German Catalog Information
– also see Education – also see Global Studies – also see International Business Programs offered • Major in German (32 credits) • Minor in German (20 credits) • Major in German with a minor in International Business (also see international business) (32 credits in German) • Major in International Business in German (also see international business) (24 credits in German) • German Education major with a teaching license, grades K-12 (32 credits plus 34 credits in education) • World Languages Area of Specialization for Elementary Education majors, grades K-8 (see education) (24 credits) The department of German has as its mission “recognizing and affirming global awareness through the study of the language and cultures of the German-speaking world.” Through coursework and a unique set of on-campus and overseas programs, students achieve high proficiency levels in the German language and attain a high degree of cultural awareness of the German-speaking world. The German program prepares students for further study in graduate school and for professional opportunities in many fields, including international business and economics, law, teaching in grades K-8 or K-12, and jobs that require effective communication, critical thinking skills and knowledge of another culture and language. Taken individually or in conjunction with other majors, studies in German will give students a leading edge in a global society and in any professional pursuit. The department of German offers a number of specialized programs both on campus and in Germany. International programs include the Wittenberg Summer Study program, the Jena Study Abroad program, the Federation of German-American Clubs Scholarship, and the International Business program in Germany, which includes a 12-week internship with a German firm and a semester study at the Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität in Mainz, Germany or at the Leibniz Universität Hannover. The German department also offers May Seminars and Exploration Seminars on a regular basis. See course and program descriptions below and consult with the department chair for details. The department of German also offers a variety of on-campus opportunities for all students interested in German. These include Deutsches Haus, a German language residence; study and work opportunities during the summer or school year at Waldsee, the Concordia German Language Village; and teaching German in area elementary schools. Delta Phi Alpha, the National German Honor Society, has an active chapter that recognizes academic excellence and promotes the study of German language, culture and society. The German Club celebrates German culture and language in a non-classroom environment. All students of German are encouraged to participate in these programs, and the German faculty works with each student to afford them the greatest opportunities. The German honors program allows select students to develop their interests in German on an advanced level and to work on an individual basis with a faculty member in the German department. Students are expected to demonstrate academic maturity, active enthusiasm in the field of German, independent research ability and a thorough cultural understanding of German-speaking countries. Successful participants will be recognized as German honors graduates in the Honors Convocation, the graduation program and on their diplomas. Requirements for the German honors program are the successful completion of 8 credits at the 400-level or 20 credits at the 400-level plus another course credit on an approved topic taken overseas, and “for honors credit” papers in the two courses as defined above. The nature and the scope of each paper will be arranged with the instructor of each course. Students must receive grades of A- or above on the papers. The German department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes: • develop communication skills in the German language • gain knowledge and understanding of German-speaking cultures • make connections with other disciplines • develop comparisons based on insight into the nature of the language and culture • participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world Liberal Arts Core Distribution World Languages Requirement Students may satisfy this requirement by either option A or B: A. Successful completion of GER 112 – Introduction to the German-Speaking World II, 4 credits, or a higher numbered course. All students who have studied German prior to coming to Concordia are expected to take a computerized placement test in German to determine which course level is the most appropriate for each individual’s ability. If the transcript shows that the student has not previously studied German, the student is not required to take the placement exam and qualifies to enroll in GER 111 – Introduction to the German-Speaking World I, 4 credits. B. Achieving successful scores on the oral proficiency interview and a timed essay, which demonstrate that the student has mastered the content and scope of the GER 111-112 – Introduction to the German-Speaking World sequence. Students are eligible to take this proficiency exam by placing beyond GER 112 on the computerized placement exam in German. Major in German The requirements* for a major in German are 32 credits: • GER 211 – Intermediate German I: Culture and Society through the Media, 4 credits • GER 212 – Intermediate German II: Culture through Literature, 4 credits • GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style, 4 credits • GER 320 – German Cultural History in Overview, 4 credits • 4 credits from the following courses: – GER 321 – The Fine Arts in German Cultural History, 2 credits – GER 322 – Politics, Economics and Social Structure, 2 credits – GER 323 – Literature and Society, 2 credits • 12 additional upper-division credits, at least eight of which must be at the 400 level *All changes to the major requirements must be approved by the department chair. Minor in German The requirements* for a minor in German are 20 credits: • GER 211 – Intermediate German I: Culture and Society through the Media, 4 credits • GER 212 – Intermediate German II: Culture Through Literature, 4 credits • GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style, 4 credits • GER 320 – German Cultural History in Overview, 4 credits • 4 additional upper-division credits. *All changes to the minor requirements must be approved by the department chair. Major in German with a Minor in International Business The business requirements for a minor in international business with a major in German are listed in the international business pages of the catalog. The German requirements* for a major in German with a minor in international business are 32 credits: • GER 211 – Intermediate German I: Culture and Society through the Media, 4 credits • GER 212 – Intermediate German II: Culture through Literature, 4 credits • GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style, 4 credits • GER 314 – German in the Business World, 4 credits • GER 320 – German Cultural History in Overview, 4 credits • 4 credits from the following courses: – GER 321 – The Fine Arts in German Cultural History, 2 credits – GER 322 – Politics, Economics and Social Structure, 2 credits – GER 323 – Literature and Society, 2 credits • BUS 390, GER 390 – a three-month internship in Germany through Cooperative Education, 4 credits • A semester at the Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität in Mainz, Germany, the Leibniz Universität Hannover or another university approved by the department • 4 additional upper-division credits at the 400 level (can be taken abroad) *All changes to the major requirements must be approved by the department chair. Major in International Business in German The business requirements are listed in the international business pages of the catalog. The German requirements for a major in international business in German are 24 credits: • GER 211 – Intermediate German I: Culture and Society through the Media, 4 credits • GER 212 – Intermediate German II: Culture Through Literature, 4 credits • GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style, 4 credits • GER 314 – German in the Business World, 4 credits • GER 320 – German Cultural History in Overview, 4 credits • BUS 390, GER 390 – a three-month internship in Germany through Cooperative Education, 4 credits • A semester at the Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität in Mainz, Germany, the Leibniz Universität Hannover or another university approved by the department Licensure for Teaching German Under the new Minnesota Board of Teaching rules, world languages have two licenses available, either a K-8 or a K-12 license. In order to receive departmental approval for student teaching, all candidates for K-12 or K-8 certification must pass a screening at the Intermediate High level of language proficiency as described by the Board of Teaching Standards, and a screening of geographical and cultural knowledge of the German-speaking world. Students are highly encouraged to take advantage of language-immersion opportunities in German to increase their ability to attain this level of proficiency. German Education Major with a Teaching License, Grades K-12 The requirements for a German education major with a teaching license, grades K-12, are 32 credits plus 34 credits in education: • GER 211 – Intermediate German I: Culture and Society through the Media, 4 credits • GER 212 – Intermediate German II: Culture through Literature, 4 credits • GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style, 4 credits • GER 320 – German Cultural History in Overview, 4 credits • 4 credits from the following courses: – GER 321 – The Fine Arts in German Cultural History, 2 credits – GER 322 – Politics, Economics and Social Structure, 2 credits – GER 323 – Literature and Society, 2 credits • GER 330 – Introduction to German Literature, 4 credits • GER 411 – History of the German Language, 2 credits • GER 412 – Descriptive Linguistics and Pronunciation, 2 credits • 4 additional credits from the following: – GER 420 – Contemporary German Culture and Society – GER 421 – Advanced Topics in Swiss and Austrian Culture and Society (e.g., Swiss History) – GER 422 – Advanced Topics in German Culture and Society (e.g., Daily Life in the Third Reich) – GER 430 – German Literary Periods – GER 431 – German Literary Genres (e.g., The German Novella) – GER 440 – Topics in German Film • Successful completion of the secondary/K-12 curriculum requirements. The required methods of teaching courses are: – EDUC 362 – Secondary Methods of Teaching in World Languages, 4 credits – EDUC 363 – FLES Methods of Teaching, 4 credits
German Courses
GER 111 – Introduction to the German-Speaking World I, 4 credits. E. Introduction to the German language through insight into the contemporary life and culture of German-speaking countries. Proficiency in German language and culture developed through a variety of media and concrete situations, actively using many of the basic structures of everyday conversation and writing.
GER 112 C, W – Introduction to the German-Speaking World II, 4 credits. E. Continuation of GER 111 – Introduction to the German-Speaking World I
GER 211 G, C, W – Intermediate German I: Culture and Society through the Media, 4 credits. E. Increases oral and written proficiency in German through investigation of German culture and society. Insight into everyday life in Germany will be gained through a variety of media – texts, journals, film, internet and satellite broadcasts – and form the basis of classroom activities. Grammar review is done regularly and according to students’ needs. Prerequisite: GER 112 – Introduction to the German-Speaking World II or equivalent
GER 212 G, C, W – Intermediate German II: Culture Through Literature, 4 credits. E. Further development of German language and cultural proficiency through the discussion of literary works and film. Particular emphasis placed on reading and the logical presentation of ideas in speaking and writing. Prerequisite: GER 211 – Intermediate German I: Culture and Society through the Media or equivalent
GER 220 – Wittenberg Summer Program Exploration, 4 to 6 credits. S2. Five-week immersion program in Wittenberg, Germany, which includes content-based language instruction, homestays, and excursions to historical and cultural centers.
GER 221 – Germany after the Fall of the Wall, 4 credits. S. College-credit course offered at the Concordia Language Village Waldsee for advanced high school juniors and seniors. Discussion of contemporary issues in Germany since the events of November 1989 and the unification of Germany.
GER 250 – Pre-May Seminar, 4 credits. D. Designed to prepare students to participate on May Seminar through in-depth discussion of main focus and practical tips on getting around overseas, including the most appropriate travel vocabulary and insight into the countries and cultures to be visited. Students begin a research project that will be completed as part of GER 300 – May Seminar.
GER 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits. MS.
GER 311 G, C, W – Advanced Composition and Style, 4 credits. E. A thorough review of German grammar and the opportunity to apply that understanding to writing, speaking and reading. In preparation for advanced courses, a longer work is read and used as the basis for discussion and various forms of writing, as well as a springboard for learning effective vocabulary acquisition techniques. Prerequisite: GER 212 – Intermediate German II: Culture through Literature or equivalent
GER 314 – German in the Business World, 4 credits. E1. A course designed for students interested in using their German for a business-related career. Course materials are designed to develop German business vocabulary by concentrating on business practices, economics and industry of the Federal Republic of Germany. May be applied toward requirements for the non-teaching major in German and the International Business Program in German. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent
GER 320 – German Cultural History in Overview, 4 credits. E1. Broad overview of the cultural development of German-speaking countries from the very beginnings through 1848. Particular emphasis given to artistic, linguistic, architectural and historical trends from which current German culture and society has evolved. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent
GER 321 – Fine Arts in German Cultural History, 2 credits. E2. Historical look at one aspect of the fine arts – music, painting, sculpture and architecture – as it relates to the development of German-speaking Europe through the ages. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent. GER 320 – German Cultural History in Overview is highly recommended.
GER 322 – Politics, Economics and Social Structure, 2 credits. E2. Historical look at the relationship of politics and economics to the social structure of German-speaking Europe. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent. GER 320 – German Cultural History in Overview is highly recommended.
GER 323 – Literature and Society, 2 credits. E2. Consideration of the role of literature in shaping and reflecting society in German-speaking Europe. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent. GER 320 – German Cultural History in Overview is highly recommended.
GER 330 – Introduction to German Literature, 4 credits. A1. Basics of literary analysis in theory and practice and overview of major literary periods and genres, including poetry, drama, novella and short story. Main emphasis is on developing a critical understanding and appreciation of major literary works through close reading, classroom discussion, and written assignments. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent
GER 360 – German Contributions to World Culture: Courses in English, 4 credits. A2. Consideration of the way in which German-speaking countries have influenced other national cultures. Themes vary. Only 4 credits may count toward major.
German 362 E, R - The German Art Song, 4 credits. A2 (2009-2010). An interdisciplinary collaboration between the German Department and the Music Department that focuses on the cultural history of the Romantic era with special consideration of the poets and poetry with the great musicians of the time, Schubert, Schumann and others, chosen for their compositions. Students perform for each other in Salon Evenings, much as young people in the 19th century did. An exploration course to Vienna is offered as part of the course.
GER 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
GER 390, BUS 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 8 credits. E.
GER 395 – Cooperative Education at Concordia Language Villages, 2 to 4 credits. D. This course is intended to provide students of modern languages with opportunities to teach and study the language of their choice at the Concordia Language Villages. Prerequisite for acceptance: at least two years of coursework or the equivalent in the language. The final decision on acceptance into this course is based on mutual agreement of both Concordia language department faculty and Concordia Language Villages faculty concerning both the student and the project. A total maximum equivalent of two full courses from 390 and 395 may be counted toward graduation.
GER 411 – History of the German Language, 2 credits. A2 (2009-2010). Overview of the development of modern German from its roots in Indo-European to the present. Contrasts to other Germanic languages will be presented. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent
GER 412 – Descriptive Linguistics and Pronunciation, 2 credits. A2. Study of how sounds are produced, described and transcribed. Practice in pronunciation is major part of course. Variations in dialect will be considered. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent
GER 420 – Contemporary German Society and Culture, 4 credits. A2 (2009-2010). Examination of contemporary German society and its place within the European community. Particular emphasis given to the question of what constitutes culture and to the concept of national identity in light of the most recent German past. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent. GER 320 – German Cultural History in Overview is highly recommended.
GER 421 – Advanced Topics in Swiss and Austrian Culture and Society, 2 credits. A2 (2009-2010). Study of topics related to Swiss and Austrian social history, literature and film, with particular emphasis on contemporary issues. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent
GER 422 – Advanced Topics in German Culture and Society, 2 credits. A2. Study of selected topics of German social history, fine arts, literature and film, with particular emphasis on contemporary issues. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent
GER 430 – German Literary Periods, 2 credits. A2. A study of the major themes and character of the literature of the major German literary periods. Offerings include: German Literature from Luther to Lessing, German Literary Classicism, Romanticism and Literature of the 20th century. Prerequisite: Advanced GER 311 – Composition and Style or equivalent. GER 330 – Introduction to German Literature is highly recommended.
GER 431 – German Literary Genres, 4 credits. A2 (2010-2011). An in-depth look at one of the following literary genres: drama of German-speaking countries, the German novella, lyric poetry, and folk literature and fairy tales. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent. GER 330 – Introduction to German Literature is highly recommended.
GER 440 – Topics in German Film, 4 credits. A2 (2009-2010). Special topics in literature and film, including the History of German Film, Films by German Women, New German Cinema, and Films of the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich. Prerequisite: GER 311 – Advanced Composition and Style or equivalent
GER 480 – Independent Study, 2 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.
GER 490 – Practicum, 2 to 4 credits. D. Opportunity to earn college credit for exploration of various aspects of German-speaking culture and society. The practicum may be arranged for either the summer or the school year. Approval by the German department is required before departure.
Course Catalog
