German FL111B

FL 111B Introduction to Foreign Language Study: German
Fall, 2000

Professor:	Belinda Carstens-Wickham
Office:	Peck Building 2327
Telephone:	640-3548
Office Hours: TR: 9-9:30, 2-2:30 and by appointment
Classroom:	2411 Peck Hall
Time:	TR: 11-12:15
e-mail:	bcarste@siue.edu
Texts:	Rentals

Ed. Susan Stern.Meet United Germany: Perspectives. Frankfurt a.M.: Frankfurter Allg. Zeitung, 1991. 2 Volumes.
Bertolt Brecht. The Threepenny Opera.
The Metamorphosis
Handouts made available as necessary

Description FL 111 introduces students to important aspects of German studies in American universities today.It provides a general introduction to German history, culture and literature as well as to the major political and social issues in contemporary Germany. Students will compare and contrast German institutions with American ones and learn about Germany's role in the world.The course begins with an introduction to Germany's geography, followed by an introduction to the development of the German language from its Indo-European roots to the language spoken today. In the next section students learn about the founding of Germany, the division of Germany after World War II, reunification, the German economy, and the welfare state. The course ends with discussions of the German educational system, women in Germany today, the arts and government, a brief survey of German literature and a closer study of several important literary works.

Objectives

At the end of this course students should be familiar with the major issues of German social and political life, as well as with the country's geography, culture and literature.Students should also have an understanding of the roots and evolution of the German language.

Students' Responsibilities

Regular attendance and participation in classroom discussions are of utmost importance After three unexcused absences, the course grade will be lowered a half grade for each class missed.Readings must be completed as scheduled and students must be prepared to discuss and relate them to the lectures and videos presented in class. There will be two tests and a final examination. Each student will also complete a five or more pages typed paper on a topic approved by the instructor. Unexcused absence from the final exam will result in a grade of Efor the final exam.

Final Grade

Test	20%
Test 2	20%
Term paper	25%
Classwork	15%
Final Examination	20%

If you have any questions or difficulties with the class, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am glad to help you in whatever way possible.

Tentative Schedule:

Week 1	Aug. 21, 23	Introduction, geography Video about Germany
Week 2	Aug. 28,30	Readings, transportation, hotels German contributions to American life
Week 3	Sept. 4,6	Readings, development of family names History of the German Language
Week 4	Sept. 11, 13	Otto von Bismarck: Founding of Germany, social welfare system Test I
Week 5	Sept. 18, 20	The Weimar Republic Weimar Film
Week 6	Sept. 25, 27	Holocaust, video Analysis, Holocaust and America
Week 7	Oct. 2, 4	Family Experiences Rise of the New Right
Week 8	Oct. 9, 11	Division of Germany, Airlift, Cold War
Week 9	Oct. 16, 18	Fall of the wall, video Analysis
Week 10	Oct. 23, 25	Problems of Unification Stasi: Secret Police
Week 11	Oct. 30, Nov. 1	Marriage of Maria Braun, film
Week 12	Nov. 6, 8	Marriage of Maria Braun, analysis Test II
Week 13	Nov. 13, 15	Educational System, Status of Women, the Arts, Jews in Germany: History and Memory
Week 14	Nov. 20, 22	Thanksgiving
Week 15	Nov. 27, 29	History of German Literature Kafka and The Metamorphosis
Week 16	Dec. 4, 6	Brecht and The Threepenny Opera, Review
FINAL EXAMINATION:	December 12,	Wednesday, 10-11:40

URL: http://www.siue.edu/~bcarste/german111.html
Published By: Belinda Carstens-Wickham bcarste@siue.edu
Created By: Faculty Technology Center lmillio@siue.edu
Last Update: May 20, 2002 by Faculty Technology Center