Requirements and Curriculum
Note: This information reflects the requirements and curriculum printed in the 2007-08 course catalog.
Requirements
Required for a major
Thirty-two hours, starting at 201 or above, including 202, 345 or 346; 450 or 460; correlative writing requirement (345 or 346 plus 450 or 460); language immersion experience; a senior project (unless this is completed in another major); an oral proficiency examination in German. Students interested in teaching should see the education department for secondary education minor requirements.
Recommended supporting courses for students majoring in German: Two semesters of another modern or a classical language; linguistics 131, 135, 141, 241, 242, or 247.
Required for a minor
No fewer than 18 hours, including 202, and one literature course above 300; language immersion experience; an oral proficiency examination in German.
Required for a second teaching area: Twenty-four hours including 16 hours above 202; language immersion experience; an oral proficiency examination in German. This is an Iowa licensure designation. Please consult website of the state in which you are planning to teach.
Language immersion experience: For majors, a minimum of one semester of study in a country where German is an official language. For minors, at least one January term (or a similar program) of study in such a country, although a semester is strongly recommended. Those preparing to teach must spend at least one semester of study in such a country. Program selection must be approved by the department for all majors and minors prior to departure. Luther College offers a semester program in Münster, Germany, every other year (2008, 2010, 2012). However, other programs may also fulfill this requirement.
After having fulfilled the study-abroad requirement, all majors who are enrolled in on-campus courses for at least one semester are required to complete a 4-hour course in German. Consult with department for details on petition procedure for alternative ways of satisfying this requirement. All minors are strongly urged to help maintain and advance their language skills by completing courses in German during their final semesters at Luther.
Language Learning Center
The Modern Languages and Literatures department has a Language Learning Center in Main Building. Language students have access to computerized language learning materials, and to video study rooms where they may view prerecorded foreign language video cassettes or watch live international TV received by four satellite dishes. The Language Learning Center also provides language students with valuable work-study experiences related to their interest in languages.
Curriculum
101, 102 Elementary German I and II 4, 4 hours
The basic structures of German. Students will learn to understand, speak, read, and write German at a beginner’s level and gain awareness of the culture of German-speaking countries. Prerequisite for 102: 101, or consent of instructor.
105 Münster Preparation 1 hour
This course prepares students accepted to the Münster Semester for the semester abroad. Prerequisite: acceptance to the Münster Program.
139, 239, 339, 439 Special Topics Credit arr.
185 First-year Seminar 4 hours
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.
201 Intermediate German I 4 hours
Completion of basic grammatical structures. Beginning composition and conversation through greater emphasis on the creative aspects of language use, i.e., speaking and writing. Prerequisite: 102 or equivalent.
202 Intermediate German II 4 hours
Intermediate composition and conversation, as well as grammar review and refinement. Focus on variations that color language and expression of native speakers. Introduction to the study of literature by focus on literary forms of expression and genre. Prerequisite: 201 or equivalent.
342 German Culture 4 hours
This course introduces students to the study of German history, culture, and society. It investigates selected trends and developments in contemporary German culture and examines their historical backgrounds. A special emphasis will be put on German media and film. Offered on a rotating basis. Prerequisite: 202 or consent of instructor.
344 German Play 4 hours
Brief survey of the German drama. Study of several representative modern plays. Emphasis on pronunciation and dramatic expression. Students will write and produce an original German play. Offered on a rotating basis. Prerequisite: 202 or equivalent. (HE, S)
345 Advanced Composition and Conversation 4 hours
Emphasis on present-day German to increase students’ fluency and ease of expression. The course is offered only in Münster, Germany, during the study-abroad program. Prerequisite: 202 or equivalent. (W, S)
346 German Literary History 4 hours
This course offers an introduction to the history of literature in German, examining the development of what is now recognized as the German literary canon. Attention is given to the most important authors and their works, and to the emergence of major topics and genres over time. Fundamental concepts of analysis and criticism are presented and applied to lead the student to an informed appreciation of literary works. Offered on a rotating basis. Prerequisite: 202, or consent of instructor. (HEPT, Hist, W)
347 Introduction to Business German 4 hours
Examination of current German business practices and communication. Emphasis on vocabulary acquisition, advanced grammar, and readings skills, as well as intercultural conduct in business situations. Offered on a rotating basis. Prerequisite: 202 or consent of instructor.
375 Directed Readings 1, 2, or 4 hours
Students who develop an interest in a specialized area of the discipline for which course offerings are limited may follow a prescribed reading list under the direction of a faculty member with expertise in that area.
385 Seminar Credit arr.
395 Independent Study 1, 2, or 4 hours
450 Masterpieces of German Literature 4 hours
The course focuses on masterpieces of poetry, prose, and drama in German through 1900, with attention on the continuing impact of these works on modern German culture. May be repeated up to three times for credit under three different topics. Prerequisite: 202 or consent of instructor. Offered on a rotating basis. (HEPT, W, R)
453 The German Language 4 hours
The course follows the history of the Germanic language family from Indo-European to the establishment of dialects such as Gothic, Old English, Old Norse, and Old High German, then concentrates on the history of the German language through Middle and New High German and the development of a standard language. It concludes with a study of modern dialects and the colloquial language. The course is offered only in Münster, Germany, during the study-abroad program. Prerequisite: 202 or consent of instructor. (Hist, S, R)
455 German Film and Media 4 hours
This course explores the history and aesthetic qualities as well as the cultural and social aspects of German cinema since the 1920s, and examines the development and role of the media in German society. It provides students with a basic knowledge of the extensive body of cinematic work in German and with an understanding of the media landscape in past and present Germany. The influence of American mass culture, and the place of German film and media in and outside of Europe will be explored. Offered on a rotating basis. Prerequisite: 202 or consent of instructor. (HEPT, Hist Intcl, W)
460 Contemporary German Literature and Culture 4 hours
A course with rotating topics on German literature and culture, with emphasis on texts of the 20th and 21st century. Study in depth of a particular topic as seen through primary texts, with special attention given to contemporary texts and topics. Significant practice in writing, including a research project, and assessment of speaking skills. May be repeated up to three times for credit under three different topics. Offered on a rotating basis. Prerequisite: 202 or consent of instructor. (HEPT, W, R)
467 Applied Business German 4 hours
While in Germany, students will get a first hand experience in the German business world by visiting corporations and administrative institutions. Excursions to businesses and to state and federal entities. The course is offered only in Münster, Germany, during the study-abroad program. Prerequisite: 202 or consent of instructor. (Intcl, S)
485 Seminar Credit arr.
490 Senior Project 1, 2, or 4 hours
493 Senior Honors Project 4 hours
A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an “A-” or “A” qualify for “department honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement.