Intensive Second-Year Course

8 credits · Undergraduate credit

Intensive German II covers all of second-year German in one academic term. The goals of the course are to expand vocabulary, improve communication skills, and master grammatical structures and syntax to a level of competency that meets advanced intermediate standards for proficiency. One hour of class develops essay writing and oral communication skills, focusing on autobiographical and literary texts about the major events in 20th- and 21st-Century German cultural history. The second hour is devoted to in-depth study and practice of grammar aimed at developing students' ability to apply correct forms and syntax and be aware of stylistic nuances even when using the language spontaneously. Through engagement with course materials including films and other visual and performance texts, and through interaction with teachers and classmates both in formal and informal contexts, students develop speaking, aural comprehension, and writing skills. By the end of the term, students are able to understand the content of texts and lectures of a non-technical nature and of general interest, and to communicate with some ease with a native speaker in spoken and written language. Though training for study abroad or work abroad are not course objectives, per se, students are often well qualified to do either after completion of this course.