German at Aquinas College

German Major (BA)

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German Major Checklist

Major Requirements:

Thirty-five (35) credit hours (exclusive of 101 and 102). Required courses: 

  • WL201 (4)
  • WL202 (4)
  • WL301 (4)
  • WL302 (3)
  • One literature course (WL325 or WL326) (3)
  • One culture course (WL309 or WL310) (3)
  • WL401 (3)
  • Plus at least 11 elective credits

Students seeking to major in French, German, or Spanish must complete all courses that are applied towards the major with a grade of “C” or higher (i.e. in 201, 202, 301, 302 and any other 300-and 400-level courses). At graduation the student must have a cumulative G.P.A. of B (3.0) or higher in those courses used to fulfill the major requirement. All majors are required to spend a semester abroad or complete an approved internship either in the United States or abroad. At least 18 credit hours must be taken at Aquinas College, which may include courses taken while studying abroad. Aquinas College conducts a variety of Study Abroad programs representing the Modern Languages offered by the Department.

Participants in study abroad programs remain registered at Aquinas College and the student’s financial aid package may be applied in full. All French, German and Spanish majors and students who wish to enroll in FH/GN/SH496 and 497 must demonstrate proficiency at the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standard of Advanced-Low in Writing and Speaking through examination in FH/GN/ SH301 and 302. This standard may equally be met by French students who pass the DELF B2 (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française), or the DFP Affaires B2 (Diplôme de français professionnel Affaires), and by German students who pass the ZMP (Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung Deutsch des Goethe Instituts).

Students transferring credits for FH/GN/SH 301 and/or 302 from other institutions will be required to take a proficiency exam. Students must consult with the department chairperson to arrange the proficiency exam

Courses

  • WL201 Third Semester German(4)

    Expansion of the four language skills and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level. Prerequisite: C or higher in GN102 or equivalent.

  • WL202 Fourth Semester German(4)

    Further expansion of the four language skills and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level. Prerequisite: C or higher in GN201 or equivalent.

  • WL301 Advanced Composition and Grammar Review (4)

    This course places a strong emphasis on reading, writing, and grammar review. Students approach writing as a process. Different writing genres are explored, including description, narration, exposition, argumentation and literary analysis. Students study and critique model compositions, and practice the composition process in stages. Emphasis on grammar structures and vocabulary enhancement is designed to improve written communication. Multiple drafts and peer editing of compositions, including a Final term paper, are part of the process. Prerequisite: C or higher in GN202 or equivalent.

  • WL302 Advanced German Conversation (3)

    This course is designed to assure students’ language skills at an advanced level, especially in spoken language, through discussion of contemporary social, cultural and political issues in German-speaking countries. Topics include (but are not limited to) language change and tendencies, national and personal identities, diversity issues, foreigners, minorities, the educational system, religion, gender issues, and the role of the European Union. Prerequisite: C or higher GN301 or equivalent

  • WL401 Seminar in German Studies (3)

    Designed as a research seminar this course will expose students to major themes in German culture, history, and philosophy. By examining the changing nature of German culture through a variety of texts on a particular theme, students are asked to pose questions that assist them in developing a comprehensive research project related to the subject matter of the course. They will present their project at the end of the course in a public forum. Students will also complete a language-learning portfolio that documents the learners’ proficiency in German language and culture as well as their intercultural skills. To achieve these goals, students will work with a wide variety of texts that range from autobiographical and fictional works, to films, film reviews, music, on-line newspaper articles, government press releases, surveys, statistics, and political cartoons. They will acquire and practice sophisticated vocabulary, grammatical structures, and discourse markers that will allow them to comprehend and discuss these texts. Formats will include informal conversations, prepared debates, group discussions, and written essays. Prerequisites: GN 301 or equivalent

  • WL325 Seminar in German Literature: 17th and 18th Centuries (3)

    An introduction to major German literary works from the Baroque and Enlightenment to the Classical Period in Germany. Reading, discussion, and analysis of literary works as part of their larger cultural and socio-historical contexts. Exploration of literary movements, genres, themes, and authors. Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent.

  • WL326 Seminar in German Literature: 19th and 20th Centuries (3)

    An introduction to major German literary works from the Romantic Period to Post-War German Literature. Reading, discussion, and analysis of literary works as part of their larger cultural and socio-historical contexts. Exploration of literary movements, genres, themes, and authors. Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent.

  • WL309 Studies in German Culture and Society through Film (3)

    Intensive study of German culture and society through the viewing and discussion of representative German feature and documentary films from both East- and West Germany, and Post-Wende Cinema. Credits may be earned under different specific titles, based on the focus of the course. Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent. For students from other disciplines: Instructor approval.

  • WL310 Special Topics (Variable)

    Variable topics offered on an occasional basis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval

German