GER 500 – Intensive Reading German for the Sciences and Humanities

Rapid acquisition of reading proficiency in German. No prior knowledge of German is necessary. Proficiency certification obtained from this course fulfills graduate foreign language requirement is some departments (consult department for information).

GER 512 – Minority Discourses

Examines the nature and function of minority discourses in German culture and literature.

GER 587 – Assessment in Second/Foreign Language Learning

Cross Listed

The primary objective of this course is the development of language teachers' assessment literacy, which includes knowledge of key assessment principles and skill in creating or adopting assessment tools and procedures for the language classroom. Participants in this course will develop their knowledge and skills related to assessing all skill areas in the language classroom, including productive skills (writing, speaking), receptive skills (reading, listening), and assessing grammar and vocabulary. Grading and student evaluation will also be important topics of consideration and exploration in this course. Designed specifically for in-service (and pre-service) language teachers, the course combines theory with practice by covering essential principles of effective classroom assessment and the development of effective assessment tools for classroom use. Participants completing this course will become more assessment literate and better able to evaluate student performance in their classrooms fairly and effectively.

GER 615 – Second Language Acquisition Theory

Cross Listed

Survey of major perspectives on second language acquisition processes, including interlanguage theory, the Monitor Model, acculturation/pidginization theory, cognitive/connectionist theory, and linguistic universals. Analysis of research from the different perspectives includes consideration of grammatical, pragmatic, and sociolinguistic dimensions of language learning.

GER 920 – Dissertation

Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing).

GER 508 – Approaches to German Studies

GER 509 – Traditions and Revolutions

Provides a critical overview of literary and intellectual currents of the "modern" period; explores the changing status and social function of literature.

GER 518 – Intercultural Communication and Second Language Acquisition

Cross Listed

Intercultural Communication (ICC) and Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is a graduate course on theory, research and practice of communication between people from different cultures and how it relates to language learning. The course is designed for future language professionals (e.g., teachers, translators, and researchers). It will (a) help them prepare themselves for intercultural encounters and develop the skills needed to communicate effectively and appropriately when interacting and collaborating with people that are culturally different from themselves and (2) it will help them prepare to teach, and/or conduct research about ICC and SLA.

GER 561 – The Task of the Translator

This course will combine insights from Translation Studies, applied linguistics, and German cultural / literary studies to help students develop skills, knowledge, and experience in translating a number of literary and non-literary genres, including song texts, short essays, advertising texts, everyday speech, and historical artifacts. We will learn about how to negotiate literal and connotative meaning across codes, idioms, cultures, communities, and symbolic systems. We will explore the idea of "being a translator" as an everyday social and cultural practice. Graduate-level requirements include a final paper.

GER 579 – Second/Foreign Language Teaching and Learning

Cross Listed

This class is intended to prepare students to teach a second/foreign language. It will provide students with the essential foundations in language teaching methodology and theory, pedagogical grammar, curriculum and materials development, classroom management, and formal and informal assessment techniques. In addition, students will gain practical knowledge through video practicum components, which allow them to watch and reflect on actual classroom teaching. Students will complete this program with the pedagogical knowledge and practical understanding necessary to be confident and effective language teachers.

GER 594A – Literature

The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.

GER 594B – L2 Acquisition and Teaching

Cross Listed

The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.

GER 596Y – Topics in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching

Cross Listed

This seminar is designed to give a weekly topical treatment to a number of pertinent issues in teaching academic writing to linguistically and culturally diverse learners. Through a comprehensive overview of the research base in academic writing in ESL, this course will explore pedagogical implications of L2 writing theories and research findings by engaging students in a number of projects and tasks. Topics vary with instructor. Please check with the SLAT Faculty Advisor.

GER 696A – Literature

The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports, and/or papers.

GER 696C – Culture

The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports, and/or papers.