Fall 2001 Course Guide

GRMN 101

Elementary German I. Introduction to the basic elements of spoken and written German, with a particular emphasis placed on the acquisition of communication skills. Readings and discussion focus on cultural differences.

001

MTWRF

11-12

M. Wetli

002

MTWRF

12-1

V. Byrd

003

MTWRF

1-2

C. McCandless

680

MW

6:30-8:45

A. Taylor

GRMN 102

Elementary German II. A continuation of GRMN 101. The student’s expression and comprehension are enhanced through the study of literature and social themes.

001

MTWRF

11-12

M. Ryan

002

MTWRF

12-1

J. Moser

GRMN 103

Intermediate German I. Modern German texts of moderate difficulty, an integrated grammar view, targeted study of vocabulary, and wide-ranging activities and projects to advance the student’s command of the language with regard to reading, writing, and speaking skills.

001

MTRF

11-12

M. Elliott-Peters

002

MTRF

12-1

V. Lutz

003

MTRF

1-2

C. Schnader

680**

MW

6:30-8:45**

B. Ozel

GRMN 104

Intermediate German II. Literary and non-literary texts of moderate difficulty.  Continued practice in active communication.  This course is designed to further develop and refine integrative skills of reading, writing, and speaking in German, as well as to prepare students for the Proficiency Examination in German and for advanced-level German courses. If the student is pursuing German to fulfill his or her proficiency requirement, credit for this course is not given until the proficiency exam is passed.

001

MTRF

11-12

L. Sundberg

002

MTRF

12-1

G. Grozdanic

003

MTRF

12-1

Staff

GRMN 180

German in Residence. This is a 1/2 credit course for students living in the Modern Language House.

GRMN
212

Reading Strategies. Prereq. 104 or equiv. This course seeks to develop the student's reading ability in German; emphasis on reading and comprehension of German expository prose, including readings from history, sociology, contemporary affairs, science, and literature.

301

MWF 11-12

J. Moser

GRMN
215

Conversation and Composition. Prereq. 104 or equiv. Emphasizes conversational and writing skills in German. Contemporary topics of interest will be selected for discussions, debates, presentations, and role-playing situations. WWW exercises. Active role in critiquing one another's writing exercises.

001

MWF 12-1

C. Frei

GRMN 219

German Business World I. This course, the first of two classes leading to the Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf, is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts of the German business world: economic geography, the European Union, transportation, tourism, elements of business correspondence, and forms of adequate comportment and manners while in Germany. Significant emphasis is placed on correct usage of appropriate business vocabulary and German grammar. Prerequisites: proficiency exams as required by the German Department at the University of Pennsylvania and completion of at least one third-year course in the department (i.e., German 211, 212, 215,216,221, or an approved equivalent).
Distribution I: Society, FLAC

001

MWF 1-2

Staff

GRMN 225

Business German through Films & Documents. This course is functionally designed to facilitate the acquisition of an extensive business and everyday vocabulary. A series of films dealing with a variety of business transactions as well as selected articles focusing on the most recent economic and political developments in eastern Germany provide the basis for an emphasis on practical applications. This course seeks to reveal cultural and behavioral differences between Germans and Americans, in addition to vocabulary building. As a result, students should acquire a rich basis of factual and cultural knowledge beneficial to anyone contemplating a visit to or a work sojourn in Germany.
Prerequisites: proficiency exams as required by the German Department at the University of Pennsylvania and completion of at least one third-year course in the department (ie. German 211, 212, 215, 216, 221, or an approved equivalent).

680

M 4:30-6:45

F. Brévart

GRMN 269

Introduction to German Culture. In this course, we examine and explore over a thousand years of cultural history of the German-speaking lands with an eye toward clarifying the key cultural knowledge shared by German speakers. From the Germanic tribes to the Holy Roman Empire and into the twentieth century, we examine what makes the German nations -- and peoples -- what they are today. We will pay attention both to mainstream tendencies as well as oppositional political and cultural movements. A special emphasis will be placed on cultural achievements such as literature, music, and architecture as well as on a basic understanding of the politics, economics and cultural formations of Switzerland, Austria and Germany in the 20th and 21st centuries. Speaking knowledge of German is required, but the course will include exercises for improving language skills and learning to discuss difficult cultural concepts in the target language, German.
FLAC

001

MWF 10-11

D. Grodanic

GRMN 373

Dancing on the Volcano: Modern German Writers Confront Evil. This course will discuss some of the most fascinating texts of German literature that reflect Germany's precarious history in the 20th century with two world wars and nazi totalitarianism. Central is the individual's reaction to a situation of danger or threat and the ability to preserve dignity and identity. Students will be enabled to improve their reading and speaking abilities in German on an advanced level. Readings will include shorter pieces and plays by Kafka, Brecht, Böll, Stefan Zweig, Wolf, Weiss, Jurek Becker and others.

001 

TR 1:30-3

F. Trommler

GRMN 378 

Foreign in Germany. Foreign minority groups are integral elements of German society. These groups are comprised of post World War II guestworkers, asylum seekers, German resettlers and immigrants from Eastern Europe. As these groups have increased in number, Germany has struggled with racial, ethnic and religious diversity. This course will provide an overview of the history of foreigners in Germany and their political, social and economic significance. Content-rich reading materials will show Germany as a country that is rapidly developing into a multinational, multiracial and multicultural society. Focusing on the various attitudes of Germans held towards foreigners and the foreigners' attitudes towards life in Germany, the text selection will provide the basis for in-depth study of the subject, including the development of German policy regarding foreigners. Accompanying activities will facilitate communication and grammatical accuracy through small group discussions, role playing, conversations and debate.
FLAC

001

MWF 11-12 

S. Shields

GRMN 531

German Literature to the 18th Century.This course affords a historical overview of authors and their works, genres, and epochs. Special emphasis is placed on social, historical, cultural and religious backgrounds. Readings constitute selected works or passages, or both.

301

MWF 10-11

K. Otto

GRMN 244

Metropolis: Culture of the City. An exploration of modern discourses on and of the city. Topics include: the city as site of avant-garde experimentation; technology and culture; the city as embodiment of social order and disorder; traffic and speed; ways of seeing the city; the crowd; city figures such as the detective, the criminal, the flaneur, the dandy; film as the new medium of the city. Special emphasis on Berlin. Readings by, among others, Dickens, Poe, Baudelaire, Rilke, Döblin, Marx, Engels, Benjamin, Kracauer. Films include Fritz Lang's Metropolis and Tom Tykwer's Run Lola Run. General Requirement I: Society
WATU credit optional

401

TR 12-1:30

C. MacLeod

GRMN 245

Literature and Culture of Central Europe. This course is an introduction to the principal issues, ideas, and genres in the culture of Central Europe from about 1900 to the present. Through the study of literature, cinema, and the East European artistic avant-garde, it explores a unique history that, in this century, extends from the Habsburg empire, through two world wars, to communism and beyond. Classroom lectures will situate individual works in a cultural and historical context, and our discussions will be directed toward regional specificities, the broader engagement of intellectuals with political power, and the literary stylization of Central European experience. Assignments for the course reflect the diversity of local traditions and histories, and encourage students to bring their own interests to the classroom. They also afford structure to students less familiar with specific national literatures. Readings are in English and include representative works from Albanian, Austrian and Croatian, Czech, Polish, and Hungarian fiction.

601

T 6:30-9:10

M. Burri

GRMN  263

401

TR 10:30-12

K. Hellerstein

GRMN 507

Elementary Middle-High German. Designed to familiarize the student with the principal elements of Middle High German grammar and to develop skills in reading and translating a major work of the twelfth century. Limited text interpretation.

301

M 2-4

F. Brevart

GRMN 516

Teaching Methods. This course examines major foreign language methodologies, introduces resources available to foreign language teachers, and addresses current issues and concerns of foreign language teaching and learning such as second language acquisition theory and application of technology.

301

TR 9-10:30

C. Frei

GRMN 531

German Literature to the 18th Century. This course affords a historical overview of authors and their works, genres, and epochs. Special emphasis is placed on social, historical, cultural and religious backgrounds. Readings constitute selected works or passages, or both.

301

MWF 10-11 

K. Otto

GRMN 552 

Kant II. A study of Kant's moral philosophy, political philosophy, and aesthetics, focusing on his Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, Critique of Practical Reason, Metaphysics of Morals, and Critique of Judgement.
Distribution I: Society

401

TR 1:30-3

P. Guyer

GRMN 632

Romanticism. An in-depth investigation of major writers and theorists of German Romanticism. The seminar will consider, among other topics: mythology and history; Romantic constructions of gender; genius, originality, and the creative imagination; allegory and symbol; poetic forms such as Märchen, fragment, and novel. Works by Novalis, Friedrich Schlegel, Dorothea Schlegel, Bettina von Arnim, Ludwig Tieck, Clemens Brentano, E.T.A. Hoffmann, Joseph von Eichendorff, Heinrich Heine.

301

R 3-5

C. MacLeod

GRMN 645

Vienna 1900. At the turn of the twentieth century, Vienna rivaled Paris as cultural capital of Europe. Literature, music, architecture, and the visual arts flourished, and Vienna was also the site of the discussion of new philosophical concepts and the invention of psychoanalysis. The seminar will try to sketch a cultural history of Vienna at this time. Readings will include texts by Sigmund Freud, Otto Weininger, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Arthur Schnitzler, Stefan Zweig, and many others; we will also consider the development in the visual arts, music, and architecture.
Lectures, discussions, and readings in German.

301

W 3-5

L. Weissberg

GRMN 672

Reading Modernity. Modern writers and artists have included the audience in the process of aesthetic production more intensively than earlier generations. This course attempts a rethinking of modernity since the late 19th century as a 'production' through a re-evaluation of theories of reading and reception. It concentrates on works of literature (Döblin, Kafka, Brecht) but touches also on the visual arts (Duchamps and Dada) and the modernity of everyday consumer products. Discussions include concepts of montage, film optics, reader-response, performance. Theoretical readings include Simmel, Benjamin, Barthes, Kracauer, Fish, Kittler, Bürger, Bakhtin.
Lectures, discussions, and readings in English.

401 

 T 3-5

F. Trommler

GRMN 101

Elementary German I. Introduction to the basic elements of spoken and written German, with a particular emphasis placed on the acquisition of communication skills. Readings and discussion focus on cultural differences.

680

MW 6:30-8:45 

A. Taylor

GRMN 103

Intermediate German I. Modern German texts of moderate difficulty, an integrated grammar view, targeted study of vocabulary, and wide-ranging activities and projects to advance the student’s command of the language with regard to reading, writing, and speaking skills.

680

MW 6:30-8:45 

B. Ozel

GRMN 225

Business German through Films & Documents. This course is functionally designed to facilitate the acquisition of an extensive business and everyday vocabulary. A series of films dealing with a variety of business transactions as well as selected articles focusing on the most recent economic and political developments in eastern Germany provide the basis for an emphasis on practical applications. This course seeks to reveal cultural and behavioral differences between Germans and Americans, in addition to vocabulary building. As a result, students should acquire a rich basis of factual and cultural knowledge beneficial to anyone contemplating a visit to or a work sojourn in Germany.
Prerequisites: proficiency exams as required by the German Department at the University of Pennsylvania and completion of at least one third-year course in the department (ie. German 211, 212, 215, 216, 221, or an approved equivalent).

680

M 4:30-6:45

F. Brévart

GRMN 245

Literature and Culture of Central Europe. This course is an introduction to the principal issues, ideas, and genres in the culture of Central Europe from about 1900 to the present. Through the study of literature, cinema, and the East European artistic avant-garde, it explores a unique history that, in this century, extends from the Habsburg empire, through two world wars, to communism and beyond. Classroom lectures will situate individual works in a cultural and historical context, and our discussions will be directed toward regional specificities, the broader engagement of intellectuals with political power, and the literary stylization of Central European experience. Assignments for the course reflect the diversity of local traditions and histories, and encourage students to bring their own interests to the classroom. They also afford structure to students less familiar with specific national literatures. Readings are in English and include representative works from Albanian, Austrian and Croatian, Czech, Polish, and Hungarian fiction.

601

T 6:30-9:10

M. Burri

GRMN 401

Beginning Yiddish I. The goal of this course is to help beginning students develop skills in Yiddish conversation, reading and writing. Yiddish is the medium of a millennium of Jewish life. We will frequently have reason to refer to the history and culture of Ashkenazie Jewry in studying the language.

401

TR 10:30-12 

 A. Botwinik

GRMN 403 

Intermediate Yiddish I. The course will continue with the first year's survey of Yiddish grammar by placing additional emphasis on reading Yiddish texts. The course will also develop conversational skills in Yiddish.

401

TR 1:30-3

  K. Hellerstein

DTCH 101

Elementary Dutch I. A first semester Dutch language course covering the core Dutch grammar and vocabulary with the goal of providing the corner stone for developing overall linguistic proficiency in Dutch.

401

MWF 12-1

 R. Naborn

DTCH 103

Intermediate Dutch I. A third semester Dutch language course. The emphasis lies on vocabulary expansion through the use of audio-taped materials and readings. Grammar is expanded beyond the basics and focuses on compound sentences, features of text coherence and idiomatic language usage.

401

MWF 11-12

  R. Naborn

DTCH 501

Elementary Dutch I. A first semester Dutch language course covering the core Dutch grammar and vocabulary with the goal of providing the corner stone for developing overall linguistic proficiency in Dutch.

401

MWF 12-1

  R. Naborn

DTCH 503

Intermediate Dutch I. A third semester Dutch language course. The emphasis lies on vocabulary expansion through the use of audio-taped materials and readings. Grammar is expanded beyond the basics and focuses on compound sentences, features of text coherence and idiomatic language usage.

401

MWF 11-12

  R. Naborn

DTCH 505

Dutch for Reading Knowledge. This course is designed for undergraduates and graduate students who want to be able to read Dutch. Of particular interest to historians and art historians, people interested in international business and law, religious studies, social policy, and literature. Emphasis on reading skills; structures of grammar and pronounciation are taught as needed. Text selection can be tailored to individual student needs. Students need not necessarily possess any knowledge of Dutch

680

M 6:30-9:10

 R. Naborn

DTCH 399

Independent study. 

000

 TBA

 R. Naborn

DTCH 999

Independent study 

000

TBA 

Staff

SCND 101

Elementary Swedish I. Basic language course stressing grammatical structures and vocabulary, pronunciation, simple conversation and reading of elementary texts. Credit for this course will only be given upon successful completion of SCND 102.

401

MWF 11-12

Staff

SCND 399

Independent Study

000

TBA

Staff

SCND 501

Elementary Swedish I. Basic language course stressing grammatical structures and vocabulary, pronunciation, simple conversation and reading of elementary texts. Credit for this course will only be given upon successful completion of SCND 502.

401

MWF 11-12

Staff

SCND 999

Independent Study

000

TBA

Staff

DTCH 008

Amsterdam: Venice of the North, or a Modern Sodom and Gomorrah?.
This seminar will take you on a virtual canal boat trip through Amsterdam, guided by a Dutch native. Stops along the way include: a peek into the Cum Laude Coffee shop near the Red Light District, looking into how Dutch society tries to cope with drugs and prostitution; the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, witnesses to Holland's art history; the Nederlandsche Bank, the Dutch central bank, also providing insight into European central banking; and the Universiteit van Amsterdam, evidencing the differences between the American and the Dutch educational systems. In-class discussions will include Dutch policies on finance, education, art, health and crime. Through slides, film, texts and the internet you will gather information to engage in these discussions, which will culminate in an essay answering the question in the course title.
Distribution I: Society

301

MWF 10-11

R. Naborn

GRMN 008

301

MWF 11-12

F. Brevart

GRMN 010

My Angel Made Me Do It. Angels, angels, angels -- they are everywhere these days. You've seen them on TV (Touched by an Angel) and in films (e.g. Dogma). What are they really? Do they exist? Who are they? Why do some people think they have one? Good angels? Bad angels? We will explore angels from artistic, literary, theological and cultural perspectives. We will read and discuss, in English, some works of Rilke, Goethe, Milton, Fuentes, Marlowe, Benjamin, France and others; we'll view and discuss Wings of Desire and other films. We will consider the Jewish, the Christian and the Moslem perspectives and views.
Distribution III: Arts & Letters

301

MWF 11-12

K. Otto, Jr.

GRMN 011

Desert Islands: Shipwrecks, Pirates, and Exotic Places. The deserted island has become a popular topic for literature, painting, tv shows, and cartoons. But what is so fascinating about these far-away places where one could imagine a new life, and different civilizations? This seminar will explore this question by exploring philosophical and literary texts, and by discussing examples from the visual arts and recent films and television shows. Readings will include texts by Sophocles, Shakespeare, Defoe, Campe, Schnabel, Rousseau, Poe, Tournier, Cortazar, and others.
Distribution III: Arts & Letters

301

TR 10:30-12

L. Weissberg

HIST 430

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.
The meteoric rise of Hitler's NSDAP in Germany, the nature of Nazi rule, and the final collapse of the Third Reich. The first half of the semester analyzes the appeal of the NSDAP- who joined the party, who voted for it, and why. Nazi mobilization tactics, campaign strategy, and grass-roots techniques, the content of the party's social appeals. The second half of the course concentrates on the Nazis in power, their use of terror and propaganda, their ideological objective, everyday life in the Third Reich, the possibilities of resistance to the regime. Special attention will be devoted to Nazi Jewish policy and the step that led to the "Final Solution" and the Holocaust.

001

Lecture MW 1-2**

**Registration in a recitation section is also required.

T. Childers

PHIL 267

Kant and the 19th Century.
After an orientation to Kant's philosophy, we will examine Hegel, Feuerbach, Marx, and Nietzsche.
Distribution II: History and Tradition

301

MWF 1-2

C. Bowman

MUSC 040

History of the Symphony. In this course, we shall study, in close detail, representative symphonies by such composers as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Berlioz, Schumann, Brahms, Tchaikowsky, and Mahler. Historical developments will be considered, along with the effects upon symphonic literature of such major sociological changes as the emergence of the public concert hall. But the emphasis will be on the music itself--particularly on the ways we can sharpen our abilities to engage and comprehend the composers' musical rhetoric. An attempt will be made to correlate the repertory studied with works scheduled for performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra, for which discount or complimentary tickets are generally available. No technical skills in music are required as a prerequisite for this course.
Distribution III: Arts & Letters

301

E. Narmour