction with HUMN*3460 (Offered in even-numbered years)
Prerequisite(s): GERM*2560, GERM*2590
Restriction(s): HUMN*3460
GERM*3470 Holocaust & WWII in German Lit. & Film W (3-1) [0.50]
This course focuses on texts and films pertaining to World War II and the Holocaust, the development of the thoughts and the language of genocide, and the representation of the Holocaust in literature and films. The objective is to gain an understanding of the ideas and emotions underlying ethnocentrism and anti-Semitism, and to consider artistic responses to the experience of persecution and mass-murder. Lectures and discussions are in English Lectures and discussions are in English. Students registered in GERM*3460 will meet a fourth hour per week to discuss texts in German. This course is offered in conjunction with HUMN*3470 (Offered in odd-numbered years) (First offering - Winter 2009)
Prerequisite(s): GERM*2560, GERM*2590
Restriction(s): HUMN*3470
GERM*3500 Advanced German F (3-0) [0.50]
A study of advanced German grammar as well as aspects of structure and style of the German language. Oral presentations and discussions with a special emphasis on essay writing. Translation into idiomatic German and English.
Prerequisite(s): GERM*2500
GERM*3530 German in the Workplace W (3-0) [0.50]
This course is designed to enable students to communicate and interact appropriately in professional and business situations.
Prerequisite(s): GERM*2500 or equivalent
GERM*3600 Directed Readings in German Studies U (3-0) [0.50]
A reading course in German literature designed according to the program and interest of the individual student.
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
GERM*4940 Research Paper in German Studies U (3-0) [0.50]
A reading course on some approved topic in German language or literature, leading to an end-of-term research paper.
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.