| GRM 111-112. | Beginning German I-II (112 for AH-4) | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 credits each | ||
| GRM 111 or Permission for 112 | ||
| Introduction to German. Primary objective: to enable students to begin early and meaningful communication in German by acquiring necessary basic skills. Emphasizes skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Secondary objective provides insight through participation in German culture and society. (Alma, Germany) | ||
| GRM 111A-112A. | Beginning German IA-IIA (112A for AH-4) | |
| 2 credits each | ||
| Placement | ||
| Second 7-week option for students who place beyond the beginning stages of Beginning German 111 or 112. Students join regular 111-112 courses at mid-term. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *200. | German Masterpieces in Translation (AH-2) | |
 |
4 credits | |
| Reading and discussion of selected works of German literature in English translation, including Böll, Brecht, Fontane, Goethe, Grass, Hesse, Hochhuth, Hauptmann, Kafka, Th. Mann, Maron, Plenzdorf. Does not count toward major or minor. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *221. | Language and Culture (AH-4) | |
|
4 credits | |
| GRM 112 or Placement | ||
| Continuation of GRM 112 with additional emphasis on reading and writing skills, augmented by detailed study of German contemporary culture. Extensive grammar review and intensive oral-aural practice. Class conducted in German. (Alma and Germany) | ||
| GRM *221A. | Language and Culture (AH-4) | |
| 2 credits | ||
| Placement | ||
| Second 7-week option for students who place well beyond intermediate stages, but not into advanced German, or for students who desire intermediate review but who are unable to complete the normal intermediate course. Students join regular 221 course at mid-term. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *222. | Introduction to Reading (AH-4) | |
|
4 credits | |
| GRM 221, Placement or Permission | ||
| Intensive reading and discussion of selected German material of medium difficulty designed to acquaint students with critical reading skills. Emphasis on reading skills, vocabulary acquisition, German syntax and expanded writing skills. (Alma and Germany) | ||
| GRM *231-*232. | Composition and Conversation (AH-4) | |
| 4 credits each | ||
| GRM 112 or Permission | ||
| Systematic study of grammar and further development of speaking and writing skills through reading, discussion, intensive laboratory and classroom drill; 24 class periods a week. (Germany) | ||
| GRM *251-*252. | Aspects of German Culture (AH-4) | |
| 4 credits each | ||
| GRM 112 or Permission | ||
| Intermediate level investigation of various aspects of contemporary German civilization and culture through speaking, writing, laboratory exercises, reading exercises and discussion. (Germany) | ||
| GRM *299. | Readings in the Arts and Sciences | |
| 1-2 credits each | ||
| GRM 112 or Permission | ||
| Designed for students who wish to develop reading abilities in sciences and humanities. Specific readings reflect individual needs and interests. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *311-*312. | Advanced Conversation and Composition (AH-4) | |
 |
4 credits each | |
| GRM 222 or Permission | ||
| Refinement and extension of language skills through consideration of contemporary issues and experiences from newspapers, magazines and audio-visual material. Expanded oral composition, extensive and intensive written composition. Review of selected grammatical problems. Laboratory exercises. (Alma and Germany) 312 is Quill 2 course. | ||
| GRM *313. | Intensive Language Practice | |
| 4 credits | ||
| GRM 222 or Permission | ||
| Review of selected grammatical problems; refinement of speaking, reading and writing skills through extensive classroom and laboratory practice. (Germany) | ||
| GRM *315. | Selected 20th Century Authors (AH-2) | |
|
4 credits | |
| GRM 222 and 341 | ||
| Representative authors of the 20th century such as Mann, Hesse, Grass and Böll. Problems of literary and human response to transition and flux of modern society are explored. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *316. | The German Novelle (AH-2) | |
|
4 credits | |
| GRM 222 and 341 | ||
| Investigation of the Novelle; its style, historical development and variants in German literature with examples drawn primarily from the 19th and 20th centuries. Readings from Kleist, Brentano, Storm, Stifter, Droste-Hülshoff, Hauptmann, Kafka and Mann. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *321. | German Culture and Civilization I (AH-4) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| GRM 222 | ||
| In-depth investigation of modern German culture and civilization from Bismarck to emergence of National Socialism. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *322. | German Culture and Civilization II (AH-4) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| GRM 222 | ||
| Continuation of German culture and civilization with emphasis on the present; in-depth consideration of current social-political problems and possible solutions; the place of a unified Germany in a new European political-economic order. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *341. | Introduction to German Literature (AH-2) | |
|
4 credits | |
| GRM 311 | ||
| Introduction to German literature through the study of form and genre. Stress on formal structuring of literature and the communicative process. Examples drawn from a wide range of periods, styles and milieux. Basic literary theory. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *401. | Advanced Composition and Stylistics I (AH-4) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| GRM 312 or Permission | ||
| Concentration on areas of composition and style, both oral and written, which pose difficulty for the advanced student; emphasis also given to advanced oral practice. (Germany) | ||
| GRM *402. | Advanced Composition and Stylistics II | |
| 4 credits | ||
| GRM 401 | ||
| Continued oral and written investigation into advanced grammar with attention to individual problems defined in previous study. Reading of contemporary culture and literary sources. Advanced oral practice. (Germany) | ||
| GRM *403. | Advanced Composition and Stylistics III | |
| 4 credits | ||
| GRM 402 | ||
| Extensive investigation into points of concern for advanced German students, stressing intensive and extensive reading, conversation and writing to allow mastery of stylistic difficulties and idiomatic expressions. Questions and abilities investigated beyond the normal range of German study. (Germany) | ||
| GRM *411. | The Age of Goethe | |
| 4 credits | ||
| GRM 341 or Permission | ||
| Study of literature and society surrounding the lifetime of Goethe, generally including the most significant authors and works from 1750-1825. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *412. | Social Engagement in the 19th and 20th Centuries | |
| 4 credits | ||
| GRM 341 or Permission | ||
| Investigation of the significant ideas affecting the individual and position in society, the alteration of expectations, social forces and basic cultural changes as seen in works of authors such as Lenz, Büchner, Hebbel, Heine, Hauptmann, Kafka, Brecht, Grass, Böll, Hochhuth and Weiss. (Alma) | ||
| GRM *420. | Advanced German for Teachers | |
| 2 credits | ||
| GRM major or minor; prior teaching experience | ||
| Intensive review combined with cultural exposure and a stay abroad. Intended for persons who already possess a good command of German, but especially for high school instructors. (Germany) | ||
| GRM *499. | Independent Study | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Senior Standing and Permission | ||
| GRM *500. | Senior Thesis | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
Courses
Since 2003, twenty Alma College students have won prestigious national fellowships, scholarships and awards, including 10 Fulbright fellowships and multiple Udall, Truman, Marshall and Gates-Cambridge scholarships.
Student Profile
Scott Casey
Graduation: 2009
Major: German
Minor: English
Scott Casey started studying German in high school and feels fortunate he can continue the opportunity at Alma College.
“I figured I had found a fun and perhaps lucrative skill, so I stuck with it,” the Trenton junior says. “I feel I've benefited greatly from Alma's German program. The curriculum is very interesting to me, and it's helped me to learn a great deal about Germany's language, history and culture.”