Ger 320

Course Content: This course covers events in Germany, Austria and Switzerland as they develop during the course of the semester. We will read articles from a variety of internet publications, print newspapers and magazines, view news items from television and online videos, and read analytical texts on modern German, Austrian and Swiss culture. We will discuss the events and the manner of Germans, Austrians and Swiss in their reactions to the events. We will give attention to the historical factors which lead to events as they unfold in our own day and use that information in analysing events. We will do comparison to the same or similar events in the American culture and analyze differences.

The reports are selected from the Internet, newspapers, magazines, and satellite television and radio. The readings, commentaries by the instructor and the classroom discussion are in German language. Students develop in addition to the current vocabulary of Germany, an understanding of the current climate of of the culture, the many abbreviations and acronyms used in that context, the interrelationship of business and government, the interaction of the German speaking nations in Europe with the other nations of the EU, and the interactions with the world at large. Students gain background in the history of the German speaking nations as it affects the operations, constraints, psychology, and regulation of life today. Course Objectives: The objectives of the course are to give students the cultural knowledge and the linguistic experience needed to gather information efficiently and accurately in German from the electronic and print media as pertains to interaction with Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein as well as to interact successfully with persons from those nations. Teaching Methodology: The approach to instruction involves the familiarization of the students with the information sources listed above and their use. Each class is taught in an electronic classroom which features the availability of the Internet, projection systems, e-mail, audio reproduction systems, and satellite radio and television access. Students are given reading/listening/viewing assignments from the various media available. This is accomplished by (1) library assignments on specific articles in the print media and (2) Web assignments on specific articles during class meetings but also (3) augmented assignments via e-mail pertaining to materials not yet published at the time of class meetings, and (4) real time or recorded materials from satellite broadcast media, and (5) Web assignments based on the materials posted by the instructor. All readings, discussions and comments by the instructor are in German. The instructor realizes the goals and includes the topics indicated in the sections above through the selection of the readings/listenings/viewings and through guidance of the discussion and comments.
Texts: The Internet , (major German newspapers, TV stations, radio stations and other sources)

Other materials to be distributed by the instructor.

Classroom proceedure: All presentations, discussions, readings and assignments will be in German.

Tests:

There will be 3 tests during the course of the semester. Each test will consist of a series of topics, on which there will have been prior discussion in class. Students will write in German an analysis of each topic. There will be more topics than required answers so that students may choose from the topics listed.

Tests will be on the following dates:

February 26

April 2

May 11

Absence Policy: You are encouraged to be present for all class meetings. Assuming that learning is your objective, your objective will be best met by attending class and participating actively. There is no penalty for absence per se. There will be no established penalties for missed class. However in individual cases, if a student starts to miss class frequently, the instructor reserves the right to discuss the mater with that student and establish a pattern to insure responsible attendance.

Tutors: Native German tutors will be available throughout the semester to assist you in study, as needed. The office number and hours will be announced in class early in the semester.

Learning objectives:

1. Intensify familiarity with the German, Austrian and Swiss perspective on world events.

2. Intensify understanding of contemporary Germany, Austria and Switzerland in a variety of areas such as the history, geography, politics, art and contemporary viewpoints.

4. Strengthen German language skills (reading, writing, speaking, understanding)

5. Intensify general knowledge of world events, especially as pertains to Germany, Austria and Switzerland and develop further understanding of the origins of contemporary patterns of society.

6. Gain insight into various aspects of German, Austrian and Swiss Culture and the effects of age, geographic location, religion, sex, and class have on people's perspectives and the way they interact.

7. Develop abilities to recognize stereotyping and to make judgements on the effects.

Qualified students with documented disabilities who may need classroom accommodations should make an appointment with the Enhancement Program – Disability Services office during the first two weeks of the term. Telephone appointments are available to students as needed. Appointments can be made by calling 651-962-6315 or 800-328-6819, extension 6315.You may also make an appointment in person in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center, room 119. For further information, you can locate the Enhancement Program on the web at http://www.stthomas.edu/enhancementprog/.

Classroom accommodations will be provided for qualified students with documented disabilities. Students are invited to contact the Enhancement Program – Disability Services about accommodations for this course within the first two weeks of the term. Telephone appointments are available to students as needed. Appointments can be made by calling 651-962-6315 or 800-328-6819, extension 6315. You may also make an appointment in person in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center, room 119. For further information, you can locate the Enhancement Program on the web at http://www.stthomas.edu/enhancementprog/.

In compliance with the University of St. Thomas policy and disability laws, I am available to discuss academic accommodations that you may require as a student with a disability. Students are encouraged to register with the Enhancement Program-Disability Services office for disability verification and for determination of academic accommodations. Please do so within the first two weeks of the term. Appointments can be made by calling 651-962-6315 or 800-328-6819, extension 6315. Telephone appointments are available as needed. You may also make an appointment in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center, room 119. For further information, you can locate the Enhancement Program on the web at http://www.stthomas.edu/enhancementprog/.