German 325:
Contemporary German Civilization
COURSE DESCRIPTION

Description:

This course will follow the radical changes in German society during the twentieth century. We begin by discussing World War I and the subsequent establishment of the Weimar Republic, then we consider the period of National Socialism and the origins of World War II. After that we examine the post-war occupation of Germany and the development of two German states, the FRG and the GDR, with a discussion of some of their political and social differences. Finally, we look at the process of German unification and the recent events in the Federal Republic.

Student work for this class is based on a synthesis of reading and writing assignments, but also requires participation in class discussions. It presumes a fifth-semester speaking ability. The course is conducted entirely in German.

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Assignments:

1. Reading assignments are due on the day indicated on the syllabus. Unless otherwise noted, the pages cited are from Geschichtsbuch 4: Die Menschen und ihre Geschichte in Darstellungen und Dokumenten. (Berlin: Cornelsen, 1996; ISBN 3-464-64204-6). Other readings listed on the syllabus will be from the packet of materials available online with a password.
   
   
2. Several film assignments (Triumph des Willens, Berlin, Symphonie einer Großstadt, Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum, Goodbye Lenin) noted on the syllabus are required course work and are to be viewed before class on the date due. They are approximately one hour long (except Katharina Blum and Goodbye Lenin--2 hours) and are available in the UGL Audiovisual Lab under the call numbers listed on the syllabus. (They may also be rented at select local video stores or viewed in the LIATS lab, MEZ 2.104A).
   
   
3. Written assignments for this class will consist of five brief analyses of one or more aspects of the readings. You will find the assignment sheets for these "Précis-Essays" by clicking Aufgaben on the syllabus page; these essays are due on the dates specified on the syllabus [P]. They should not exceed two pages in length and should be typed, double-spaced and proof read. Questions for the day are available by clicking Fragen [F] on the syllabus page and answers should be handed in on the dates listed.
   
   
4. In the last three weeks of the semester teams of two students will take a five-minute position presentation in German using PowerPoint. The team should choose a controversial topic of current relevance (i.e. during last five years) in Germany, with each person debating one side of the issue. The presentation can cover any aspect of politics, culture, economics, or society (topic is due October 28, see Syllabus.) Click on Aufgaben for specific suggestions regarding format and suggested topics. The presentation should be based on one or more German sources. A draft of the PowerPoint and copies of German sources must be handed in a week in advance of presentation. There will be a sign-up sheet for presentation dates [E for Einstellung].
   
   
5. Participation in class discussions is expected of all students. There are three in-class 'debates' scheduled on the syllabus [D], click there to identify the topics of all groups. Your topic and group will be available on Blackboard. One purpose of this course is to challenge you to develop and express your ideas in German. Active participation in discussions and in debates is graded (see Aufgaben). As a result, undue absences will affect your grade.
   
   

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Grading:

Three Exams (15%, 15%, 20%)	50%
Five Précis-Essays (5 points each)	25%
Three Debates (2 points each)	6%
Three Questions (2 points each)	6%
Einstellungen	7%
Six Quizzes (1 point each)	6%

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Please ask if you have any questions. I want to make this course as interesting and accessible as possible!

NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED; NO MAKE-UP EXAMS UNLESS ARRANGED IN ADVANCE.