GRMN - German

GRMN 101  Elementary German I: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(F, Sp) NOTE: Offered on a rotating basis with French and Spanish in Summer. An elementary level course designed to help students acquire basic proficiency in communication within culturally significant contexts. An integrated approach to teaching language skills with emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and basic grammatical structures.

GRMN 102D  Elementary German II: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: GRMN 101 or equivalent, or two years of high school German. (F, Sp) This course builds upon the foundation established in 101. Greater emphasis is placed upon oral and written expression. Reading and discussions are designed to increase comprehension of more linguistically complex texts and more conceptually complex cultural issues

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Intermediate Low on the ACTFL proficiency scale.
  2. Acquire basic cultural knowledge of the German speaking world.

GRMN 193  Study Abroad: 1-15 Credits (1-15 Lec)

Repeatable up to 99 credits.

GRMN 201D  Intermediate German I: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: GRMN 102D or equivalent, or a minimum three years of high school German, or placement interview. (F, Sp) Intensive methodical review of grammar and syntax combined with the integrated development of proficiency in the four language skills. Expansion of cultural knowledge and functional vocabulary through intermediate-level readings and discussions. Increased emphasis on written communication

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Intermediate Low in German on the ACTFL scale.
  2. Intermediate cultural understanding of the German-speaking world.

GRMN 202D  Intermediate German II: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: GRMN 201D or equivalent, or a placement interview. (F, Sp) Designed to follow the third semester review of grammar and basic skills. Taught through a series of carefully selected readings in German culture, civilization and literature which will provide the basis for writing essays and reports and developing advanced language skills

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Intermediate Mid on the ACTFL proficiency scale.
  2. Acquire intermediate cultural understanding of the German-speaking world.

GRMN 293  Study Abroad: 1-15 Credits (1-15 Lec)

Repeatable up to 99 credits.

GRMN 301  Studies in German Language, Media, and Culture I: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

COREQUISITE: GRMN 202D. In-depth review of grammar, syntax, and idiomatic expression; vocabulary building practice in conversation. Short readings in German as a basis for conversation and composition. Emphasis on accuracy in grammar and expression

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate intermediate to advanced proficiency on ACTFL scale
  2. Recognize textual and aural traits of sentences, texts, and other contents
  3. Differentiate modes of expression in historical German contexts (WWII, East Germany, Postwall, etc)
  4. Formulate expository written and spoken responses and reflections

GRMN 302  Studies in German Language, Media, and Culture II: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

COREQUISITE: GRMN 202D. In-depth review of grammar, idiomatic expression, and conversation and writing skills. Longer readings in German. Emphasis on attaining proficiency in spoken and written German, some focus on phonetics and German for the professions

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Identify and reproduce textual and aural traits of sentences, texts, and other contents
  2. Differentiate between media literacies in German radio, television news, and social media
  3. Formulate analytical written and spoken responses and reflections to news topics
  4. Demonstrate intermediate to advanced proficiency on ACTFL scale

GRMN 303  German Through Cinema: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: GRMN 202D
COREQUISITE: GRMN 202D. Fosters the development of German Language proficiency through discussions and analysis of films. Acquaints students with the traditions of German culture in national, European and global contexts
.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Strengthen Intermediate level proficiency & develop Advanced level proficiency in German.
  2. Identify and describe elements of German culture through film.
  3. Identify and describe cinematic conventions and techniques.
  4. Identify and describe movements in German cinema.

GRMN 304  German in Cultural Context: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: GRMN 202D
COREQUISITE: GRMN 202D. In-depth review of grammar, idiomatic expression, and reading and writing skills. First full-length drama in upper level German. Emphasis on attaining proficiency in spoken and written German along with dynamic responses to the text
.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Strengthen Intermediate level proficiency in German on the ACTFL scale.
  2. Identify and discuss cultural, social, and political topics related to German-speaking countries.
  3. Develop Advanced level proficiency in German on the ACTFL scale.

GRMN 315  Survey of German Literature: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: GRMN 202D
COREQUISITE: GRMN 202D. A survey of representative works of German literature from selected literary periods before 1900
.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Identify and discuss cultural, social, and political topics related to revolutions in and around German-speaking territories and literature
  2. Analyze the German literary canon and it's global discontents
  3. Strengthen skills in literary analysis and critical writing
  4. Develop Intermediate/Advanced proficiency in German on the ACTFL scale

GRMN 316  Birth of an Empire: Austria: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101, or equivalent, or consent of instructor. GRMN 316 explores notions and representations of “Empire” in one of the most powerful, long-lasting monarchies in European history—the Habsburgs—from the beginnings in the Holy Roman Empire to the subsequent Austrian-/Austro-Hungarian Empires

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Compare/contrast major events in the Habsburg and Austrian Empires
  2. Categorize theoretical concepts related to “empire” that can be used in comparative and cross-disciplinary contexts (ie: Colonialism, Capitalism, Conflict, Culture)
  3. Evaluate major trends in Austro-Hungarian literatures
  4. Devise logical, evidence-based arguments in discussion and writing
  5. Increase German ACTFL proficiencies in writing, reading, and speaking

GRMN 322  Survey of German Cinema: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101 or equivalent. GRMN 322 will inspect key stages of the German film tradition by focusing on periods and movements such as Expressionism, but also cinematic language and analysis

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Distinguish key developments in the history of German film from its beginnings in the late 19th-century to the present
  2. Obtain deeper and more critical understanding of the film medium and mass media in general
  3. Classify primary elements of Expressionism, New Objectivity, Nazi film, postwar film, East German cinema, West German film, and post-reunification cinema
  4. Conduct a cinematic analysis on a film
  5. Draw connections between (trans)national history, society, politics, and film

GRMN 350  German Culture & Civilization: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: GRMN 202D. A survey of some of the great figures and periods of German art, literature, music, and public life in German-speaking countries which have made significant cultural contributions to world civilization up to 1871

View Course Outcomes:

  1. deeper understanding of German history, better understanding of the relevance of history in general
  2. deeper understanding of core elements of German traditions and culture
  3. better understanding of German national identity
  4. better understanding of the challenges of the 21st century for German national identity
  5. enhanced communication skills in speaking, reading and writing through engaging with course material

GRMN 353  Cold War Berlin: Life on Both Sides of the Wall: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W. This course covers the period from 1945 to the time of rapid change following the fall of the wall in 1989. We will investigate a wide variety of historical sources, authentic footage, films, literature, cultural events and the visual arts from East and West Berlin to gain an understanding of the cultural differences and undercurrents that led to the dramatic political events of the era. The class welcomes non-German speakers and German students: M/W will be in English, Friday class will be split into English and German discussion groups

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Examine and evaluate highly diverse sources in the context of the sociopolitical movements that shaped Berlin’s history during the Cold War.
  2. Build critical thinking skills through original written work and discussion facilitations.
  3. Examine placing a wide spectrum of artistic expressions into larger cultural contexts.
  4. For German students: strengthen intermediate level and develop advanced level functions on the ACTFL scale during Friday discussions and in written work.
  5. Explain the contrasting political, cultural, and economic realities of East and West Berlin in the context of global Cold War politics.
  6. Explain the unique status of literature and the arts in both West and East Berlin in shaping socio-cultural movements.
  7. Explain how Western Rock, Jazz and Blues in the safe zone of churches fueled East German dissidents and the peaceful revolution that ultimately brought down the wall.

GRMN 355IH  German Visual Culture: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W. Acquaints students with the traditions of German visual culture in national, European, and global contexts. Theoretical visual analysis of film will be supplemented with other products of visual culture such as graphic novels, art, photography, and graffiti. Reading and discussions will be in English

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Analyze artists, movements, and works that have shaped German visual culture
  2. Compose responses to theoretical discourses that have developed in German-speaking society
  3. Critique visual cultural objects and media such as images, film, art, streetscapes

GRMN 360IH  Murder, Magic, and Mythology: The German Fairy Tale: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W. An examination of the German mythical figures in pursuit of love, knowledge, and blood. These themes are explored through the texts from medieval legends through contemporary popular culture. Authors include Goethe, Heine, and others. Films by Murnau and Herzog. All readings and discussions in English

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Understand the disciplinary and interdisciplinary methods that shape the study of culture. \\n
  2. Identify how interpretations and explanations of myths have changed over time and across geographic boundaries.\\n
  3. Analyze the narrative qualities of folktales, fairy tales and oral cultures.\\n
  4. Assess the ways in which fairy tales are remembered, historicized, and dramatized today.

GRMN 391  Rise of Fascism: Nazi Germany: 1-4 Credits ()

PREREQUISITES: WRIT 101 or equivalent as well as consent of the instructor
GRMN 391 explores the art, architecture, culture, history, and politics of Austria, then and now. This is a two-part course that will begin as a Blended Learning at MSU in the Spring of 2020 and culminate in an intensive 8-day study-abroad to Vienna and Bratislava, formerly known as Pressburg in the Habsburg Empire.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. This course was originally designed to be the Austria study abroad course, approved and scheduled for Spring 2020. However, we would like to keep it in the books as a Special Topics course for upcoming special topics that might include: Study Abroad courses in Germany, Austria, Switzerland. Or also, more general Special Topics such as a "Snow-mester" course in the winter of 2020 or summer course. Our current 491 Special Topics offering is already used extensively for certain courses such as my annual co-convened GRMN 491/HSTR 362 + GRMN 491/HSTR 364, a relatively new agreement between the HSTR + GRMN departments, both of which I am part. This means that GRMN students might be needing more options for Special Topics down the line. 

GRMN 392  Independent Study: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and consent of instructor. PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and consent of instructor. Directed research and study on an individual basis

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Identify and understand key topics related to field of German Studies.
  2. Analyze key themes related to topics.
  3. Design language-oriented learning pathways that might include writing, speaking, listening, and reading.
  4. Apply knowledge and skills via activities that may include writing reflections in German, tests and quizzes, or mock interviews.

GRMN 393  Study Abroad: 1-15 Credits (1-15 Lec)

Repeatable up to 99 credits.

GRMN 396  Service Learning: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Lec)

This service learning course offers students opportunity to use language skills in professional contexts and in the community.
Repeatable up to 3 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Design language-activities and materials that can be used to achieve goals
  2. Self-evaluate their process through oral reports and written responses; the specifics of this evaluation will depend on the given project
  3. Address or respond to a series of supervised questions in written reflections throughout the course of the semester
  4. Demonstrate a broader awareness of social problems in a final presentation or reflection paper

GRMN 422IH  German Text & Cinema: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W or equivalent. This seminar focuses on the cultural, historical, and linguistic elements crucial to an understanding of the relationship between text and cinema within a national and international tradition. It is designed to provide a context for majors and minors to read longer tests not otherwise taught in the curriculum, including the canonical novels of the late 19th century. Taught in English

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Understand the relationship between text and cinema within a national and international tradition.\\n\\n\\n
  2. Analyze the language of texts and film.\\n\\n
  3. Develop an understanding of the historical and political dimensions of narrative art.\\n\\n

GRMN 440IH  German Cultural Studies: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

Students acquire expertise in social, philosophical, and cultural concepts that inform the evolution of German cultural theory from the 18th century to the present. Topics covered include nation-building narratives, Marxism, psychoanalysis, feminism, critical theory, and contemporary cultural studies. (Conducted entirely in English).

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Evaluate contemporary debates surrounding literature, visual culture, and theory.
  2. Analyze an historical period through the lenses of critical theory.
  3. Strengthen Intermediate and develop Advanced and Superior level language skills in German.
  4. Conduct self-driven research on a topic related to the course.

GRMN 450R  Seminar: German Lit and Culture: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W or consent of instructor. (Sp) Senior capstone course. Project-based course in which student produce original research. Topics offered at the upper division level which are not covered in regular courses. Students participate in preparing and presenting discussion material. It is recommended to take this course multiple times (as GRMN 490R)
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Produce original research\\n
  2. Conduct research using primary and secondary sources;\\n
  3. Formulate an analytical thesis;\\n
  4. Develop a supporting argument that engages with other criticism and presents valid evidence from primary sources; \\n
  5. formulate an effective conclusion; \\n
  6. follow a consistent format and style (e.g., MLA).

GRMN 453  German Literature Since Unification: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: GRMN 202 or equivalent as determined by instructor. Ability to read German will be beneficial. . Contemporary German-language literature from 1989 to today. Focus on interpretation of prevalent literary style, motif, and themes. The texts in the course will be in German for the most part; discussion of the works will be in English

GRMN 490R  Undergraduate Research: 1-6 Credits (1 Other)

Directed undergraduate research which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. Course will address responsible conduct of research. May be repeated.
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

GRMN 491  Special Topics: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Course prerequisites as determined for each offering
Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

GRMN 492  Independent Study: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and consent of instructor. Directed research and study on an individual basis
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

GRMN 493  Study Abroad: 1-15 Credits (1-15 Lec)

Repeatable up to 99 credits.

GRMN 498  Internship Abroad: 1-6 Credits ()

PREREQUISITE: GRMN 102D or equivalent. Internship abroad in a German-speaking country