The skills of listening, reading, and writing are enforced through grammar review and discussion of modern texts. A variety of readings in German to examine the historical and contemporary aspects of the culture of German-speaking countries. Students give oral reports and write papers about art, architecture, literature, philosophy, or music. They keep a journal of visits to sites on the World Wide Web relevant to topics such as geography, history, and culture. This course builds on grammar and structure learned in the beginning sequence.
Students engage in discussions about daily activities and topics of their interest.
Models for writing and speaking are provided in the form of short stories, newspaper articles, and literary excerpts. Visual materials serve as points of departure for conversation and composition. Readings in German. Students read and analyze modern texts in order to advance their ability to comprehend and discuss various literary styles. This course is a prerequisite for more advanced courses in the major and minor.