Oral practice based on readings from various types of material. Elements of composition. Students perform plays and report on individual outside reading. Formal essays in German. The history of German literature from the beginnings to our day, with reading of selected poetry, prose, and drama from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century.
Term reports on extensive parallel reading.
Required for the major and the concentration. Survey of German drama from medieval Fastnachtsspiel and Volksspiel to the Absurde through the Burgersatire and Horspiele, in thematic presentation, through theory and criticism. Analysis of thematic and metrical variations. Basic writing and reading skills. Students master grammatical concepts and drill through dictation, translation, and elementary conversation.