Winter 2025 Tentative Class Descriptions
GER 1. Elementary German
Beginning course in German. Student acquires the basic structure of the language, communicative skills, a limited general vocabulary, correct pronunciation, and an ability to read and understand simple cultural texts.
GER 2. Elementary German
Continuation of German 1.
GER 2G. German for Graduate Students
Gisela Kommerell
Course is a continuation of German 1G, using the same approach, with reading texts on a more complex level.
GER 5. Intermediate German
Continuation of German 4.
GER 43A/ C LIT 43A. Dreaming Revolution
Eva Geulen
Introduction to the revolutionary theories of Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Sigmund Freud. Explorations of three authors whose writing has profoundly changed our world.
GER 101B. Advanced German
Evelyn Reder / Kelsey White
Speaking, listening, reading, and writing on an advanced level, while exploring contemporary German culture. Systematic review of grammar material. Additional focus on vocabulary building. Written and oral discussions based on newspaper articles, literary texts, German films, and websites. Topics will vary by quarter.
GER 105C. Advanced German Conversation
Gisela Kommerell
Emphasizes interactional strategies needed for communication in German, while also giving intermediate and advanced students the opportunity to discuss a wide variety of topics. Not open to students with native fluency in German.
GER 107A. History of Culture
Anna Pajak
Careful and close readings from the cultural history of German speaking countries. Materials, which may be revised each academic year, include documents from literature, philosophy, art, music, architecture, science, politics, and law. Taught in German.
GER 113. Special Topics in German Literature
Wolf Kittler
Prerequisite: German 6 and 101A-B-C.
In-depth study of special topics in literary texts of German-speaking traditions. Topics will vary by instructor. Topics may include: "Science in German Literature," "Literature and human rights," "Animals in literature," "Literature and the environment." Taught in German.
GER 164E/ C LIT 184KA. Kafka
Wolf Kittler
A selection of Franz Kafka's novels, short stories and diaries will be closely read and analyzed. Readings, lecture and discussion in English.
German 187/ C LIT 187/ SLAV 187. The Devil in Literature
Marcel Strobel
Explores the rich literature around making deals with the devil while focusing on the enduring influence of older literature on modern conceptions of the diabolic.
German 190. Proseminar
Elisabeth Weber
Intensive advanced seminar on topic to be determined on a quarterly basis. Taught in German.