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Degrees / Courses |
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| Degrees |
| Major Requirements |
A total of 33 semester hours (exclusive of 101 and 102) including GN301, GN302, three advanced-level courses beyond the 302 level, and at least one literature or culture class are required (GN325, 326, 309 or 398).
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| Students seeking to major in German must complete all courses beyond the introductory level with a grade of “C” or higher to continue with the next-level language class (201, 202, 301, 302, and all 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. |
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| Overseas language study is strongly recommended for all majors. At least 18 credit hours must be taken at Aquinas College which may include courses taken while studying abroad. All German majors and students wishing to enroll in GN496 and/or 497 must demonstrate proficiency at the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standard of Advanced Low in Writing and Speaking as demonstrated by examination in GN301 and 302. This standard may equally be met by German students who pass the ZMP (Zentrale MIttelstufenprüfung Deutsch des Goethe Institutes). Students transferring credits for GN301 and/or 302 from other institutions will be required to take a proficiency exam and demonstrate proficiency at the ACTFL standard of Advanced-Low in Writing (for GN301 credits) and Speaking (for GN302 credits). Students must consult with the department chair to arrange the proficiency exam. |
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| Education students: those seeking either elementary, secondary or K-12 Michigan teacher certification must have a major in German. Please contact an Education Department advisor for details. |
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| Minor Requirements |
| A minor in German may be obtained by completing 21 credit hours (exclusive of 101 and 102 in German); including GN301 and GN302. At least one literature and one culture class is required for German (GN325, 326, 309 or 398) minors. At least 3 credit hours must be taken at Aquinas College. Students seeking to minor in German must complete all courses beyond the introductory level with a grade of “C” or higher to continue with the next-level language class (201, 202, 301, 302, and all other 300+ and 400+ level courses). The student must have, at graduation time, a cumulative G.P.A. of B- (2.7) or higher in those courses used to fulfill the minor requirement. The language minor is not available to those students seeking teacher certification. |
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| For students seeking Teacher
Certification in German |
| The German minor is not available to those students seeking teacher certification. GN496 (Teaching German in the Elementary and Middle School, K-8) or GN497 (Teaching German in the Secondary School) is required of all students seeking teacher certification in German. These courses do not count as credit hours toward the German major, but rather as methodology courses for the Education Department. |
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| Courses |
| GN101 First Semester German
(4) LCM |
Introduction to listening, speaking,
reading, and writing skills, and German culture.
Prerequisite: None. |
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| GN102 Second Semester German
(4) LCM |
Continuation of listening, speaking,
reading, and writing skills. Further exposure to German
culture.
Prerequisite: GN101 or equivalent. |
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| GN201 Third Semester German
(4) LCM |
Expansion of the four language skills
and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level.
Prerequisite: GN102 or equivalent. |
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| GN202 Fourth Semester German
(4) LCM |
Further expansion of the four language
skills and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level.
Prerequisite: 201 or equivalent. |
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| FL230 European Cultures and Identities (3) |
The course examines the notions of Europe and the diverse interactive cultures and identities of the people living in Europe. From a multidisciplinary perspective it offers students the opportunity to improve their knowledge of Europe in light of a broad spectrum of cultures. Specifically, it explores the development and current state-of-affairs of these cultures in France, Germany and Spain as European Union members. This is not a course about the history of the European Union per se; however, selected readings will demonstrate how historical experiences and memories play a vital role in shaping identities and cultures. Students are encouraged to reflect upon the different perspectives and issues arising from this cultural diversity and study European cultures within a wider international and global viewpoint.
Note: Strongly recommended for students who wish to fulfill their FH/GN/SP major requirement in the Department of Modern Languages. |
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| GN301 Advanced Composition
and Grammar Review (4) |
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. Students must demonstrate an 'Advanced-Low' proficiency level (ACTFL) in writing in order to pass this course. Offered every Fall.
Prerequisite: GN202 or equivalent. |
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| GN302 Advanced German Conversation
and Culture (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. Students must demonstrate and 'Advanced-Low' proficiency level (ACTFL) in writing in order to pass this course. Offered every Fall.
Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent. |
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| GN303 Business German (3)
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This course is designed for German majors and minors and International Business
majors interested in learning about economic issues in a business context
in Germany. Introduction of specialized vocabulary for business, economics and
politics and concentration on various text types (e.g. business letters encountered
in specific business situations). Course emphasizes contemporary social,
economic, and political issues using authentic texts (i.e. newspapers, magazines,
video clips, Internet). Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent. |
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| GN309 Studies in German
Culture and Society Through Film (3) |
| Intensive study of German culture
and society through the viewing and discussion of representative German
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:
GN 301 or equivalent. For students from other disciplines:
Instructor approval. |
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| GN310 Special Topics (Variable) |
| Variable
topics offered on an occasional basis.
Prerequisite: Instructor approval. |
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| GN325
Seminar in German Literature:17th/18th Century (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. Offered alternate
years.
Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent. |
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| GN326 Seminar in German
Literature:19th/20th Century (3) |
An introduction to major German
literary works from Romanticism, Realism, Modernism and
contemporary 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. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent. |
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| GN398 Advanced Readings in German
(Variable) |
Individually-negotiated program
of readings on selected topics established by contract
between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar.
Prerequisite: Approval of chairperson. |
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| GN399 Independent Study Project
(Variable) |
Individually-negotiated project
of defined nature established by contract between instructor
and student. Contracts filed with Registrar.
Prerequisite: Approval of chairperson. |
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| GN401 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 in/formal conversations, prepared debates, group discussions, and written essays. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisites: GN 301 or equivalent |
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| GN496
Teaching Foreign Languages in the Elementary and Middle
School K-8 (3) |
| This
course does not count as credit hours toward the German
Major but rather as a Methodology course for the Department
of Education.
Prerequisite: GN 301 & 302 or equivalent. |
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| GN497 Teaching Foreign
Languages in the Secondary School (3) |
This course does not count
as credit hours toward the German Major but rather as
a Methodology course for the Department of Education.
Prerequisite: GN 301 & 302 or equivalent. |
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| GN499 Study Abroad (Variable)
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| Prerequisite:
A German major or minor.
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