German

This course gives an overview of the development of public and private architecture in Berlin during the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries. Following an introduction to the urban development and architectural history of the Modern era, the Neo-Classical period is surveyed with special reference to the works of Schinkel. This is followed by classes on architecture of the German Reich after 1871, which was characterized by both modern and conservative tendencies and the manifold activities during the time of the Weimar Republic in the 1920s such as the Housing Revolution. The architecture of the Nazi period is examined, followed by the developments in East and West Berlin after the Second World War. The course concludes with a detailed review of the city's more recent and current architectural profiles, including an analysis of the conflicts concerning the re-design of Berlin after the Cold War and the German reunification. Seven walking tours to historically significant buildings and sites are included (Unter den Linden, Gendarmenmarkt, Potsdam, Chancellory, Potsdamer Platz, Holocaust Memorial, etc.). The course offers a deeper understanding of the interdependence of Berlin's architecture and the city's social and political structures. It considers Berlin as a model for the highways and by-ways of a European capital in modern times.

This German language course addresses the needs of beginners. The content of the course follows the standards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for level A1 (beginners with no prior knowledge). Equal emphasis is given to five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. The course covers language topics including how to deal with everyday situations in a German-speaking environment and conduct simple conversations (e.g. at the grocery store, in a restaurant, at a public office); how to understand discussions on familiar topics; how to develop reading strategies that allow students to understand very simple newspaper articles as well as other very short texts; and how to write, revise, and proofread sentences in German. This course is designed to provide students with ample opportunities in the classroom and on a course-related excursion to practice German communication.

This course is designed for the beginner student with no previous knowledge of German. Students develop basic competences in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as a basic knowledge of the German culture. By the end of the course students are able to deal with everyday situations in a German-speaking environment and to conduct simple conversations. Students develop reading strategies that allow them to understand simple newspaper and magazine articles as well as short literary texts. In addition, students write, revise, and proofread short texts in German, and understand the main features of conversations and lectures dealing with familiar topics.

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed the basic level and the first part of the intermediate level of German and who have a sound knowledge of German. This course is intensive and is intended for dedicated, highly self-motivated students who will take responsibility for their learning. This course helps students expand their competences in speaking and writing, while emphasizing self-correction. Furthermore, the course helps to increase vocabulary, to deepen grammar usage, and develop effective reading and listening strategies. In addition, students analyze and interpret cultural, political, and historical topics in German-speaking countries and compare them with the varying cultural backgrounds of each student. Through this course students develop and regularly use new strategies for language acquisition. Students are able to engage in detailed discussions on above mentioned topics. Furthermore, students develop reading strategies that allow for the understanding of different text types in detail. In addition, students improve their essay writing skills, are able to write short texts on different topics, revise, and proofread them.

This course for foreign students is designed to improve students’ language skills and vocabulary. Areas of focus include grammar, conversation, writing exercises, and listening and reading exercises. In addition, excursions are planned to introduce students to German culture. Students work with cultural and historical topics on an academic level and broaden their intercultural knowledge. They are introduced to independent learning methods and familiarize themselves with typical learning situations at German universities. In this class at the B2 level according to the CEFR, students further develop their (often subject-specific) vocabulary and command of grammatical structures as well as corresponding competencies in university-specific situations. The class takes intercultural and methodological aspects of foreign language learning into consideration, and students discuss specific aspects of German culture and society. The B2 level is split into two courses, the B2.1 course covers the first half of the level and the B2.2 course covers the second half of the level.

This course for foreign students is designed to improve students’ language skills and vocabulary. Areas of focus include grammar, conversation, writing exercises, and listening and reading exercises. In addition, excursions are planned to introduce students to German culture. Students work with cultural and historical topics on an academic level and broaden their intercultural knowledge. They are introduced to independent learning methods and familiarize themselves with typical learning situations at German universities. In this class at the A1 level according to the CEFR, students learn basic vocabulary and grammatical structures as well as corresponding competencies in university-specific situations. The class takes intercultural and methodological aspects of foreign language learning into consideration, and students are introduced to German culture and society.

The course analyzes films which center on Berlin or which are set in Berlin. Students consider the changes seen in cityscape and everyday life over the last 100 years, but also the city’s social and political transformation. The films are also analyzed for their portrayal of the most important stages of German history. The course begins with studying films from the Weimar Republic, through postwar films from East and West Germany, and to the present. Films discussed may include: “MENSCHEN AM SONNTAG” (1930), “BERLIN – ECKE SCHÖNHAUSER” (1959), “EINS, ZWEI DREI“ (1961), “REDUPERS” (1978), “LOLA RENNT” (1998), and “BERLIN CALLING” (2008).