This course introduces you to both the periods and genres of German literature from the Middle Ages to modern times. We will read and analyze examples of various literary genres (poetry, drama, and narrative), explore brief examples of literature from multiple literary epochs, and learn terminology for analyzing literature. These analyses will help us address larger questions: Why do we read literature? What relevance does it have in today’s world? How can it benefit you personally? The course will also give you practice in all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. All readings, assignments, and discussions are in German; the course is aimed at students who have completed GRMN 2002 or higher.
This course carries the Humanities Attribute. By the end of the course, you should have achieved both the Humanities Core IMPACTS expectations and the School of Modern Languages performance goals listed here:
ML PERFORMANCE GOAL #1: ADVANCED COMMUNICATION
ML Learning Outcome 1: Demonstrate oral and aural proficiency in the target language
Students will demonstrate oral proficiency at the intermediate-mid or higher level on the ACTFL scale through two oral news reports and facilitations of discussions throughout the semester.
ML Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate effective presentation skills in the target language
Students will perform an oral presentation, individually or in groups, on a course related topic at the end of the semester.
ML Learning Outcome 3: Demonstrate writing proficiency in the target language
Students will demonstrate writing proficiency at the intermediate-mid or higher level on the ACTFL scale by composing several essays and a final portfolio.
ML Learning Outcome 4: Demonstrate proficiency in comprehension of authentic written and auditive media entries in the target language
Students will demonstrate reading and listening proficiency at the intermediate-mid or higher level on the ACTFL scale as all of their oral and written work is based on authentic material from German-speaking media (websites, books, articles, videos, film etc.).
ML PERFORMANCE GOAL #2: INTERCULTURAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
ML Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a specific target-language topic
Students will paraphrase, summarize, contrast, and compare various themes related to the overarching topic of global citizenship and intercultural competence.
ML Learning Outcome 6: Demonstrate the ability to analyze an issue from target-language perspective(s)
Students will be encouraged to interpret and evaluate an issue from the target culture and language’s perspective and draw comparisons between the US and the target culture and language. They will demonstrate this ability in their written and oral assignments.
ML Learning Outcome 7: Demonstrate critical reflection on cultural complexity and context
Students will be encouraged to reflect, criticize, review, and if needed restate controversial issues from both perspectives, the target culture and the US. They will demonstrate this ability throughout the semester in their oral and written assignments and class discussions.
- Books (available in the Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Note: if you buy these books elsewhere, please be sure to get the same edition, as we will refer to specific page numbers during our discussions)
- E.T.A. Hoffmann: “Der Sandmann” (ISBN: 978-3518188453)
- Friedrich Dürrenmatt: Die Physiker (ISBN: 978-3257230475)
- Access to Canvas – all other readings and assignments are located there.
A bound journal with lined paper.
Your Course Grade will be calculated as follows:
Active class participation 15%
Weekly Perusall comments / Response Journals 15%
Oral Presentation: 10%
Midterm (in-Class): 15%
Compositions:
- Two Essays (15% each) 30%
Final Exam 15%
TOTAL 100%
Since I award daily participation grades, attendance is crucial for that component of your grade; 0 points are awarded for each day of absence. You are allowed two unexcused absences per term with no penalty. (Family and medical emergencies are excusable, but only if you contact me before class and provide an official doctor’s excuse afterward).
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
Students suspected of violating the Georgia Tech Academic Honor Code (https://policylibrary.gatech.edu/student-affairs/academic-honor-code) will be reported, per the policy, and a minimum sanction of a zero score for the quiz, exam, or assignment will be imposed..
For any assignment (paper, oral report, etc.), when you use someone else’s words, ideas, or research, you should credit them properly. This includes use of artificial intelligence of any kind, whether translation software, chatbots / Chat GPT, or other AI (other than when specifically assigned).
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Humanities area. Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas.
This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals. This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
• How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
• Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance, and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
• Ethical Reasoning
• Information Literacy
• Intercultural Competence