The Germanic Languages Department has long been considered one of the strongest German departments in the country, offering accelerated and intensive language courses for beginners to intermediate speakers.
For questions about specific courses, contact the department.
Courses
This intensive program provides one year of German in one six-week session. The course enables students to understand, speak, read, and write in German about a range of subjects (such as: family activities, studies, work and home life, as well as travel, economics, and current events) and helps them develop an understanding of German speaking cultures. Classes are conducted in German and supplemented with written homework and audiovisual materials. Assignments and activities are diversified to integrate undergraduate and graduate students’ academic and personal interests. The program draws on the German heritage of New York City (museums, Goethe Institut, restaurants, etc.). Students are encouraged to attend German-language films and musical performances. Students have many opportunities for informal conversation. Upon successful completion of the course (with a minimum grade of B), students should achieve novice high to intermediate low proficiency (ACTFL scale). Final grades are based on frequent oral and written tests, writing assignments, a project on German culture in New York, and a final examination (written and oral). Students are advised that this course constitutes a full-time commitment. The workload of this course is very intense and students will be expected to spend 4-6 hours studying every day outside of class and additional time on weekends. The Department of Germanic Languages will assist in selecting the appropriate course. Equivalent to the combination of GERM UN1101 and UN1102 taught during the regular semesters.
If prior knowledge of German, a placement exam is required. Students should contact Jutta Schmiers-Heller (js2331) to schedule a test or if they have other questions about the course.
Prerequisites: Equivalent to GERM UN2101 Topics include personal interests, biographies, German unification, stereotypes, and German-American relations. Assignments and activities are diversified to integrate undergraduate and graduate students’ academic and personal interests. Upon successful completion of the course (with a minimum grade of B), students should achieve intermediate-high proficiency (ACTFL scale) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing German. Students are advised that this course is a full-time commitment. Students should expect to study 2 hours every day for every hour spent in the classroom and additional time on weekends. Students planning to study in Berlin in spring are advised to complete GERM S2101 in the Summer Session. The Department of Germanic Languages will assist in selecting the appropriate course. Equivalent to GERM UN2101 taught during the regular semesters.
Prerequisites: Equivalent to GERM UN2102 Topics cover areas of German literature, history, art, and society. Students also read a German drama. Assignments and activities are diversified to integrate undergraduate and graduate students’ academic and personal interests. Intermediate-high to advanced-low proficiency (ACTFL scale) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing German is expected upon successful completion (with a minimum grade of B). Prepares students for advanced German, upper-level literature and culture courses and study in Berlin. Students are advised that this course is a full-time commitment. Students should expect to study 2 hours every day for every hour spent in the classroom and additional time on weekends. Students planning to study in Berlin in spring are advised to complete GERM S2102 in the Summer Session. The Department of Germanic Languages will assist in selecting the appropriate course. Equivalent to GERM UN2102 taught during the regular semesters.
