German Department Web-Page

The first aim of the German programme is to impart to the student a good working knowledge of German, a language spoken by approximately 120 million people in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and by more than one million Canadians. German is also one of the official languages of the United Nations. Students who acquire a working knowledge of German will also gain insight into the culture and mode of life of the German-speaking countries. In addition, students of foreign languages invariably come to see their own language in a new perspective.

The second aim of the programme is to help the student gain an appreciation of German literature, a literature which is rich and varied. While the programme tries to present an overall picture of German literature, particular emphasis is placed on the truly great figures, e.g. Lessing, Goethe, Schiller, Heine, Thomas Mann, Brecht. The language of instruction in all courses on the 3000 and 4000 levels is German.

Students graduating with a major in German will be prepared for several types of jobs, such as teaching, translating and interpreting. Government agencies, news media, publishers, airlines, shipping companies and many exporting and importing firms require persons proficient in foreign languages. In many other professions, knowledge of German is an asset.

Every effort is made to expose students to a German environment. Each summer several of our students spend some months in Germany, either studying on scholarships or working. During the academic year students may spend immersion weekends with German-speaking families in this area. Participation in German Club activities is strongly recommended. There is also a "Deutsches Haus", a University residence, where the language of communication is German.

An exchange agreement between Mount Allison University and the Universität Tübingen permits students to complete an academic year abroad.

Disciplinary B.A. Programmes

MINOR in German is 24 credits earned as follows:
• 18 from German 1000, 2000, 3000
• 3 from German 3/4000 level literature courses
• 3 from German 2601, 2701 and German 3/4000 level literature courses, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor

MAJOR AREA OF STUDY in German is 60 credits earned as follows:

• 18 from German 1000, 2000, 3000
• 3 from German 2601, 2701
• 21 from German 3/4000 level literature courses
• 18 credits from complementary courses in Arts & Letters and Humanities, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor

HONOURS in German is 72 credits earned as follows:

• 42 credits as in the first three lines of the Major, plus:
• 12 from the second and fourth lines of the Major
• 18 from German 4030, 4050, 4990, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor

Summer Programmes In Germany
There is a possibility of taking summer courses for credit in Germany at the second, third and fourth year levels. Students interested should contact the Modern Languages Department before Christmas.
Minimum prereq: German 1000.

1000 ELEMENTARY GERMAN
An intensive course designed for students with no previous knowledge of German. Acquisition of basic proficiency in comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Three class periods and one period of oral practice in the language laboratory.

2000 INTERMEDIATE GERMAN
Review of grammar and syntax. Expansion of vocabulary to about 2000 words. Composition and conversation. Introduction to literary analysis. Three class periods and one period in the language laboratory. Science students may opt to take scientific translation rather than literary analysis in the second term. This option, however, will be a terminal course and will not count as prerequisite for higher courses in German.
Prereq: German 1000; or permission of the Department. Students entering from high school with advanced credit should see the Department before enrolling.

2601 GERMAN CULTURE AND SOCIETY FROM 1870 TO THE PRESENT
Starting with the founding of the German Empire during the Franco-Prussian War, this course will trace the political, economic, social, cultural and scientific developments in German-speaking countries through the Bismarck period, the era of Wilhelm II, the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich and the post-World War II period, ending with a vision of the "New Europe".
Language of instruction: English
This course is cross-listed as History 2601 and as such may count for credit in either German or History.

2701 THE NEW GERMAN FILM: HISTORY, THEORY, AND PRACTICE. A REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF GERMAN CINEMA AFTER WWII
After a brief history of German filmmaking from its beginnings, and a discussion of the "grammar of film", the course follows the development of the New German Cinema after 1945, examining selected works against the social, economic, and political background.

The course will be conducted as a lecture/seminar course, with showings and discussions of relevant films (screen/video).
Language of instruction: English.

3000 ADVANCED GERMAN
Advanced grammar and syntax, further expansion of the active vocabulary, introduction to stylistics. Frequent compositions and oral reports. Three class periods and one period of oral practice in the language laboratory.
Prereq: German 2000 ; or permission of the Department.

3101 ROMANTIC POETRY*
This course will place its main emphasis on the genre of romantic poetry and poetics, including German Lieder to show the close relationship between music and literature of the period. Also the continuation of Romantic concepts of poetry within the twentieth century will be examined. This course is also designed to develop students' reading and writing ability in German. Special emphasis will be placed on oral skills by frequent poetry reading.
Prereq: German 2000; or permission of the Department. *Students with credit for German 3030 cannot claim credit for German 3101 and/or German 3111.

3111 ROMANTIC PROSE*
Representative works of the romantic period in German literature, including short stories, Märchen and dramas will be read. Wherever possible, contemporary works of other European literatures will be drawn on so that a definition of Romanticism in its European context will emerge. This course is also designed to develop students' reading and writing ability as well as aural and oral skills through frequent discussions.
Prereq: German 2000; or permission of the Department.
*Students with credit for German 3030 cannot claim credit for German 3101 and/or German 3111.

3211 NINETEENTH CENTURY GERMAN LITERATURE
Representative works of "Biedermeier" and poetic realism will be examined as a reaction to earlier German idealistic literature and as a reflection of a more scientific, objective view of the world. The more radical realism of "Naturalismus" toward the end of the 19th century will be contrasted to the symbolistic movement, impressionism and neo-romanticism. This course will also expose students to various approaches to literary interpretations as well as develop their reading, aural and oral skills in German.
Prereq: German 2000; or permission of the Department.

3221 EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY GERMAN LITERATURE
This course traces German literature as a reflection of political, sociological, economic, and scientific developments from a period of optimism before World War I to the turbulent twenties, through years of oppression during the Third Reich to the immediate post-war period dominated by attempts to come to terms with Germany's war-time experiences. This course is also designed to develop the students' reading, aural, and oral skills in German.
Prereq: German 2000; or permission of the Department.

3231 MODERN GERMAN LITERATURE
Selected works of writers from German-speaking countries will be read. These works will reflect on the partition of Germany after World War II into politically opposing camps, the economic miracle in West Germany with its social implications, and the continued pre-occupation of a united Germany with its fascist and communist past. This course is designed to develop the student's reading ability, aural and oral skills in German.
Prereq: German 2000; or permission of the Department.

3301 ENLIGHTENMENT LITERATURE*
A study of representative works of those authors who helped shape the period generally known as the German Enlightenment, the first age in German cultural history which recognized the instrumental role people can play in determining their own destiny in this world (cf. Kant's definition of "Aufklärung"). Authors to be studied include Brockes, Haller, Gellert, Lessing, and Wieland.
Prereq: German 2000; or permission of the Department.
*Students with credit for German 3040 cannot claim credit for German 3301 and/or German 3311.

3311 LITERATURE OF THE LATE 18TH CENTURY*
It is the aim of this course to demonstrate the underlying unity in the varied patterns which constitute this period. Terms such as Empfindsamkeit and Sturm und Drang will all be shown to be contributing to, and be manifestations of, the complex nature of Enlightenment from which German Classicism, Romanticism and Realism emerge as resulting alternatives. Authors to be studied include Lenz, Herder and the young Goethe and Schiller.
Prereq: German 2000; or permission of the Department.
*Students with credit for German 3040 cannot claim credit for German 3301 and/or German 3311.

4030 GOETHE AND SCHILLER
The course is based on a close reading of the major works of Goethe and Schiller. It traces the intellectual and literary development in Germany from the Storm and Stress period of the young Goethe to German Classicism which coincides with the friendship and interaction between Goethe and Schiller. In addition to several dramas by both authors, their major poems will be discussed. The last eight weeks or so will be devoted to a close study of Faust I and II. The course will be conducted as a seminar involving class discussion and lectures. Two essays and two examinations will be required.
Prereq: Six 3000 level German credits; or permission of the Department.

4040 SURVEY OF EARLY GERMAN LITERATURE
The development of German literature from the Middle Ages to the Age of Enlightenment will be traced through detailed analysis and discussion of selected works from each period. Texts chosen will be examined within their cultural and social context, as well as with regard to their relation to the other European Literatures. The ultimate aim of the course is the furthering of an understanding of the forces (cultural, social, economic) which helped create the Welmar Classicism of Goethe and Schiller. The course will be conducted as a seminar (two 75-minutes periods per week). Two essays and two examinations will be required

4950/4951 SEMINAR
Detailed study of individual authors or literary themes. The content of the course must be approved by the Department and arrangements made during the preceding Spring.
Prereq: Six 3000 level German credits; or permission of the Department.

4990 HONOURS ESSAY
The subject and program of research must be submitted to the Department for approval, normally at the end of the student's third year; and the candidate is to be directly responsible to a supervisor and the Department. The essay must be written in German.
Prereq: Six 3000 level German credits; or permission of the Department.

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