Courses

Required Courses for the German Major

More details about the German major can be found in the handbook.

• B.A. students in German at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.A in addition to the requirements for the major. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical-thinking skills while introducing the student to global cultures and traditions.

Required Courses for the German Minor

GER 101 | Beginning German I
An introduction to German language and culture with emphasis on spoken and written communication skills. (4 credits)

GER 102 | Beginning German II
A continuation of GER 101. Prerequisite: GER 101 or equivalent. (4 credits)

GER 200 | German Literary Studies
Study of selected works of German literature in English translation. Readings represent significant genres and literary periods presented in biographical historical, and cultural context. The course provides instruction and practice in the writing of careful critical analysis of the readings. May not be counted toward a major or minor in German. Fulfills the literature component of the Humanities General Education Requirement. (3 credits)

GER 203 | Intermediate German I
A consolidation of German language skills with emphasis on interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Students increase control of grammatical structures, broaden vocabulary, and become more familiar with German-language cultures. Prerequisite: GER 102 or equivalent. (4 credits)

GER 204 | Intermediate German II
A review and expansion of German language skills with emphasis on interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Students refine grammatical accuracy, write on varied topics, participate in extensive oral practice, and read literature and other authentic texts while building on their understanding of German-language cultures. Prerequisite: GER 203 or equivalent. May be repeated for credit at Reutlingen Center. (4 credits)

GER 220 | Approaches to German Studies 
An introduction to the strategies of reading, interpreting, and writing about German texts. Reading and discussion of works from a variety of genres with particular attention to textual analysis. May be used to fulfill the Humanities component of the General Education Requirement. Prerequisite: GER 204. (3 credits)

GER 271 | German Play Production
Rehearsal and performance of a play or an excerpt from a play in German. No prior acting experience required. Prerequisite: GER 204. May be repeated for additional credit. May be used to fulfill the Fine and Performing Arts component of the Humanities General Education Requirement. (1 – 3 credits)

GER 272 | Advanced German Grammar Topics
Targeted review and practice of grammar structures in German. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in a German course above 204 or consent of the Chair of the Department. May be repeated for elective credit if the topic varies, but counted toward a major or minor in German only once. (1 credit)

GER 290 | Topics in German
A study of selected themes or issues in German literature, language, or culture. May be repeated for credit if the topic varies. Prerequisite: GER 220 or consent of the chair of the department. (3 credits)

GER 291 | Topics in World Cinema
(Also offered as COMM 291.) Students examine and analyze the cinema of a particular country or region both in its cultural context and in its relation to global film production and exhibition. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. May be used to fulfill the Humanities: Fine and Performing Arts or Cultural Diversity component of the General Education requirements. (3 credits)

GER 300 | Topics in German-Language Culture
A study of cultural products from German speaking countries. All work done in English. May be repeated for credit if the topic varies. May not be counted toward a major or minor in German. May be used to fulfill the Cultural Diversity course component of the General Education Requirements. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. (3 credits)

GER 305 | German in the Professions
A study of German language as used in the world of business and technology, including basic commercial and technical vocabulary, workplace correspondence, and professional presentation.  Advanced communication skills are developed.  Prerequisite: GER 204. (3 credits)

GER 306 | German in the Media
A study of German language and contemporary society through the media, including newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film, and the internet.  Advanced communication skills are developed.  Prerequisite: GER 204. (3 credits)

GER 341 | History of the German Language
A historical study of the development of the German language. Students are introduced to the basics of linguistics, to linguistic change from Indo-European to the present, and to contemporary dialect variation in German. Prerequisite: GER 220. (3 credits)

GER 354 | German Studies: Difference and Belonging
The course explores representations of difference and belonging in contemporary Germany and in German cultural history. Foci include regional differences, marginalized people, and immigration. Research and advanced communications skills are developed. Prerequisite: GER 220. May be taken as a Writing in the Discipline Course. (3 credits)

GER 355 | German Studies: Love, Friendship, and Coming of Age
The course explores representations of love, friendship, and coming of age. Research and advanced communications skills are developed. Prerequisite: GER 220. May be taken as a Writing in the Discipline Course. (3 credits)

GER 356 | German Studies: Science, Society, and the Natural World
The course explores science, technology, and humans’ relation to the natural world in contemporary Germany and in German cultural history. Foci may include the impact of technological change on society and the environment, as well as political, philosophical, and aesthetic responses. Research and advanced communications skills are developed. Prerequisite: GER 220. May be taken as a Writing in the Discipline Course. (3 credits)

GER 357 | German Studies: Sagas, Legends, and Fairy Tales
The course explores sagas, legends, and fairy tales in German cultural history and their presence in contemporary German culture. Research and advanced communications skills are developed. Prerequisite: GER 220. May be taken as a Writing in the Discipline Course. (3 credits)

GER 390 | Seminar in German
A study of selected themes or issues in German literature, language, or civilization. May be repeated for credit if the topic varies. Prerequisite: one course from the following: GER 351, 352 or 353. (3 credits)

GER 489 | The Teaching of World Languages
A study of the methods of teaching world languages in secondary schools. A field component is required. May not be counted toward a major or minor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures. Prerequisite: admission to Teacher Education. (3 credits)

GER 493 | Senior Seminar
A senior-level capstone course which integrates knowledge and skills from previous German courses. Language skills (speaking, listening, writing, reading) are refined as depth and nuance are added to the understanding of German history, literature, culture and contemporary events. Prerequisites: senior standing and consent of the Chair of the Department. (3 credits)