German
Website: german.sewanee.edu
Students who decide to take German are exposed to an experience that focuses on performance and communication. The Department of German offers many exciting opportunities for learning German.
To give students access to outstanding works of German literature, the department offers an extensive number of literature courses with discussions in the original language. Cultural proficiency is achieved in a number of courses that familiarize students with the German-speaking world, examine its historical and political background and offer the skills necessary to survive abroad.
Only German language, literature and culture courses taken at the University of the South may be used to complete the college language requirement for graduation.
Placement
Students who have completed two or more years of German in secondary school must take the departmental placement examination. Students who elect to enroll at a course beneath that indicated by the placement examination receive credit only if departmental permission is obtained prior to registration in the course.
German House
As an alternative to dormitory living, the department also maintains a German house, which comfortably accommodates seven students wanting to improve their conversational German on a daily basis. A German exchange student also resides in the house and helps students with their language learning. Occasional cultural events are also held there.
Language Laboratory
The E.L. Kellerman Language Resource Center provides an opportunity for students in the modern foreign languages to immerse themselves in the sounds and culture of their target language. The facility features a state of the art Sanako Lab 100 system for practice with listening and speaking; a Satellite TV with stations in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish; wireless Apple Macbooks which can be checked out; a Sympodium for multimedia displays; and a cozy reading and viewing lounge with a library of foreign language books, magazines, and videos. Students can also access subscriptions to web-based language learning programs for reinforcing what is being taught in class as well as for learning languages not currently taught at the University. There is also Rosetta Stone software for Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Thai, and Turkish. Faculty and students alike take advantage of the language center’s audio- and video-editing equipment and analog-to-digital-conversion facilities in preparing engaging presentations for class. The Language Resource Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. except for Fridays when it closes at 4 p.m. and then reopens Sunday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The German and German studies major offers students the opportunity to study the culture of the German-speaking countries through their language and literature. An important part of German literary and cultural studies is the exploration of German history, art, film and society. By gaining a deeper and broader understanding of German culture students develop their linguistic proficiency culminating in a period of study in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, which is required for all majors.
Requirements for the Major in German and German Studies
The major requires successful completion of the following:
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements 1,2 | ||
| GRMN 301 | Advanced Readings I | 4 |
| GRMN 302 | Survey of German Culture and Literature II | 4 |
| GRMN 401 | Seminar in German and German Studies 3 | 4 |
| Select one course in German (GRMN) numbered 400 or above | 4 | |
| Select five additional courses in German or German studies numbered above 300, at least two of which must be taught in German 4 | 20 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 36 | |
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Requirements | ||
| A comprehensive examination 3 | ||
| A period of study in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland 2 | ||
| 1 | Those planning to continue the German and German studies major in graduate school may wish to take more credit hours in the department. |
| 2 | Up to three courses taken abroad may qualify for the major. |
| 3 | The senior seminar GRMN 401 is the capstone course where a topic for the senior research project is selected. The project normally consists of a substantial essay written in German. GRMN 401 leads into the comprehensive exam followed by a one-hour oral examination in the Easter semester. |
| 4 | Up to three of the following German studies courses taught in English may count towards the major: ANTH 303, ARTH 370, GRMN 351, GRMN 352, GRMN 353, GRMN 354, GRMN 355, GRMN 356, GRMN 357, HIST 209, HIST 210, HIST 218, HIST 309, HIST 311, HIST 335, PHIL 319. |
Honors
Students who have performed with distinction may apply in their penultimate semester for departmental honors. If approved, they are requested to write a research paper in connection with a GRMN 444 course (one to four credits). Students demonstrating excellence in both this paper and their written comprehensives are awarded departmental honors.
The minor in German and German studies provides students an opportunity to increase proficiency in German, while engaging the culture of German-speaking countries. It serves as a complement to a range of academic fields, such as economics, English, geology/forestry, history, politics, religion or the sciences.
Requirements for the Minor in German and German Studies
The minor requires successful completion of the following:
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements 1,2 | ||
| GRMN 301 | Advanced Readings I | 4 |
| GRMN 302 | Survey of German Culture and Literature II | 4 |
| Select three courses in German language, literature and culture numbered 300 or above | 12 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 20 | |
| 1 | Up to two German studies courses taught in English may count towards the minor. |
| 2 | Some courses in the minor may be completed during a period of study abroad. |
Study Abroad
Students can apply for Deutsch in Deutschland language courses in Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt that are supported by a generous grant through the Jackson-Cross scholarship program. We have recently introduced the Summer in Berlin program in conjunction with DiD. Semester- and year-long study abroad opportunities exist through the Federation of German-American Clubs and with Sewanee's partner university in Germany, the Otto-Friedrich-Universität in Bamberg. At the end of each semester and with the comprehensive examination, students' language proficiency is assessed regularly according to national standards.
German Courses
GRMN 103 Elementary German I (4)
Teaches the basics of the language with emphasis on the four skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing). Elementary cultural and literary readings. Use of the language laboratory for drill in active use of the language.
GRMN 104 Elementary German II (4)
Teaches the basics of the language with emphasis on the four skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing). Elementary cultural and literary readings. Use of the language laboratory for drill in active use of the language. Prerequisite: GRMN 103 or placement.
GRMN 203 Intermediate German (4)
Grammar review and reading of cultural and short literary works, together with increased emphasis on conversation. Prerequisite: GRMN 104 or placement.
GRMN 223 Immersive Intermediate German (2)
This course offers a review of German grammatical structures along with cultural readings to help students with their immersion experience in Berlin later in the summer. Prerequisite: GRMN 104.
GRMN 280 Summer in Berlin (4)
This course offers a three-week program of language study at the DiD German language institute in Berlin where students take classes along with other international students. After appropriate placement according to their language skills, enrolled students receive language instruction through DiD while the accompanying Sewanee faculty member provides culture instruction and area excursions. Prerequisite: GRMN 103 and GRMN 104.
GRMN 300 Advanced German (4)
A continuation of the grammar review and readings begun in GRMN 203, with increased emphasis on conversation. This course serves as a bridge to 300-level courses taught in German. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or placement..
GRMN 301 Advanced Readings I (4)
Reading and discussion in German of selected works of modern German drama and prose. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 302 Survey of German Culture and Literature II (4)
Reading and discussion in German of selected works from modern German drama and prose within their cultural contexts. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 303 Kafka and Werfel (4)
Selected readings of works of Franz Kafka such as Die Verwandlungand and Franz Werfel such as Jacobowsky und der Oberst. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 304 Hesse and Mann (4)
Readings from the works of Hermann Hesse (Demianand and Siddhartha) and Thomas Mann (Tonio Krogerand and Tristan). Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 305 Brecht and the Modern Theatre (4)
A reading of one major Brecht play such as Der Kaukasische Kreidekreisor or Mutter Courage and an analysis of its influence on modern post WWII German theatre. Selected readings of Weiss, Muller, and others. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 306 Modern Swiss Authors (4)
A reading of one major work by both Friedrich Durrenmatt (Der Besuch der alten Dame) and Max Frisch (Biedermann und die Brandstifteror Homo Faber), together with some short works of the lesser known authors like Peter Bichsel. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 307 Modern Austrian Authors (4)
An introduction to twentieth century Austrian literature beginning with short texts by authors such as Roth, Musil, Aichinger, and Bernhard and eventually focusing on novels such as Peter Handke's Die Angst des Tormanns beim Elfmeterand Der kurze Brief zum langen Abschied. Background information on Austrian culture and civilization. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 308 Heinrich Boll (4)
A reading of one major work by Heinrich Boll such as Und sagte kein einziges Wortor Die verlorne Ehre der Katharina Blum together with selected short stories and essays by Boll. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 309 Erich Kästner: A Weimar Author (4)
Readings and screenings of one of the best known authors of the Weimar Republic, Erich Kästner whose novels Emil und die Detektive and Das fliegende Klassenzimmer have been recognized as important works of children's literature. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 310 The Fairy Tale in German Literature and Culture: From the Brothers Grimm to Kafka and Hesse (4)
An examination of the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm (e.g., Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstilzchen, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood) and their role in German literature and culture along with a study of the literary fables and fairy tales of such writers as Lessing, Goethe, Tieck, Hesse and Kafka. This interdisciplinary approach to fairy tales from the 18th century to the present will also cover their operatic and cinematic versions. Class will consist of reading, discussion and viewing of videos of film and operas spawned by the fairy tales. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 311 German Culture and Composition I (4)
Conversational exercises in colloquial German, including use of audiovisual materials. Regular practice in composition; while GRMN 311 stresses vocabulary development and focuses on contemporary cultural issues (intermediate), GRMN 312 emphasizes social and political issues (advanced). Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 312 German Culture and Composition II (4)
Conversational exercises in colloquial German, including use of audiovisual materials. Regular practice in composition; while GRMN 311 stresses vocabulary development and focuses on contemporary cultural issues (intermediate), GRMN 312 emphasizes social and political issues (advanced). Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 313 Contemporary Language and Usage (4)
A one-semester advanced language and culture course designed to increase oral and written language skills to help the student deal with contemporary societies. Analysis and interpretation of current texts, composition, formal letter writing, and practical use of political, scientific, economic, journalistic, and social vocabularies. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 314 Contemporary German Culture (4)
An examination of current topics, such as unemployment, immigration, and European integration. Students develop speaking and writing skills while analyzing issues facing contemporary Germany. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 315 Contemporary German Films (4)
Screening and discussion of contemporary German films. The course focuses on developing language skills through discussing recent German movies, reading screen play excerpts, working with vocabulary exercises and on writing essays about movie topics. The course is taught in German and is based on Reimer/Zachau Arbeitsbuch zu German Culture through Film. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 321 Survey of German Literature I (4)
The history of German literature from the beginning down to the present day. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 322 Survey of German Literature II (4)
The history of German literature from the beginning down to the present day. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 324 Literature of Berlin (4)
A survey of Berlin's literature, including excerpts of novels by Theodor Fontane, Wilhelm Raabe, Alfred Döblin, Erich Kästner, and Christa Wolf. Taught in German. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 332 Advanced Grammar and Composition (4)
Concentration on advanced grammatical structures, vocabulary enhancement, and various writing styles via analysis of German short stories. Stress as well on improvement of writing. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 333 Studies in German Grammar and Syntax (4)
Through an examination of syntax and essay writing, this course provides an explanation and discussion of grammatical structures such as complex clauses, subjunctive mode, passive voice, and relative clauses. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 344 Junior Tutorial (4)
Intensive practice in analyzing and comparing the style of outstanding German writers and in writing German. Introduction to the use of research materials. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or higher or placement.
GRMN 350 Berlin: Impressions of a City (4)
A survey of Berlin through its history and architecture, its literature and film with emphasis on the twentieth century. The course is divided into five parts: Berlin's early history before WWI, the Weimar Republic, the Nazi period, Cold War Berlin (East and West), and modern Berlin after 1989. In addition to the history and architecture, major novels and films of the city are examined throughout the semester. This course is taught in English and may not be used in fulfillment of the foreign language requirement; however it can count toward the German major if a term paper is presented in German.
GRMN 351 Masterpieces of German Literature in Translation (4)
Reading and study of texts from the whole range of German literature in English translation. No knowledge of German required. Does not satisfy the foreign language requirement.
GRMN 352 Kafka/Grass in Translation (4)
Reading and discussion of the main works of Franz Kafka and Gunter Grass in English translation, including The Trial, The Castle, The Country Doctor, The Judgment, The Tin Drum, and Cat and Mouse. Does not satisfy the language requirement.
GRMN 353 German Film (4)
A survey of German film from the 1920s through the present times from a historical perspective. The course focuses on German cultural history through film making with representative examples from the Weimar Republic silent film period (Nosfertu), the Nazi period (Jud Sub and Kolberg), the rebirth of the German cinema in the 1960s (Fassbinder's films), and adaptations of literature from the 1970s and 1980s in East and West Germany (The Tin Drum, Das Boot). The course is taught in English but is also open to German students who will write a term paper in German. Does not satisfy the foreign language requirement.
GRMN 354 Modern German Civilization (4)
This course examines German society in the 20th century through cultural artifacts, including literature, film, cityscapes, mass media, and industrial products. Discussion focuses on major changes in German society and how these changes are reflected in its cultural products.
GRMN 355 Once Upon a Time: The Literature and Culture of Fairy Tales (4)
An examination of major fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm and their international variants. The class will include some lecture but mostly discussion of such works as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, The Frog King, Hansel and Gretel. Comparison will be made with cinematic (Walt Disney, Ingmar Bergman) and musical (Mozart, Humperdinck, Tchaikovsky) versions of the tales. This course is taught in English with no knowledge of German required. This course is also open to any student wishing to write a paper in German but not open for credit to those who have completed NOND 101. Does not satisfy the foreign language requirement.
GRMN 356 The Nazi Period (4)
An examination of the connection between Nazi ideology and German culture of the nineteen-thirties and forties. The course offers a discussion of artistic reactions to the Nazis among the German exile community, along with a discussion of literary works about the Nazis written after WWII. The course also offers an analysis of holocaust representations in art and literature. The course gives an overview of the historical facts and events that shaped the Nazi period and analyzes holocaust representations in art and literature.
GRMN 357 German Queer Cinema (4)
This course traces German queer cinema from the earliest representations of gay and lesbian sexual orientations in 1920s Weimar to topics such as sexual indeterminacy and the queering of nationality and migrant culture in contemporary films. The course examines how films both represent and produce non-normative sexual desires and identities. It also considers sexual and gender identity in relation to particular historical and cultural moments as well as to other constituting experiences (race, class, gender, nationality). These topics are studied in the context of particular movements, directors, and genres in German cinema.
GRMN 358 Borders, Margins, and Identities in German Culture (4)
From the recruitment of Turkish "guest workers" to the ongoing refugee crisis, Germany has emerged a "multicultural" nation of shifting and contested borders and identities. This course investigates how national, ethnic, racial, and religious identities are perceived and constructed in film, literature, and news media and how those identities intersect with, and are complicated by, class, gender, and sexual identities. Students engage critically with concepts such as migration, assimilation, hybridity, citizenship, diaspora, "majority" culture, and authenticity. It will be taught in English.
GRMN 360 Sewanee in Berlin: Advanced German (4)
This summer course combines an advanced-level German class with a culture class. The language class is taught at the Berlin Deutsch in Deutschland language institute, and the culture class is taught as a combination of class work and student-led excursions. The course is offered in Berlin every other year. Prerequisite: GRMN 203 or GRMN 280.
GRMN 380 Sommer in Sewanee (4)
Intensive language and culture seminar for teachers and students of German. The two-week course which emphasizes the reading, writing, listening and speaking of German is offered every June through the Consortium for German in the Southeast. Credit is available for the Intermediate I, Intermediate II, and Advanced level.
GRMN 401 Seminar in German and German Studies (4)
This course centers on key topics and concepts in the field of German Studies. Through readings of primary and secondary materials, the course develops students' critical and research skills. Each student completes a senior research project, which results in a substantial essay written in German. Topics may include an exploration of literary concepts, periods, and authors, or focus on cultural issues. Prerequisite: GRMN 301 and GRMN 302.
GRMN 403 German Literature from the Age of Enlightenment through the Storm and Stress (4)
An intensive study of rational and irrational tendencies in German literature from about 1750 to 1784, with major focus on Klopstock, Lessing, Lenz, Goethe, Schiller, and Klinger. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.
GRMN 404 The Age of Goethe (4)
This course offers an in-depth introduction to the literary and cultural landscape of the Age of Goethe (1770-1830), a period of enormous literary, political, and sociocultural change. Taught in English. Students majoring in German and German Studies may utilize the course as one of the required electives taught in German by completing all reading and writing assignments in German.
GRMN 405 German Romanticism (4)
Readings in the principal writers of the Romantic Movement, including Novalis, Tieck, Eichendorff, Brentano, and Hoffmann. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.
GRMN 407 Nineteenth-Century Literature (4)
Readings from the age of Poetic Realism. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.
GRMN 408 Twentieth Century German Literature I (4)
The first semester covers the period from 1900 to 1945; the second semester, from 1945 to the present. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.
GRMN 409 Twentieth Century German Literature II (4)
The first semester covers the period from 1900 to 1945; the second semester, from 1945 to the present. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.
GRMN 410 Goethe Seminar (4)
Gotz, Werther, Faust, Iphigenie, and other selected works are read and analyzed, along with Goethe's poetry. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.
GRMN 411 Schiller, Holderlein, Kleist (4)
Schiller's dramas and poetry, Holderlin's Hyperion and poetry, and Kleist's Der zerbrochene Krug, along with his prose works, are read and analyzed. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.
GRMN 413 Kafka and His Times (4)
Examination and discussion in German of major works from the first quarter of the twentieth century by Kafka, Hesse, Mann, and Werfel. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.
GRMN 421 Lyric Poetry (4)
Representative works of various German poets from the 17th century to the present. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.
GRMN 422 German Drama (4)
A survey of major German playwrights, including Schiller, Kleist, Goethe, Buchner, Hauptmann, Brecht, Frisch, and Weiss. The students will have the opportunity to perform selected scenes of the plays discussed in class. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.
GRMN 427 East German Literature (4)
An investigation of the connection between literature and society in East Germany. The course will show the historical development of East Germany through its literature. Readings will include works by Wolf, Plenzdorf, Strittmatter, Kant, Heym, and Kunze. Prerequisite: One course numbered GRMN 301-349 or placement.