Hannes Mandel

Class Participation (10%)              

Exploratory Practice Project (20%)

Daily Homework (20%)                

3 Writing Tasks (20%)

3 Tests (30%)

OUR GSD  COURSES ARE TAUGHT IN ENGLISH.

Course Description

Spanning from Gutenberg’s letterpress to the news of today, this interdisciplinary course will investigate the history of media technology and their cultural and political implications in the German (speaking) context. After an introduction to a few of the main concepts in Media Studies (such as ‘medium,’ ‘technology,’ and ‘communication’), we will learn about and discuss German media technology and formats in their particular historical contexts: e.g. Luther’s bible, Koenig’s steam-powered printing press, the illustrated magazines of the second half of the 19th century, the Skladanowsky brothers’ Bioskop, the film studios Babelsberg, photobooks of the Weimar period, the language of the Nazis, Konrad Zuse’s first computer, or Germany’s Next Top Model. While we will hear from both contemporary as well as scholarly voices throughout the semester, the course will conclude with an introduction to what more recently has come to be known as ‘German Media Theory.’ Underlying fundamental questions will be: Is it true that, as Friedrich Kittler argued, “media determine our situation”? If so, how, and to what extent? What, if anything, is German about the media we investigate, and how do they relate to those in other cultural regions, especially North America? And of course: What might our investigations teach us about the current technological, political, and cultural environment we live in?

Language

All readings will be in English. Movies and film clips will either be, or be subtitled, in English. Students with proficiency in German will have the opportunity to take on supplementary materials for their written assignments and/or class presentation

Course Description

German 612 is an intensive intermediate German course that builds on language abilities acquired in German 506-507 (or equivalent). With a mostly content-based approach to language instruction, the course helps students not only to review and expand their German language abilities, but also to develop these within a meaningful context that supports the development of specific content knowledge.

The functional communicative approach to language learning that we take in this course focuses on learning to use German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts across both spoken and written genres. The course aims to develop students’ ability to interpret (not merely read or listen), communicate (not merely give and receive information), and perform (not merely write or speak) in German. In other words, the course will help students to become literate users of the German language. To this end, students of German 612 are expected to take on greater involvement in their own learning than they have in their beginning-level German language classes. Class activities (from class discussions to group projects) will require collaborative and cooperative learning on the part of all class members. 

Please note that this accelerated course requires that students commit approximately 60-120 minutes per weekday (not per class day) to homework and studying outside of class. Students not able to make this commitment over the entire span of the upcoming semester should consider taking German 612 during a semester that allows them to focus fully on the language. 

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories: 

1      Class participation assessed weekly (10%)

2      Daily homework (20%)

3      Short writing tasks (10%)

4      Chapter tests (40%)

5      Quizzes (10%)

6      Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

Spanning from Gutenberg’s letterpress to the news of today, this course will investigate the history of media technology and their cultural and political implications in the German (speaking) context. After an introduction to a few of the main concepts in Media Studies (such as ‘medium,’ ‘technology,’ and ‘communication’), we will learn about and discuss German media formats in their particular historical contexts: e.g. Luther’s bible, Friedrich Koenig’s Schnellpresse, the illustrated magazines of the second half of the 19^th century, the Skladanowsky brothers’ Bioskop, the film studios Babelsberg, photobooks of the Weimar period, the language of the Nazis, Konrad Zuse’s first computer, and Germany’s Next Top Model. While we will hear (or rather read) from both contemporary as well as scholarly voices throughout the semester, the course will conclude with an introduction to what more recently has come to be known as ‘German Media Theory.’

Underlying fundamental questions will be: Is it true that, as Friedrich Kittler argued, “media determine our situation”? If so, how, and to what extent? What, if anything, is German about the media we investigate, and how do they relate to those in other cultural regions, especially North America? And of course: What might our investigations teach us about the current technological, political, and cultural environment we live in?

 At the end of the course you can expect to have gained a wider knowledge of German history and culture, an increased awareness of media environments and the effects of media on cultures, as well as improved discussion, presentation, and writing skills.

 Grading:

• Participation: 20%
• Class presentation: 25%
• Mid-term paper: 20%
• Final paper: 35%

Course Description

German 612 is an intensive intermediate German course that builds on language abilities acquired in German 506-507 (or equivalent). With a mostly content-based approach to language instruction, the course helps students not only to review and expand their German language abilities, but also to develop these within a meaningful context that supports the development of specific content knowledge.

The functional communicative approach to language learning that we take in this course focuses on learning to use German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts across both spoken and written genres. The course aims to develop students’ ability to interpret (not merely read or listen), communicate (not merely give and receive information), and perform (not merely write or speak) in German. In other words, the course will help students to become literate users of the German language. To this end, students of German 612 are expected to take on greater involvement in their own learning than they have in their beginning-level German language classes. Class activities (from class discussions to group projects) will require collaborative and cooperative learning on the part of all class members. 

Please note that this accelerated course requires that students commit approximately 60-120 minutes per weekday (not per class day) to homework and studying outside of class. Students not able to make this commitment over the entire span of the upcoming semester should consider taking German 612 during a semester that allows them to focus fully on the language. 

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories: 

1      Class participation assessed weekly (10%)

2      Daily homework (20%)

3      Short writing tasks (10%)

4      Chapter tests (40%)

5      Quizzes (10%)

6      Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

The Signature Course (UGS 302 and 303) introduces first-year students to the university’s academic community through the exploration of new interests. The Signature Course is your opportunity to engage in college-level thinking and learning.

Course Description

German 612 is an intensive intermediate German course that builds on language abilities acquired in German 506-507 (or equivalent). With a mostly content-based approach to language instruction, the course helps students not only to review and expand their German language abilities, but also to develop these within a meaningful context that supports the development of specific content knowledge.

The functional communicative approach to language learning that we take in this course focuses on learning to use German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts across both spoken and written genres. The course aims to develop students’ ability to interpret (not merely read or listen), communicate (not merely give and receive information), and perform (not merely write or speak) in German. In other words, the course will help students to become literate users of the German language. To this end, students of German 612 are expected to take on greater involvement in their own learning than they have in their beginning-level German language classes. Class activities (from class discussions to group projects) will require collaborative and cooperative learning on the part of all class members. 

Please note that this accelerated course requires that students commit approximately 60-120 minutes per weekday (not per class day) to homework and studying outside of class. Students not able to make this commitment over the entire span of the upcoming semester should consider taking German 612 during a semester that allows them to focus fully on the language. 

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories: 

1      Class participation assessed weekly (10%)

2      Daily homework (20%)

3      Short writing tasks (10%)

4      Chapter tests (40%)

5      Quizzes (10%)

6      Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

Course Description

German 612 is an intensive intermediate German course that builds on language abilities acquired in German 506-507 (or equivalent). With a mostly content-based approach to language instruction, the course helps students not only to review and expand their German language abilities, but also to develop these within a meaningful context that supports the development of specific content knowledge.

The functional communicative approach to language learning that we take in this course focuses on learning to use German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts across both spoken and written genres. The course aims to develop students’ ability to interpret (not merely read or listen), communicate (not merely give and receive information), and perform (not merely write or speak) in German. In other words, the course will help students to become literate users of the German language. To this end, students of German 612 are expected to take on greater involvement in their own learning than they have in their beginning-level German language classes. Class activities (from class discussions to group projects) will require collaborative and cooperative learning on the part of all class members. 

Please note that this accelerated course requires that students commit approximately 60-120 minutes per weekday (not per class day) to homework and studying outside of class. Students not able to make this commitment over the entire span of the upcoming semester should consider taking German 612 during a semester that allows them to focus fully on the language. 

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories: 

1      Class participation assessed weekly (10%)

2      Daily homework (20%)

3      Short writing tasks (10%)

4      Chapter tests (40%)

5      Quizzes (10%)

6      Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

The Signature Course (UGS 302 and 303) introduces first-year students to the university’s academic community through the exploration of new interests. The Signature Course is your opportunity to engage in college-level thinking and learning.

Course Description

German 507, a second-semester German course, continues instruction begun in German 506. (Note: If you have prior knowledge of German and did not take GER 506, you must take a placement test before taking classes at UT.) By the end of German 507, students will be familiar with most basic structures of the German language and will have developed basic cultural knowledge about the German-speaking world. As vocabulary and grammar sophistication grow, students will become increasingly proficient at expressing their thoughts, feelings, and opinions on a variety of subjects related to everyday life. To this aim, each lesson centers on linguistic, communicative and cultural goals.

The functional communicative approach that we take in this course—and in the larger German program at UT—focuses on learning to use basic German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts in a variety of real-life situations and across spoken and written genres. To help students develop their ability to communicate effectively in German, they are expected to come prepared for class, use German, and actively participate in pair and group activities. Students should expect to spend two hours studying for each class period in order to keep up with the pace of the class.

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories:

1      Class participation assessed weekly (10%)

2      Homework (20%)

3      Short writing tasks with multiple drafts (15%)

4      Chapter tests (30%)

5      Regular quizzes (10%)

6      Reading journals (5%)

7      Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

There are no incompletes given in German 507. A grade of C or better is required to enroll in German 612 (i.e., a C- is not a passing grade).

Course Description

German 507, a second-semester German course, continues instruction begun in German 506. (Note: If you have prior knowledge of German and did not take GER 506, you must take a placement test before taking classes at UT.) By the end of German 507, students will be familiar with most basic structures of the German language and will have developed basic cultural knowledge about the German-speaking world. As vocabulary and grammar sophistication grow, students will become increasingly proficient at expressing their thoughts, feelings, and opinions on a variety of subjects related to everyday life. To this aim, each lesson centers on linguistic, communicative and cultural goals.

The functional communicative approach that we take in this course—and in the larger German program at UT—focuses on learning to use basic German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts in a variety of real-life situations and across spoken and written genres. To help students develop their ability to communicate effectively in German, they are expected to come prepared for class, use German, and actively participate in pair and group activities. Students should expect to spend two hours studying for each class period in order to keep up with the pace of the class.

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories:

1      Class participation assessed weekly (10%)

2      Homework (20%)

3      Short writing tasks with multiple drafts (15%)

4      Chapter tests (30%)

5      Regular quizzes (10%)

6      Reading journals (5%)

7      Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

There are no incompletes given in German 507. A grade of C or better is required to enroll in German 612 (i.e., a C- is not a passing grade).

German 604, a first year, accelerated German course, is designed for students with: (a) no prior knowledge of German, (b) no more than one year of high school German, or (c) authorization from the Department of Germanic Studies based on your UT German Placement Test performance.

German 604 introduces students to the language and culture of the modern German-speaking world. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with most basic structures of the German language and will have developed basic cultural knowledge about the German-speaking world. As vocabulary and grammar sophistication grow, students will become increasingly proficient at expressing their thoughts, feelings, and opinions on a variety of subjects related to everyday life. To this aim, each lesson centers on linguistic, communicative and cultural goals.

The functional communicative approach that we take in this course—and in the larger German program at UT—focuses on learning to use basic German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts in a variety of real-life situations and across spoken and written genres. To help students develop their ability to communicate effectively in German, they are expected to come prepared for class, use German, and actively participate in pair and group activities.

Please note that this accelerated course requires that students commit approximately 60-120 minutes per weekday (not per class day) to homework and studying outside of class. Students not able to make this commitment over the entire span of the upcoming semester should consider taking the two-semester first year sequence (German 506 and 507) or taking German 604 during a semester that allows them to focus fully on the language.

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories:

1. Class participation assessed weekly (10%)
2. Homework: online and paper-and-pencil (25%)
3. Structured reflections in which students reflect on learning experiences (5%)
4. Short writing tasks with multiple drafts (15%)
5. Six chapter tests assessing grammar and vocabulary (20%)
6. Quizzes targeting vocabulary (15%)
7. Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

Opportunities for extra credit are available. There are no incompletes given in German 604. A grade of C or better is required to enroll in German 612 (i.e., a C- is not a passing grade).

Course Description

German 612 is an intensive intermediate German course that builds on language abilities acquired in German 506-507 (or equivalent). With a mostly content-based approach to language instruction, the course helps students not only to review and expand their German language abilities, but also to develop these within a meaningful context that supports the development of specific content knowledge.

The functional communicative approach to language learning that we take in this course focuses on learning to use German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts across both spoken and written genres. The course aims to develop students’ ability to interpret (not merely read or listen), communicate (not merely give and receive information), and perform (not merely write or speak) in German. In other words, the course will help students to become literate users of the German language. To this end, students of German 612 are expected to take on greater involvement in their own learning than they have in their beginning-level German language classes. Class activities (from class discussions to group projects) will require collaborative and cooperative learning on the part of all class members. 

Please note that this accelerated course requires that students commit approximately 60-120 minutes per weekday (not per class day) to homework and studying outside of class. Students not able to make this commitment over the entire span of the upcoming semester should consider taking German 612 during a semester that allows them to focus fully on the language. 

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories: 

1      Class participation assessed weekly (10%)

2      Daily homework (20%)

3      Short writing tasks (10%)

4      Chapter tests (40%)

5      Quizzes (10%)

6      Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

Course Description

German 507, a second-semester German course, continues instruction begun in German 506. (Note: If you have prior knowledge of German and did not take GER 506, you must take a placement test before taking classes at UT.) By the end of German 507, students will be familiar with most basic structures of the German language and will have developed basic cultural knowledge about the German-speaking world. As vocabulary and grammar sophistication grow, students will become increasingly proficient at expressing their thoughts, feelings, and opinions on a variety of subjects related to everyday life. To this aim, each lesson centers on linguistic, communicative and cultural goals.

The functional communicative approach that we take in this course—and in the larger German program at UT—focuses on learning to use basic German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts in a variety of real-life situations and across spoken and written genres. To help students develop their ability to communicate effectively in German, they are expected to come prepared for class, use German, and actively participate in pair and group activities. Students should expect to spend two hours studying for each class period in order to keep up with the pace of the class.

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories:

1      Class participation assessed weekly (10%)

2      Homework (20%)

3      Short writing tasks with multiple drafts (15%)

4      Chapter tests (30%)

5      Regular quizzes (10%)

6      Reading journals (5%)

7      Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

There are no incompletes given in German 507. A grade of C or better is required to enroll in German 612 (i.e., a C- is not a passing grade).

Course Description

German 612 is an intensive intermediate German course that builds on language abilities acquired in German 506-507 (or equivalent). With a mostly content-based approach to language instruction, the course helps students not only to review and expand their German language abilities, but also to develop these within a meaningful context that supports the development of specific content knowledge.

The functional communicative approach to language learning that we take in this course focuses on learning to use German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts across both spoken and written genres. The course aims to develop students’ ability to interpret (not merely read or listen), communicate (not merely give and receive information), and perform (not merely write or speak) in German. In other words, the course will help students to become literate users of the German language. To this end, students of German 612 are expected to take on greater involvement in their own learning than they have in their beginning-level German language classes. Class activities (from class discussions to group projects) will require collaborative and cooperative learning on the part of all class members. 

Please note that this accelerated course requires that students commit approximately 60-120 minutes per weekday (not per class day) to homework and studying outside of class. Students not able to make this commitment over the entire span of the upcoming semester should consider taking German 612 during a semester that allows them to focus fully on the language. 

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories: 

1      Class participation assessed weekly (10%)

2      Daily homework (20%)

3      Short writing tasks (10%)

4      Chapter tests (40%)

5      Quizzes (10%)

6      Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

German 604, a first year, accelerated German course, is designed for students with: (a) no prior knowledge of German, (b) no more than one year of high school German, or (c) authorization from the Department of Germanic Studies based on your UT German Placement Test performance.

German 604 introduces students to the language and culture of the modern German-speaking world. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with most basic structures of the German language and will have developed basic cultural knowledge about the German-speaking world. As vocabulary and grammar sophistication grow, students will become increasingly proficient at expressing their thoughts, feelings, and opinions on a variety of subjects related to everyday life. To this aim, each lesson centers on linguistic, communicative and cultural goals.

The functional communicative approach that we take in this course—and in the larger German program at UT—focuses on learning to use basic German language forms, i.e., grammar and vocabulary, in meaningful contexts in a variety of real-life situations and across spoken and written genres. To help students develop their ability to communicate effectively in German, they are expected to come prepared for class, use German, and actively participate in pair and group activities.

Please note that this accelerated course requires that students commit approximately 60-120 minutes per weekday (not per class day) to homework and studying outside of class. Students not able to make this commitment over the entire span of the upcoming semester should consider taking the two-semester first year sequence (German 506 and 507) or taking German 604 during a semester that allows them to focus fully on the language.

Required Texts:

1. Course textbook: Christine Anton, Tobias Barske, Jane Grabowski, & Megan McKinstry (2016). Sag mal. An Introduction to German Language and Culture. Second Edition. Vista Higher Learning.
2. Sag mal Basic Supersite
3. Sag mal WebSAM (Student Activities Manual)

Grading Policy

Students’ progress in the class will be assessed during the semester across the following categories:

1. Class participation assessed weekly (10%)
2. Homework: online and paper-and-pencil (25%)
3. Structured reflections in which students reflect on learning experiences (5%)
4. Short writing tasks with multiple drafts (15%)
5. Six chapter tests assessing grammar and vocabulary (20%)
6. Quizzes targeting vocabulary (15%)
7. Final oral exam done in pairs (10%)

Opportunities for extra credit are available. There are no incompletes given in German 604. A grade of C or better is required to enroll in German 612 (i.e., a C- is not a passing grade).

Description:

Saudade, fika, wabi-sabi. Probably every language has a few words that are claimed to be “untranslatable”. When it comes to German, you have likely heard of Schadenfreude (the pleasure derived from another person's misfortune), maybe of Waldeinsam­keit (the positive feeling of being alone in the woods), or Tor­schlusspanik (the feeling of stress when you realize you might be missing out on something in your life). Another strong candidate is Heimat, referring to a certain emotional attachment of a person to a parti­cular place or region of origin. “Homeland” probably comes closest to the word in English, but yet it does not quite have the same mean­ing, and comes nowhere close in cultural significance. In the cultural history of Germany the concept was so prevalent at times,that it even inspired its own genres: Heimat­kunst, Heimatliteratur (in particular the Heimat­roman), and most notably the Heimatfilm.

Using Heimat as a common thread, this course will travel both the cultural and political history of German speaking countries by means of a variety of media. We will investi­gate the roles Heimat played in the medical discovery of “nostalgia” (first dia­gnosed by a Swiss doctor in 1688), in the German Romantic period, in the rise of German natio­n­alism, in the post-war Ger­manies, and in the German environmentalist movement – as well as the role it continues to play in contempo­rary German society.

Visiting canonical, critical, and pop cultural sites of interest, we will not only learn much about Ger­many, Germans, and their Heimat, but also ask ourselves what Heimat means for each of us, and what it could mean, or could have meant, for Americans then and now.

The course and most of the readings will be in German. Periodically, however, we will read excerpts from scholar­ship in English, and all film material will be subtitled. The German texts will either be short or abridged, allowing us to read a number of renowned authors in the original while focusing on context, discussion, and lan­guage practice.

Sample readings:

• Marc Crépon,“Heimat”, in: Cassin et al., Dictionary of Untranslatables: A Philosophical Lexicon (2014)
• Celia Applegate, A Nation of Provincials. The German Idea of Heimat (1990), selections
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Prometheus (1774)
• Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm, Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache (1838–1961)
• Friedrich Nietzsche, Der Freigeist (1884)
• Franz Kafka, Heimkehr (1920)
• Walter Benjamin, Ich packe meine Bibliothek aus (1931)

Sample films:

• Leni Riefenstahl, Triumph des Willens (1935)
• Werner Herzog, Stroszek (1977)
• Wolfgang Becker, Good Bye, Lenin! (2004)

Grading:

• Class participation 20%
• Homework (reading, writing, and research assignments) 25%
• In-class presentation 20%
• Two quizzes 10%
• Final paper 25%