German

Course Descriptions

GER 101

Beginning German I

(3 crs.) Learn how to talk about, discuss and present on a variety of familiar everyday topics in German while exploring diverse German-speaking cultures. (Seminar/Online) Pre: No prior German is required. Not open to students with credit for GER 111, or to students who have studied German for more than one year (HS) or semester (college) within the last six years or who are native or heritage speakers of German. Not for major credit in German (A3) (C2)

GER 102

Beginning German II

(3 crs.) Learn to communicate in German about the past, present and future, and continue exploring diverse German-speaking cultures. Includes projects on global products, childhood memories, Austria, and inventions such as cars. (Seminar/Online) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 101 or GER 111 or equivalent. Not open to students with credit for GER 112, or to students who have studied German for more than two years (HS) or semesters (college) within the last six years or who are native or heritage speakers of German. Not for major credit in German. (A3) (C2)

GER 105

Basic Conversation I

(1 cr.) Practice in conversational skills. (Lec. 1) Pre: credit or concurrent enrollment in GER 103.

GER 106

Basic Conversation II

(1 cr.) Continued practice in conversational skills. (Lec. 1) Pre: credit or concurrent enrollment in GER 104.

GER 111

Beginning German I+

(4 crs.) Learn how to talk about, discuss and present on a variety of familiar everyday topics in German while exploring diverse German-speaking cultures.Recitation provides additional practice in smaller groups.(Seminar 3, Rec. 1/Online) Pre: No prior German is required. Not open to students with credit for GER 101, or to students who have studied German for more than one year (HS) or semester (college) within the last six years or who are native or heritage speakers of German. Not for major credit in German. (A3) (C2)

GER 112

Beginning German II+

(4 crs.) Learn to communicate in German about the past, present and future, and continue exploring diverse German-speaking cultures. Same topics as in GER 102. Recitation provides additional practice in smaller groups. (Seminar 3, Rec. 1/Online) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 101 or GER 111 or equivalent. Not open to students with credit for GER 102, or to students who have studied German for more than two years (HS) or semesters (college) within the last six years or who are native or heritage speakers of German. Not for major credit in German. (A3) (C2)

GER 161

Germany Today: Science, Technology and Culture

(3 crs.) Experience the context of the German language and engineering/business studies in action. After a three-day language and culture crash course, visit cities, companies, universities, and cultural sites in Germany. (Lec. 3) Pre: Not for major credit in German. Students need to apply through URI Abroad.

GER 171G

German Film as Cultural Text (in English)

(3 crs.) Weekly screenings of German films from the 1920s to the present. Examine the history and diverse culture(s) of Germany, compare to the US, and learn film analysis and cinematic techniques. In English. (Lec. 3) Not for major credit in German. (C3) (A4) (GC)

GER 172

German Literature (in English)

(3 crs.) Discover German literature from three centuries. Develop close reading and effective writing skills, while discussing how historical and contemporary issues in German-speaking cultures are reflected in literature. (Lec. 3) Pre: Not for major credit in German. (B1)

GER 201

Intermediate Conversation I

(1 cr.) Conversation skills for students who have completed intermediate German. Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 104 or equivalent. (Lec. 3)

GER 202

Intermediate Conversation II

(1 cr.) Continuation of GER 201. Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 104 or equivalent. (Lec. 3)

GER 203

(103) Intermediate German I

(3 crs.) Develop intermediate-language skills and intercultural competence while exploring German-speaking cultures through various interdisciplinary lenses. Includes projects on former East and West Germany, roller coasters, Switzerland, and sustainability. (Seminar 3/Online) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 102 or GER 112 or equivalent. Not open to students with credit for GER 213, or to students who have studied German for more than three years (HS) or semesters (college) within the last six years or who are native or heritage speakers of German, unless special permission is provided. (A3) (C2)

GER 204

(104) Intermediate German II

(3 crs.) Solidify intermediate-language skills while exploring other and one's own culture(s) from multiple perspectives. Topics include diversity and pluralism in Germany, old and new media, crime stories, activism, and German-American relations. (Lec. 3/Online) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 203 or GER 213 or equivalent. Not open to students with credit for GER 214, or to students who have studied German for more than four years (HS) or semesters (college) within the last six years or who are native or heritage speakers of German, unless special permission is provided. (A3) (C1)

GER 213

(113) Intermediate German I+

(4 crs.) Develop intermediate-language skills and intercultural competence while exploring German-speaking cultures through various interdisciplinary lenses. Same topics as GER 203. Recitation provides additional practice in smaller groups. (Seminar 3, Rec. 1/Online) Pre: GER 102 or GER 112 or equivalent. Not open to students with credit for GER 203, or to students who have studied German for more than three years (HS) or semesters (college) within the last six years or who are native or heritage speakers of German. (A3) (C2)

GER 214

(114) Intermediate German II +

(4 crs.) Solidify intermediate-language skills while exploring other and one’s own culture(s) from multiple perspectives. Same topics as GER 204. Recitation provides additional practice in smaller groups. (Lec. 3, Rec. 1/Online) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 203 or GER 213 or equivalent. Not open to students with credit for GER 204, or to students who have studied German for more than four years (HS) or semesters (college) within the last six years or who are native or heritage speakers of German, unless special permission is provided. (A3) (C1)

GER 215

Language Study Abroad

(1-6 crs.) Credit for intermediate language study in a German-speaking country. (Lec. 15) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 204 or 214 or equivalent.

GER 221

(105) German Grammar and Intermediate Conversation I

(1 cr.) Study German grammar and practice conversational skills on the intermediate level. (Seminar) Pre: credit or concurrent enrollment in GER 203 (103) or 213 (113).

GER 222

(106) German Grammar and Intermediate Conversation II

(1 cr.) Continue studying German grammar and practicing conversational skills on the intermediate level. (Seminar) Pre: credit or concurrent enrollment in GER 204 (104) or 214 (114).

GER 251

German for Professional Use I

(1 cr.) Explore standard vocabulary from other disciplines (e.g., basic math, geometry, physics). Includes interviews with German-speaking professionals and a field trip. (Seminar) Pre: credit or concurrent enrollment in GER 203 or 213.

GER 252

German for Professional Use II

(1 cr.) Practice talking in German about your professional interests, and engage with experts from various fields of study. Designed for IEP, IBP, ICSP, IPSP and ISD students. (Lec. 1) Pre: credit or concurrent enrollment in GER 204 or 214.

GER 271X

Showing Our Colors. Afro-German Women Speak Out

(3 crs.) Examine the past, present and future of Black Germans. Combining historical analysis, interviews, personal testimonies, and poetry, this course explores the Black German experience in different periods of German history. (Lec. 3) Does not count towards German major.

GER 301

German through Media: Literary Encounters

(3 crs.) Develop advanced-language skills with a focus on interpretive reading and presentational writing—while using all modes of communication. Readings across genres, including comics, graphic novels, fairy tales, and plays. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 204 or GER 214 or equivalent.

GER 302

German through Media: TV Shows, News & Debates

(3 crs.) Practice advanced-level interpersonal and presentational speaking skills in connected discourse. Weekly screenings of German TV Shows and current news articles form the foundation for discussing current and often controversial topics. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 204 or GER 214 or equivalent. (B2) (C2)

GER 305

Advanced Conversation

(3 crs.) Intensive practice in spoken German based on matters of current interest in German-speaking countries. (Lec. 3) Pre: GER 206 or equivalent. In alternate years.

GER 306

Advanced Composition

(3 crs.) Training in various forms of writing by means of frequent compositions and critiques. (Lec. 3) Pre: GER 206 or equivalent. In alternate years.

GER 315

Language Study Abroad

(6 crs.) Language study and supervised work experience in a German-speaking country for advanced language students.(Practicum) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 301 and GER 302 or equivalents. Only with permission of section head and/or director of the corresponding study abroad program.

GER 316

Language Study Abroad

(1-6 crs.) Credit for advanced language study in a German-speaking country. (Practicum) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 301 and GER 302 or equivalents. Only with permission of section head and/or director of the corresponding study abroad program.

GER 321

(201) Advanced Conversation I

(1 cr.) Practice conversational skills. For students who are currently taking 300-level language courses. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 204 or GER 214 or equivalent.

GER 322

(202) Advanced Conversation II

(1 cr.) Continue practicing conversational skills. For students who are currently taking 300-level language courses. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 204 or GER 214 or equivalent.

GER 327

Introduction to German Studies and Literature

(3 crs.) Major developments and figures in German culture, literature, art, and society of the 20th century. (Lec. 3) Pre: GER 206 or permission of instructor.

GER 328

Introduction to German Cultural History and Literature

(3 crs.) Overview of major German cultural developments starting with the 'Germany' of the Romans and ending with unification. Significant figures and developments in literature, art, and society. (Lec. 3) Pre: GER 206 (or equivalent) or permission of instructor.

GER 331

(328) German Studies: Feuds, Feudalism and Faith

(3 crs.) Introduction to research methodologies via an overview of major historical, cultural and societal developments from the “Germany” of the Romans to the Counter-Reformation. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 301 and GER 302 or equivalents, or permission of instructor. (A3) (B4)

GER 332

(327) German Studies: Propaganda, Principles & Partnership

(3 crs.) Introduction to societal, political, and cultural transformations of German-speaking nations since 1900. Topics include social values, protest culture, civic responsibilities, and the role of media and government in shaping society. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 301 and GER 302 or equivalents, or permission of instructor.

GER 351

Studying and Working Abroad I

(1 cr.) Prepare for studying and working in German-speaking countries. Develop study skills through a series of lecturers by German-speaking experts, explore options for internships abroad, and write a German resume. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 204 or GER 214 or equivalent.

GER 352

Studying and Working Abroad II

(1 cr.) Continue preparing for studying and working abroad. Further develop study skills through lecturers by German-speaking experts, write a cover letter for a job or internship, and participate in mock interviews. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 204 or GER 214 or equivalent.

GER 408

The German Language: Past and Present

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (GER), LIN 408. Introduction to the history and present state of the German languages. Study of standard and colloquial German, dialects, Swiss and Austrian variations, language of youth and professions. Analysis of various text types. Tendencies in present-day German. (Lec. 3) Pre: 305 or permission of instructor.

GER 411

Advanced Technical German

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (EGR), GER 411. Seminar on advanced scientific and engineering topics in an international context. All reading, discussion, and associated writing is conducted in German. (Lec. 3) Pre: One course at the 300 level in German and junior standing. Not for graduate credit.

GER 431

(485) Special Studies

(3 crs.) Special topics in German literature and/or culture not emphasized in other courses. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 331 or GER 332 or have permission of section head. May be repeated with a change in topic.

GER 441

(408) The German Language: Past and Present

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (GER), LIN 408. Introduction to the history and present state of the German languages. Study of standard and colloquial German, dialects, Swiss and Austrian variations, language of youth and professions. Analysis of various text types. Tendencies in present-day German. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 331 or GER 332 or have permission of section head.

GER 451

(411) Advanced Technical German

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (EGR), GER 451 (411). Seminar on advanced scientific and engineering topics in an international context. All reading, discussion, and associated writing is conducted in German. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 301 and GER 302 or equivalents and junior standing. Not for graduate credit.

GER 452

(421) Advanced Business German

(3 crs.) Study of the concepts and terminology of the German language common to the realm of international business. Intended for advanced students of business and German. (Seminar) Pre: Students enrolling in this course should have taken GER 301 and GER 302 or equivalents and junior standing. Not for graduate credit.

GER 485

Special Studies

(3 crs.) Special topics in German literature not emphasized in other courses. (Seminar) Pre: one semester of German at the 300 level or permission of section head. May be repeated with a change in topic. In alternate years.

GER 491

(497) Directed Study

(1-6 crs.) Designed particularly for the advanced student. Individual research and reports on problems of special interest. (Independent Study) Pre: acceptance of project by a faculty member and permission of section head.

GER 497

Directed Study

(1-3 crs.) Designed particularly for the advanced student. Individual research and reports on problems of special interest. (Independent Study) Pre: acceptance of project by a faculty member and permission of section head.

GER 585

Seminar in German Studies

(1-3 crs.) Topics in German literature and civilization. (Seminar) Pre: graduate standing or permission of instructor. May be repeated with different topics.

GER 586

Seminar In German Studies

(1-3 crs.) Topics in German literature and civilization. (Seminar) Pre: graduate standing or permission of instructor. May be repeated with different topics.

GER 598

Directed Studies

(1-3 crs.) Individual research on problems of special interest. (Independent Study) Pre: graduate standing, acceptance of project by a faculty member, and permission of chairperson. May be repeated with different topics.