Course Outline

Advanced German 302D is designed to refine and expand your German communication skills (speaking, listening, writing, reading). The course will introduce you to a more sophisticated use of vocabulary, and work through problems of stylistic expression. At the same time, the course will introduce you to a variety of cultural issues pertinent to contemporary Germany and help you learn to interpret and evaluate fictional and non-fictional materials.

The majority of texts and films this semester were written or produced during the 1990s. They reflect the emergence of a new generation of German writers and filmmakers who challenge some of the paradigms of postwar literary and film culture. Most of the texts deal with issues of individual transformation and redress, of generational conflict and imaginary escape. We will witness protagonists struggling with the legacies of the past or searching for new orientations. We will encounter characters realizing their dreams and passions or being shattered by the intractable order of the day. And we will read novels and view films that, in spite of their very personal voices and designs, enable us to explore the diversity and heterogeneity of German culture today.

Procedures

This class will be conducted entirely in German. Advanced German is a work-intensive course. Its success will depend on you and the amount of time you invest. Please be aware that attendance in both the main section and the subsection is crucial. Unexcused absences affect your grade in the performance and written homework category.

Prerequisites

German 301D, the equivalent, or placement by examination

Required Texts

Required course materials are available for purchase at the Washington University Bookstore:

• Corl, Kathryn, et al. Übergänge: Texte Verfassen. Boston: Heinle & Heinle, 1994.
• Delius, Friedrich Christian. Der Spaziergang von Rostock nach Syrakus. Reinbek: Rowohlt Taschenbuch, 1998.
• Dörrie, Doris. Der Mann meiner Träume. Zurich: Diogenes, 1992.
• Kracht, Christian. Faserland. Munich: Goldmann, 1997.
• Lebert, Benjamin. Crazy. Cologne: Kiepenheuer, 2000.
• Schlink, Bernhard. Der Vorleser. Zurich: Diogenes, 1997.
• Teichel, Hans-Ulrich. Der Verlorene. Frankfurt a. M.: Surhkamp, 1998
• Wahrig, Gerhard. Deutsches Wörterbuch.

Grades

Your final grade will be determined by the following breakdown:

• 50% classwork
• 30% weekly essays
• 20% final essay

Subsection

The bi-weekly subsection is an integral part of this course. It is designed to review grammar issues and improve your writing. Weekly writing assignments for this subsections are due every Friday by 1 pm.