"GRMN 211A/212A Intermediate German: Migration und Deutschland Aures Fa" by Inge Aures
 

Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

Fall 2024

Course Description

In this course we will discuss various aspects of “Heimat” and migration in the context of Germany. We will first take look at Germany and the Germans. Who are the Germans? What does the term “Heimat” mean? How do Germans, migrants, and Germans with a migratory background perceive language? What are the dominant religions and how do they figure into the migration experience? We will then look at Germany’s history of migration: Who left Germany and why? Who migrated to Germany and why? How do migrants experience life in Germany? What obstacles do they face? We will explore these topics through authentic German texts and videos. Course goals: German 211/212 is an intermediate German course. During the course of the semester you will develop your German reading, speaking, listening and writing skills. We will work on improving our communicative skills and understanding of authentic German texts and other cultural artifacts. Based on these cultural materials we will analyze and interpret human experiences and interactions. Examining a foreign culture in a foreign language opens up new ways of thinking and empathizing with others. We will review German grammar as we go along but the focus will be on understanding German texts, expressing yourself in German (both orally and in writing), expanding your German vocabulary, and gaining greater insight into German culture. We will draw comparisons from the information gained to our own cultural experiences, recognize and identify cultural patterns as they apply to ourselves and others. You are expected to speak GERMAN ONLY in class, both with your instructor and with other students. As much as possible, class will be conducted in German.

Student Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will 1) be able to articulate and discuss responses to personal experiences and course texts in both oral and written form (achieving A2/B1 level at the end of 212). 2) be able to demonstrate understanding of course texts (medium complexity) and use them to illuminate German-language cultural contexts 3) be able to analyze and interpret course texts to shed light on human interactions and experience. 4) be able to identify cross-cultural differences related to class material and to contrast cultural patterns in German-language and their native cultures 5) be able to use work with these texts to consider significant questions in their own lives

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