German

This course explores philosophical reflections on the structure and purpose of the university and the role of philosophy within that institution as put forward by German philosophers in the 19th century, while also providing a critical perspective on the subsequent history of the university through the 20th century until today. Students read key texts by philosophers such as Kant, Schelling, Fichte, von Humboldt, Schleiermacher, Hegel, Marx, Heine, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, to trace how ideas relating to university reform changed and were implemented in the course of the last two centuries, also in light of the most recent European university reform: the Bologna Process in 1999.

This pre-semester course prepares foreign students for academic study at a German university. The focus is on the improvement of oral and written expression as well as grammar and lexical proficiency. The course covers selected topics on German politics and society within a historical context. In addition, excursions are planned to introduce students to German culture. Students work with cultural topics in everyday situations 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 CEFR, students consolidate their knowledge of grammar and study complex structures. They systematically expand their vocabulary and include abstract terms and topics. The course includes exercises to improve oral and written communication such as doing research, structuring, presenting, and discussing. Writing skills are enhanced through different types of academic texts and handouts. 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 explores the representations and topographies of Berlin between the first German reunification and the second. The course focuses on the major events and conflicts that have had lasting presence: the rise of the modern metropolis; economic depression and social unrest; the two world wars; Nazism and the Holocaust; and the Cold War and its aftermath - the most disruptive and defining events of the 20th century. Students examine the conflicting identities, ideologies, and aesthetic theories informing the events that have shaped collective history. Of central concern are the conflicting identities, ideologies, and aesthetic theories informing the events that have shaped the history of Berlin. Part of the course involves developing strategies for reading and walking through this multi-layered and contradictory landscape. In addition to discussing the regular reading assignments, students devote some time to discussing the complex relations between space, text, history, and memory. Relevant films are watched and city excursions are organized outside of regular class times.

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed the basic level of German. Students expand their competences in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and strengthen their knowledge of grammar, while emphasizing self-correction. Furthermore, students analyze and interpret cultural, political, and historical topics in German-speaking countries and compare them with their own cultural background. Students develop and regularly use new strategies for language acquisition and 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, and are able to write short texts on different topics, revise, and proofread them.

The phrase “Germany is not a country of immigration” has been said by German officials multiple times, and yet, Germany is the second most popular destination for immigrants (just after the USA). But how has this country, which less than 100 years ago was home to one of the most racist and xenophobic regimes that has ever existed, is now home for so many immigrants? This class explores the history and the laws behind it and, even more, hears the stories first hand from immigrants living in Berlin. As the course takes place in Berlin, the city is the study case. From tours organized by refugees, walks in the diverse Berliner neighborhoods, and interviews with immigrants, this class aims to give a more in depth, first hand insight on the condition of immigrants living in Germany. That, without forgetting to take history, law, and geography into account, for a richer understanding of the processes that have transformed this city (and country) over and over again.