GERM 396 - SLP German Language: Yesterday and Today

Semester Offered: Second Semester
Full Course
Credits: 4 credits
Attribute: 4HU, CD

This is a real-time Shared Languages course that students will take via Zoom videoconferencing technology. The instructor is Dr. Lee Forrester, Professor of German at Hope College. This course is split into two main parts. First it serves as an introduction to the sounds of German. Students will learn basic phonetic and phonological theory as applied to German pronunciation. A contrastive analysis of German and English will help students understand the main challenges for English speakers. We will work systematically on improving pronunciation and accent.

The second half of the course is an introduction to the history and development of the German language from runes (tribal times) to the present. Topics covered include the relationship of German to English and other European languages, changes in the German language, modern German dialects and a quick introduction to two other Germanic languages: Dutch and Swedish.

Students will come away from the course with a deeper understanding of the sound system of German, more accurate pronunciation, and an appreciation for dialect nuance and the rich history of the German language.

Instructor: S. Huff

Consent of the Instructor Required: Yes
Prerequisites & Notes: German 204 (4th semester) or equivalent.