GERM 511(F)-512(S) Reading German for Beginners
German 111-112 is for students whose principal reason for acquiring German is
to work with written materials. It is particularly appropriate for students majoring in fields in which the ability to read primary and secondary texts in German
can be crucial, such as Art History, Comparative Literature, History, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, and Theatre. In the first semester students learn the
elements of grammar and acquire a core vocabulary. In the second semester,
while covering advanced grammatical topics, they practice reading in a variety
of textual genres in the humanities and social sciences. They also learn how to
work with dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference works, in both
printed and online forms. By the end of the course they will have a solid foundation for building proficiency in German, whether through self-study or further
course work. Credit granted only on successful completion of 112.
Format: lecture and discussion. Principal requirements: written homework,
quizzes, tests, active class participation.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 20 (expected: 15). Preference given to art-
history graduate students, seniors and juniors.