GERM - German

Students will be introduced to the language, familiarized with its basic vocabulary and grammar, and prepared to communicate at an elementary level. They will also be introduced to the distinctive features of the cultures where the language is spoken. The course is for students with none or very little background in the language.

Students develop essential communicative skills and cultural awareness necessary in order to interact with people from that culture, whether it is in their home country or in the United States. In order to take this course, students must have scored a level 2 or 3 in the approved placement test or have taken the introductory course GERM 100 at Fredonia

Designed for students with no previous preparation. Study of fundamental speech patterns. Initial emphasis on developing listening comprehension, speaking skills, including pronunciation, with progressive emphasis on reading and writing skills. Discussion of selected cultural aspects.

Designed for students with one semester of college level German or equivalent. Further practice in pronunciation and fundamental speech patterns. Continued development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills for communicative proficiency. Discussion of selected cultural aspects.

Increases proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in German. Further development of vocabulary and grammar. Selected cultural and literary readings.

Development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to attain proficiency required for upper level courses in German. Expansion of vocabulary and advanced grammar. Selected cultural and literary readings.

Conversational exercises: reports, discussions. Readings from newspapers and cultural texts stressing contemporary colloquial German. Emphasis on idioms.

Practice in writing colloquial and formal German. Emphasis on idioms; style and structure in dialogue, descriptive and critical writing.

Cultural aspects of the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, and contemporary Germany. Guest lecturers, readings, and films. in English.

Special areas in German language, literature, or culture and civilization not covered by regular courses.

Individual directed study of a particular area or topic in German language or literature. Periodic meetings with instructor, writing of a substantial paper.

A study of selected German vocal literature in its literary and musical context to acquaint singers and pianists with authors and their background from the viewpoint of intellectual history and literary movements.