German (GN)
Bachelor of Arts
Division of Humanities

Judith H. Cox

Germany is the most populous and arguably most influential member state of the European Union and serves as a gateway to eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union. A leading economic power in Europe for years, Germany will continue to play a significant role in the business, economics, and politics of western Europe and the world. Germany and Austria are also of interest to historians, philosophers, and musicians because of their major influence on culture and political events throughout history.

The study of the German language will be beneficial to students of political science, economics, communications, science and technology, international studies, and international business. These factors will also bring about a need for teachers of German at both the secondary and university levels.

The study of a foreign language develops an appreciation of another culture and leads to a better understanding of one’s own language and culture. The major and minor in German aim at developing proficiency in the language, an understanding of German culture, and a basic knowledge of German literature. Students are strongly encouraged to complement their coursework with various on and off campus experiences: dining with faculty and students at the Stammtisch, attending foreign films, studying in a German speaking country either during the interim or summer term or with an approved foreign study program for a semester or a year.

Students may earn credit in German at Birmingham-Southern through the Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programs. A score of four or more on either the grammar or the literature AP examination or a score of five or more on the IB examination will satisfy the general education requirement in foreign language at the College and will also earn credit for the student in the appropriate language course. See the section Credit by Examination under Academic Policy for a full description of the policy.

Major Requirements

The following courses are required (11 units):

• GN 300
• GN 315
• GN 401 and 402
• GN 499
• one unit in GN culture
• five elective units in GN at the 270 level or above

Minor Requirements

The following courses are required (5 units):

• GN 300
• GN 315
• one unit in GN culture
• one unit in GN literature
• one elective unit in GN at the 270 level or above

Courses in German

GN 101 Elementary German I (1)
An introduction to the sounds and structure of the language as well as the culture of German speaking peoples. Work in the language laboratory is required. Emphasis is placed on all four language skills: oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Fall.

GN 102 Elementary German II (1)
A continuation of GN 101. Prerequisite: GN 101 or equivalent. Spring.

GN 220 Intermediate German (1)
Building on beginning German, this course thoroughly reviews basic grammar concepts, builds vocabulary, and further develops all four language skills. Prerequisite: GN 102 or consent. Fall.

GN 270 Gesprächsdeutsch (1)
Instruction and practice in oral comprehension and speaking. Conversation is based on realia (newspapers, magazines, videos). The course increases oral proficiency and awareness of modern culture. Prerequisite: GN 220 or consent.

GN 280 Eine kleine Deutschliteratur (1)
An introduction to German literature as well as to the skills and methods needed to read literature in the German language. This course provides practice in and application of these skills using a variety of genres. The course increases reading proficiency and prepares students for 400 level literature courses. (Does not the satisfy general education requirement in literature.) Prerequisite: GN 220 or consent.

GN 300 Advanced Conversation (1)
Intensive audio lingual practice in the classroom and language laboratory using discussion, oral reports, and contemporary authentic materials. Prerequisite: GN 270 or 280 or consent.

GN 303 Introduction to German Culture I (1)
A study of the cultures of the German speaking lands from their beginnings to the nineteenth century from several aspects: historical, philosophical, sociological, literary, and aesthetic. Lectures, discussions, and readings are in German (an IC designated course). Prerequisite: GN 270 or 280 or consent.

GN 304 Introduction to German Culture II (1)
A continuation of GN 303 from the nineteenth century to the present (an IC designated course). Prerequisite: GN 270 or 280 or consent.

GN 310 German Landeskunde (1)
A study of present-day Germany and its people from several aspects: political, cultural, geographical, and social. All lectures, discussions, and readings are in German. This course is beneficial to those majoring in international business or international studies. Prerequisite: GN 270 or 280 or consent.

GN 315 Advanced Grammar and Composition (1)
A detailed analysis of grammar combined with intensive practice in composition. Prerequisite: GN 270 or 280 or consent.

GN 333 German Across the Curriculum (¼)
Directed readings in the language in conjunction with a course in another discipline. May be taken more than once for credit providing that the disciplinary course is different. Prerequisite: GN 220 or equivalent and consent.

GN 398 Teaching Experience in German (1)
Prerequisite: consent.

GN 401 Survey of German Literature I (1)
The study of the evolution of German literature emphasizing literary movements to 1800 (an IC designated course). Prerequisite: GN 280 or consent.

GN 402 Survey of German Literature II (1)
A continuation of GN 401, from 1800 to the present (an IC designated course). Prerequisite: GN 280 or consent.

GN 410 Die Märchen der Brüder Grimm (1)
An examination of the tales of the Brothers Grimm as well as a sampling of critical theory of fairy tales. Students will become familiar with the history, theory and characteristics of the fairytale genre. Prerequisite: GN 280 or consent.

GN 450 Kriegsliteratur (1)
An examination of German literature and film dealing with Germany and Germans during and between World Wars I & II. Prerequisite: GN 280 or consent.

GN 460 Die deutsche Romantik (1)
Studies of German Romantic Literature. Prerequisite: GN 280 or consent.

GN 493 Independent Study (1)
Directed work for advanced students. Prerequisite: consent.

GN 498 Teaching Experience In German (1)
Prerequisite: consent.

GN 499 Senior Project in German (1)
An independent research project on a literary or cultural topic pertaining to the German language. A substantial paper that demonstrates an advanced degree of proficiency in the written expression of the language and an oral presentation are required. Prerequisite: junior standing. Interim.