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College of Arts
and Sciences (College)
2006-2008
Academic Bulletin

College Programs
College of Arts and Sciences (College) 
Kirkwood Hall 104 
130 S. Woodlawn 
Bloomington, IN 47405  
Local (812) 855-1821 
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Germanic Studies

Faculty
Introduction
Secondary Teacher Certification
Major in Germanic Studies
Minor in Germanic Studies
Minor in Dutch Studies
Minor in Yiddish Studies
Departmental Honors Program
Overseas Study
German House
Course Descriptions

Faculty

Chairperson

Professor William Rasch

Professors

Kari Gade, Dov-Ber Kerler, Breon Mitchell, William Rasch, Rex Sprouse, Marc Weiner

Associate Professors

Claudia Breger, Fritz Breithaupt, Michel Chaouli

Assistant Professors

Susanne Even, Tracy Alan Hall, Benjamin Robinson

Acting Assistant Professor

Johannes Türk

Senior Lecturer

Esther Ham

Lecturer

Troy Byler, Nikole Langjahr, Gergana May

Academic Advising

Ballantine Hall 644, (812) 855-1553

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Introduction

The Department of Germanic Studies (GER) offers a full curriculum including German language, linguistics, literature, and culture, as well as courses in Dutch, Yiddish, and Norwegian. Faculty members teach at all levels; class sizes are moderate to small; and there are many opportunities for direct student-faculty contact.

Many Germanic Studies majors complement their study of German with a major in another department or with a teaching certificate. The department encourages students with interests in business or international studies to learn German. Information on placement and proficiency tests can be found in this bulletin by referring to "Foreign languages, placement" in the "Index."

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Secondary Teacher Certification

Candidates should consult the School of Education Undergraduate Program Bulletin and their department's advisor.

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Major in Germanic Studies

Requirements

Students must complete the following:

  1. One 300-level course each in language (G330), literature (G305 or G306), and culture studies (G362 or G363). If a student places out of G330, a higher course approved by the director of undergraduate studies must be substituted for G330.
  2. Four 400-level courses in language, linguistics, literature, or culture that give credit in German. Students must also complete the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, including at least 25 credit hours in the major subject area above the 100 level.

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Minor in Germanic Studies

Requirements

Students must complete 15 credit hours, including the following:

  1. G300 and G330. If a student places out of G300, or G300 and G330, a higher course approved by the director of undergraduate studies must be substituted for each course.
  2. Three additional courses on the 300-400 level for which credit in German is given. (G262, G277, G390, N350, N450, Y300 or Y350 may be substituted for one such course; G375 does not count toward the minor).

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Minor in Dutch Studies

Requirements

Students must complete the following: N150, N200, N250, N350, and N450.

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Minor in Yiddish Studies

Requirements

Students must complete the following:

  1. GER Y150 (4 cr.)
  2. GER Y200 (3 cr.)
  3. GER Y250 (3 cr.)
  4. 6 additional credits chosen from GER Y300/ CMLT C377; GER Y350/CMLT C378; GER Y495; or HIST D304 Jews of Eastern Europe (3 cr.).

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Departmental Honors Program

Students are identified as potential candidates for the honors program through recommendation by a professor in any 300- or 400-level course. Outstanding students with a minimum grade point average of at least 3.500 in German courses and a 3.300 GPA overall may apply for admission to the honors program.

In addition to regular course work toward a major in Germanic studies, honors students complete from one to three honors tutorials (G399) and an honors thesis (G499). Honors work is guided and approved by the departmental honors advisor, who also serves as the candidate's major advisor.

Work in G399 and G499 is closely supervised by individual faculty members. On the basis of outstanding performance in the regular major program, in tutorials, and on the thesis, the departmental honors advisor will recommend graduation with departmental honors in Germanic Studies. For detailed information, please contact the honors advisor.

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Overseas Study

All students who have completed G200 may apply to participate in Indiana University's Overseas Study Program in Graz, held each year in May and June. This program features residential placement with Austrian families, while each student takes an Austrian culture course and a German language course.

Outstanding students with 300-level proficiency may spend one or both semesters of their junior or senior year, with full credit, at the Indiana University Overseas Study Program in Freiburg, Germany. With consent of the dean, the junior year may be taken in other overseas programs in Germany or Austria. Before enrolling in foreign institutions, students must consult the director of undergraduate studies. For information about study abroad, contact the Office of Overseas Study, Franklin Hall 303, (812) 855-9304.

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German House

The Department of Germanic Studies cooperates with the Global Village Living Learning Center in offering residential and nonresidential programs for students with a common interest in studying German. Associate instructors participate in programs arranged by the students and eat at the German Table weekly.

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Course Descriptions

German

To advance to some higher-level German courses, students must earn a grade of C- or higher in the preceding course.

G100-G150 Beginning German I-II (4-4 cr.) P for G150: G100 with a minimum grade of C-. Introduction to present-day German and to selected aspects of German culture. Survey of the language: structure and meaning. Introduction to German grammatical forms and their function. Development of listening comprehension, simple speaking proficiency, controlled reading and writing skills. Credit given for only one of the following: G100-G150 or G105. I Sem., II Sem., SS.

G105-G106 Accelerated Elementary German I-II (5-5 cr.) R: Highly motivated students or those with proficiency in another foreign language. All elements of grammar, principles of word formation, phonetic and phonemic concepts, structure analysis, extensive reading, and active use of German. Credit given for only one of the following: G105 or G100-G150. Credit given for only one of the following: G106 or G200-G250. G105, I Sem.; G106, II Sem.

G200 Oral Practice, Writing, and Reading I (3 cr.) P: G150 or G105 with a minimum grade of C-. Further development of oral and written command of language structures. Reading of literary and non-literary texts. Credit given for only one of the following: G200 or G106. I Sem., II Sem., SS.

G250 Oral Practice, Writing, and Reading II (3 cr.) P: G200 with a minimum grade of C-. Review of selected grammatical items. Reading of modern German prose and plays with stress on discussion in German. Writing of descriptive and expository prose based on the reading material. Students should not enroll in both G106 and G250. I Sem., II Sem., SS.

G262 Contemporary Austria (3 cr.) S & H, CSB P: Participation in the Graz Summer Program. An on-site introduction to Austrian culture and its roots. Family, education, religion and the arts, music, customs and traditions; the economy and tourist industry; historical relations with Germany and the new identity of the Second Republic. Taught in English.

G300 Deutsch: Mittelstufe I (3 cr.) P: G250 or G106 with a minimum grade of C-. Comprehensive review of grammatical points introduced in G100 through G250. Reading proficiency, systematic vocabulary building, composition, and discussion through the assignment of short literary texts and one novel or play. Conducted in German. I Sem., II Sem.

G305 Introduction to German Literature: Types (3 cr.) A & H P: G300 with a minimum grade of C-. R: G330. Study of literary types (narrative, dramatic, lyric), with examples of each selected from two or more periods. I Sem.

G306 Introduction to German Literature: Themes (3 cr.) A & H P: G300 with a minimum grade of C-. R: G330. Study of a single literary theme (such as music, generational conflict, love, revolution) as represented in two or more periods. II Sem.

G330 Deutsch: Mittelstufe II (3 cr.) P: G300 with a minimum grade of C-. Advanced oral and written communication. Study of selected advanced grammatical topics. Reading of primarily non-literary texts. Conducted in German. Required for teacher certification. I Sem., II Sem.

G362 Deutsche Landeskunde (3 cr.) S & H, CSB P: G300 with a minimum grade of C-. R: G330. An overview of contemporary German civilization, with attention to the other German-speaking countries. Political, economic, and social organization. Lectures in German; discussions in German or English.

G363 Deutsche Kulturgeschichte (3 cr.) A & H, CSB P: G300 with a minimum grade of C-. R: G330. A survey of the cultural history of German-speaking countries, with reference to its social, economic, and political context. Lectures in German; discussions in German or English. Credit given for only one of G363 or G364.

G375 Conversational German (2 cr.) P: G330 with a minimum grade of C-. Emphasis on developing oral proficiency. Students are expected to increase their vocabularies, gain more accuracy in self-expression, and develop a sensitivity to appropriate usage. Texts for the course will include examples from contemporary German media. Assignments may include dialogues, skits, and parodies.

G400 Deutsch: Oberstufe (3 cr.) P: G330 with a minimum grade of C-. Reading, discussion, and analysis (structural and grammatical) of advanced non-literary texts (academic essays, scientific articles, journals, newspaper articles, interviews, etc.). Development of writing skills. Conducted in German.

G403 Deutsche Literatur: Mittelalter bis Romantik (3 cr.) A & H P: G305 or G306. Historical survey of major literary developments from the Middle Ages to romanticism.

G404 Deutsche Literatur seit der Romantik (3 cr.) A & H P: G305 or G306. Historical survey of major literary developments from Young Germany to recent writing in German-speaking Europe.

G415 Perspectives on German Literature (3 cr.) A & H P: G305 or G306. Study of one aspect of German literature: formal, historical, political, psychological, etc. Relation to wider concerns in and outside of literature. Topic announced in the online Schedule of Classes. May be repeated once with different topic.

G416 Studies in German Authors (3 cr.) A & H P: G305 or G306. Life and works of a major author or a group of authors. Topic announced in the online Schedule of Classes. May be repeated once with different topic.

G418 German Film and Popular Culture (3 cr.) A & H, CSB P: G305 or G306. Study of German film and/or other manifestations of German popular culture (television, music, cabaret, Trivialliteratur of the twentieth century).

G448 The Sounds of Modern German (3 cr.) N & M P: G330. Phonetics of modern German, including practice in transcription, contrastive analysis of English and German, and attention to pronunciation. Brief historical sketch of principal phonological developments. Recommended for undergraduate majors, graduate students without previous training in linguistics, and prospective teachers.

G451 Introduction to the Structure of Modern German (3 cr.) N & M P: G330. The syntax of modern German, with a practical introduction to the methods of grammatical analysis. Recommended for undergraduate majors and prospective graduate teachers.

G458 Principles of German Word Formation (3 cr.) N & M P: G330. In-depth study of the principles underlying word formation (morphology) in German. Comparative study of inflection, derivation, and compounding in German and English.

G464 Kultur und Gesellschaft (3 cr.) S & H CSB R: G362 or G363. The interaction of social, intellectual, and artistic forces in German life of the past two centuries, with emphasis on important developments and figures. May be repeated once with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

G491 Elementary German for Graduate Students (4 cr., undergrad.; 3 cr., grad.) Introduction to structure of the language necessary for reading, followed by reading in graded texts of a general nature. Open, with consent of the instructor, to undergraduates who have already completed the language requirement for the B.A. in another language. Credit not given for G491 and G100 or G150. I Sem., SS.

G492 Readings in German for Graduate Students (4 cr., undergrad.; 3 cr., grad.) P: G491 or consent of department. Credit not given for G492 and G106, G200, or G250. II Sem., SS.

German and Germanic Culture in Translation

G255 Tradition and Innovation in German Literature (3 cr.) A & H Major themes and ideas in prominent works of German literature (lyric, fiction, drama) in translation, selected from various historical periods. Lectures and discussions in English. No credit given in German.

G277 Sex and Gender in Germany (3 cr.) S & H, CSB Study of the shifting definitions and social constructions of masculinity, femininity, homosexuality, and related topics, as reflected in the cultural documents (texts, films, music, etc.) of German-speaking society from the Enlightenment to the present. Readings, lectures, and discussions in English. No credit given in German.

G350 Vikings and Sagas (3 cr.) A & H Introduction to Viking culture (c. 800-1100) and its reflections in selected sagas. Readings, lectures, and discussions. Readings in English. No credit in German.

G364 German Cultural History (3 cr.) A & H, CSB A survey of the cultural history of German speaking countries, with reference to its social, economic, and political context. Taught in English; no credit in German. Credit given for only one of G363 and G364.

G390 German Film Culture (3 cr.) A & H, CSB An introduction to the methods of film studies by examining the aesthetic, sociological, political, and philosophical contexts of German film, as well as its role in the development of European and American cinematic tradition. Readings, lectures, and discussions in English. No credit given in German.

V400 Contemporary Germany (3 cr.) S & H, CSB Political, sociological, economic, and cultural aspects of present-day Germany. Comparison with adjacent states. Reading knowledge of German not required.

V405 Special Topics in German Studies (1-3 cr.) Topics dealing with language, literature, and culture of any of the German-speaking countries, generally in the more recent historical periods. May be repeated for maximum of 12 credit hours. Credit in German requires substantial course work in German and prior approval by the director of undergraduate studies.

V406 Literature and Society since 1945 (3 cr.) A & H, CSB Major public concerns as reflected in German literature since World War II. Literary art in its cultural and political context. Taught in English. Credit in German requires substantial course work in German and prior approval by the director of undergraduate studies.

V415 Individual Readings in German Studies (1-3 cr.) May be repeated.

Dutch

N100 Intensive Dutch I (4 cr.) Development of speaking ability, with stress on pronunciation, leading to fluency on restricted topics. Introduction to grammar. Reading of annotated stories.

N150 Intensive Dutch II (4 cr.) P: N100 or consent of instructor. Completion of grammatical study begun in N100; continued stress on speaking Dutch on selected topics; rapid expansion of reading ability using literary and cultural materials.

N200 Dutch Reading, Composition, and Conversation I (3 cr.) P: N150 or consent of instructor. Development of oral fluency; attention to idiom. Further grammatical study; attention to formal writing style. Readings in Dutch literature and culture.

N250 Dutch Reading, Composition, and Conversation II (3 cr.) P: N200 or consent of instructor. Further development of style and idiom in speaking and writing. Reading of novels. Oral and written practice on topics of contemporary Dutch life.

N300 Advanced Dutch I (3 cr.) P: N250 with a minimum grade of C-. Comprehensive review of grammatical points introduced in N100 through N250. Reading proficiency, different levels of style and expression, and written argumentation. Discussion through short literary texts, and one novel. Conducted in Dutch.

N330 Advanced Dutch II (3 cr.) P: N300 with minimum grade of C-. Introduction to different levels of style and expression and to written argumentation in Dutch. Texts include various literary genres and form the basis for in-class discussion and for exercises designed to develop oral and written fluency. Conducted in Dutch.

N350 Dutch Culture: The Modern Netherlands (3 cr.) S & H, CSB Development of a complex modern society of 15 million people in a physically unique area one-third the size of Indiana. The interaction of geography, social structure, political system, religion, and literature. Readings in English. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

N450 The Golden Age of Dutch Culture (3 cr.) A & H, CSB Rise of the Dutch Republic; impact on technology, shipping, global commerce, and finance. Politics, social developments, religion, ideas, and culture of the Dutch Golden Age. Vermeer, Spinoza, Grotius, and other artists and writers. Special attention to Rembrandt, and to what can be learned about his times from his work. II Sem.

Scandinavian

K100 Beginning Norwegian I (4 cr.) Development of listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills in a cultural context. Introduction to grammar. I Sem.

K150 Beginning Norwegian II (4 cr.) P: K100 with the grade of C- or higher, or equivalent. Further development of listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills. Introduction to Norwegian literature and culture. Review of grammar and study of new grammatical topics. II Sem.

K200 Intermediate Norwegian I (3 cr.) P: K150 with a grade of C- or higher, or equivalent. Further development of oral and written command and language structures. Reading and discussion of literary and non-literary texts in a cultural context. Review of grammar and study of grammatical topics.

K250 Intermediate Norwegian II (3 cr.) P: K200 with the grade of C- or higher, or equivalent. Advanced reading proficiency, systematic vocabulary building, composition, and discussion of literary and non-literary texts in cultural and historical contexts. Review of grammar. Conducted in Norwegian.

K350 Topics in Scandinavian Culture (3 cr.) A & H, CSB Topics dealing with language, literature, and culture in Norway and other Scandinavian countries in more recent historical periods. Discussions located within a comparative overview of political, economic, and social realms of the Nordic nations. Lectures in English. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

S491 Scandinavian Languages for Reading Knowledge (4 cr.) Introduction to the structure of Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish necessary for reading, followed by reading in graded texts in the area of Scandinavian studies. Open to undergraduates who have already completed the language requirement for the B.A. in another language, and to other undergraduates with the consent of the instructor.

Yiddish

Y100 Beginning Yiddish I (4 cr.) No previous knowledge of Yiddish or German required for Y100. Introduction to the Yiddish language and selected aspects of Yiddish-language culture. Development of listening comprehension, simple speaking proficiency, controlled reading and writing skills.

Y150 Beginning Yiddish II (4 cr.) P: Y100. Introduction to the Yiddish language and selected aspects of Yiddish-language culture. Development of listening comprehension, simple speaking proficiency, controlled reading and writing skills.

Y200 Intermediate Yiddish I (3 cr.) P: Y150 or consent of instructor. Development of speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. Review of basic grammar and study of new grammatical topics. Reading of short fictional texts and other writings on Jewish culture. Taught in alternate years.

Y250 Intermediate Yiddish II (3 cr.) P: Y200 or consent of instructor. Continuing development of active and passive skills. Additional new grammar concepts. Emphasis on development of reading skills and cultural knowledge through literary and journalistic texts including texts in nonstandardized orthographies. Taught in alternate years.

Y300 Topics in Yiddish Literature (3 cr.) A & H, CSA Selected topics focusing on Yiddish fiction and drama (1810-1914) or twentieth-century Yiddish fiction, drama, and poetry. Taught in English. No prior knowledge of Yiddish required. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Credit given for either Y300, CMLT C300, or CMLT C377 per semester.

Y350 Topics in Yiddish Culture (3 cr.) A & H, CSA Selected topics on history of Ashkenazic Jews; Old Yiddish and premodern Yiddish folklore and popular culture; history and sociology of Yiddish; modern Yiddish culture; and centers of modern Yiddish culture. Taught in English. No prior knowledge of Yiddish required. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Credit given for either Y350, CMLT C350, or CMLT C378 per semester.

Y495 Individual Readings in Yiddish Studies: Language, Literature, Culture (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Guided readings. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours.

Other Courses

G296 German Language Abroad (1-6 cr.) P: Acceptance into an Indiana University­ approved overseas study program. Credit for foreign study in German language when no specific equivalent is available among departmental offerings. Credits in G296 not counted toward major. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

G396 German Language Abroad (1-6 cr.) P: Acceptance into an Indiana University­ approved overseas study program. Credit for foreign study in German language above the level of G296 when no specific equivalent is available among departmental offerings. Credits in G396 not counted toward major. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

G397 Residential Workshop (1-2 cr., 6 cr. max.) P: Consent of chairperson and instructor. Discussion and workshop (performance, drama reading, etc.) given in residential units; conducted in German. Topic set in consultation with student group. May be repeated.

G399 Honors Tutorial (1-2 cr., 4 cr. max.) P: Consent of departmental honors advisor. Tutorial may be taken for 1 credit hour in conjunction with an upper-level course in which the student is concurrently enrolled, or independently for 2 credit hours under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated twice.

G430 College Teaching Internship (2 cr.) P: G330 and consent of director of undergraduate studies. Observation of and participation in the teaching of an undergraduate German course. Recommended for teacher certification candidates. Counts toward teacher certification but not toward 400-level concentration in German.

G495 Individual Readings in Germanic Literatures (German, Scandinavian, Netherlandic) (1-3 cr.; 6 cr. max.) P: Consent of departmental chairperson.

G496 Foreign Study in German (3-8 cr.; once only) Planning of research project during year preceding summer abroad. At least one week of research abroad required for each credit hour. Paper due by end of semester following foreign study. Arrangements for credit are to be made in advance in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies.

G499 Honors Thesis (3 cr.) P: G399 and consent of departmental honors advisor.

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