Deutsch 2525 (intermediate German Topics):

Deutsche Geschichte

Course Outline:

This intermediate German language course introduces students to modern German history while practicing and improving all four foreign language skills (listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing). We will read historical documents, short excerpts from literary works, learn to analyze maps and timelines, interpret works of art and propaganda, view films and listen to audio sources. Examples include art by Kaethe Kollwitz, George Grosz, and Otto Dix; photomontages by John Heartfield; poetry by Bertolt Brecht and Ernst Jandl, as well as (selections from) Wolfgang Staudte's "Man of Straw" (Der Untertan); Leni Riefenstahl's "Triumph of the Will" (Triumph des Willens), and Michael Verhoeven's "The Nasty Girld" (Das Schreckliche Maedchen). To get access to authentic primary sources in the target language, we will visit the UVa map room, Alderman and Clemons Library, as well as special collections. Dr. Dieter Groeschel, who witnessed the end of WWII as a boy in Cologne, will visit the class to talk about life in Nazi Germany. Throughout this semester, content work will be integrated with regular grammar reviews. Requirements include: regular attendance and active participation, homework assignments, essays, exams, and a learning portfolio.

This course is equivalent to GERM 2020. All pre-requisites apply.

Course Objectives:

• improve all four foreign language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing
• learn about major events, persons, and turning points in modern German history
• work with a variety of historical sources, including textual, visual, and filmic media
• gain access to cultural archives in the target language (library, special collections, map room, guest speakers)
• develop and practice transferable skills in interpretation and critical analysis (discussion, essay writing, student self-evaluation, learning portfolio)

Assignments and Grading:

• 20 %: Attendance and Participation
• 20%: Homework (incl. short written responses, grammar exercises, vocabulary reviews)
• 20%: Tests
• 10%: Essays
• 10%: Learning Portfolio
• 20%: Final Exam

For more information, please contact me at ma6cq@virginia.edu.