Germany

This course provides an overview of the development of film in Germany from World War I through the end of the National Socialist period. The course includes examples of popular, experimental, and documentary filmmaking in addition to close readings of works that belong to the canon of German film. The course introduces students to the fundamental elements of film and analysis; fosters a critical understanding of how film functions, both as entertainment and as an art form; and explores the developments within German film in light of specific historical and cultural frameworks. Students become aware of the complicated issues involved in defining unified national cinema, and the inherent pitfalls in ready conceptions of German cinema.

This course introduces students to the politics, governance, and ethics of sustainability and examines major current global challenges divided into economic, political, and environmental issues. Climate change is only one of many environmental issues facing  the planet, but due to its importance and overwhelming impact, it is given the main focus of this course. The course not only looks at the science behind and consequences of global warming, but also studies the two pillars of the global climate governance: the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). The analysis of the UNFCCC process further leads the course to review the Paris Agreement from 2015. The course discusses how effective it can be in dealing with one of the biggest threats of the 21st century and whether it can still achieve its goal of limiting global warming to “well below 2°C/1.5°C”. A special session is devoted to technological, political, social, and economic solutions to environmental issues. 

The course explores questions such as do people – as purported by some – need to replace capitalism and stop economic growth in order to prevent further environmental destruction? Or is there a way to move towards a “green growth," and utilize the benefits of the free market to increase environmental protection? This discussion leads the course to the question of what the future will look like. Will people continue to cross planetary boundaries and endanger the capability of different ecosystems? Or will the 21st century witness a major shift away from fossil fuels and environmental destruction to a more sustainable economy? The discussions in the class are complemented by at least two field trips and possibly a visit of a guest speaker.  

This class focuses primarily on climate change and possible solutions such as systems for carbon removal and other types of fuels. It covers several topics including air pollution, gas emissions trends and sources, the integration of renewable energy systems, economics of climate change, and policies relating to climate change. The class explores how Germany and Europe could move towards net zero gas emissions, as well as any future likely scenarios and perspectives.

This class is tailored to student life in Germany. The course introduces students to German language and culture and encourages and prepares them to speak German in everyday situations. Step by step, students increase their command of spoken and written German by practicing their speaking (including pronunciation), listening, reading, and writing skills. Particular attention is paid to vocabulary and grammar. The A1 level is split into two courses, the A1.1 course covers the first half of the level and the A1.2 course covers the second half of the level.