Course Catalog 2010-2011 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
German
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Elizabeth Hamilton, Associate Professor of German; Department Chair
Sonja Boos, Visiting Assistant Professor of German
Ines Brünner, Lecturer in German and Faculty-in-Residence
Esther Dischereit, Max Kade Writer-in-Residence
Steven R. Huff, Associate Professor of German
Heidi Thomann Tewarson, Professor of German
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Major
Two majors are offered. A basic knowledge of the German language is fundamental to both.
- The German Major is concerned primarily with the study of
literature. Genres, literary movements, and individual authors and
themes are examined with the aim of expanding the student’s capacity
for literary analysis and appreciation. The German major consists of a
minimum of 31 semester hours which should be accumulated as
follows:
- at least 22 hours in German language, literature, and cinema at the
300 and 400 level. Of these, 311 and 312, two 400-level courses,
including 433, and at least one semester of 304 (Writer-in-Residence)
are required;
- of the 22 hours, no more than nine hours in translation; and
- at least nine hours of upper-level courses in related
literary fields, e.g., comparative literature, literary theory, or
other literature courses.
A minimum of 12 semester hours in German language and literature
(above 204) must be completed at Oberlin. Private reading courses do
not normally count toward the major.
Strongly recommended correlated fields include European History, German History, History of Art, History of Music, and French.
- The German Studies Major places more emphasis on cultural
expressions other than literature (e.g., music, art, film, philosophy,
history). It consists of a minimum of 32 semester hours which may be
accumulated as follows:
- at least 15 hours in German language and literature courses at the
300 and 400 level but not including courses in translation. Of these,
311 and 312, two 400-level courses (including 433) and at least one
semester of 304 (Writer-in-Residence) are required;
- of the15 hours, no more than six hours in German literature in translation; and
- at least nine hours to be selected from courses with total or
substantial (50 percent or more) German content in two or more
disciplines other than German literature.
A minimum of 16 hours toward the German Studies major must be
completed at Oberlin. Private reading courses do not normally count
toward the German Studies major. The entire German staff will
constitute a special committee to administer the German Studies
major.
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Courses in which a student has earned a letter grade lower than a
C-/CR/P cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the major. Honors
Qualified German or German Studies majors should consider the possibility of participating in the departmental Honors Program. Admittance requires a minimum GPA within the major of 3.5 and an overall GPA of 3.0. Outstanding language ability is a firm prerequisite. Students interested in pursuing Honors should consult the department chair at the beginning of the second semester of their junior year for complete procedures.
A BA in German or German Studies can lead to graduate work in German, in comparative literature, or a variety of related fields (e.g., library science, linguistics). German majors have found careers in teaching at all levels, in government work (e.g., State Department), journalism, medicine, law, environmental science, international business, or in music, both in this country and in Europe. Minor
A minor in German consists of 15 hours at the 300 and 400 levels, which may include
one course in translation. One three-hour course must be at the 400 level. German House
The Max Kade German House, a four-class coeducational dormitory, serves as
the focal point for German activities on campus. It affords German students a unique opportunity
to develop their speaking skills in an informal setting. Native speakers are regularly in residence.
Students interested in German are encouraged to live in German House for at least one year. Study Abroad
Exchange Scholar Program. Competitive exchange scholarships are offered for
study at a German university in the junior year. The program is open to all students with
sufficient preparation in German language and literature. Credits earned in this program are
subject to the transfer of credit fee. Students on financial aid should consult the Director of
Financial Aid. The faculty will also advise students about other opportunities for study in
German-speaking countries and assist with applications and enrollment. Winter Term
The department normally offers an intensive Winter Term Beginning German
course that covers the basic elements of grammar and offers practice in simple conversation. This
course is not the equivalent of German 101 and does not automatically qualify students to enter
102. Students who have progressed exceptionally well in the Winter Term course, however, may
upon recommendation of the instructor advance into German 102.
German staff members are available during Winter Term to sponsor individual and group
projects, within their discipline or areas of their interest. Language Laboratory
The Paul and Edith Cooper International Learning Center, located on the third floor of Peters Hall, is designed for both class and individual use at all levels of language learning. Audio, video, and computer materials are available for student use. Laboratory practice is encouraged for all students so that they can further develop their speaking and listening skills.
For further information, consult the German web page: www.oberlin.edu/german. Language Courses (Offered Every Year)
Advanced Literature Courses
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