Roman Graf

Intermediate German Continued
GRMN 0201/0202 is a culture-based intermediate language sequence that focuses students' attention on intercultural aspects of language acquisition, vocabulary expansion, reading and writing strategies, and a review of grammar. It moves from a focus on issues of individual identity and personal experiences to a discussion of Germany today (GRMN 0201), explores national identity in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and supplies an overview of cultural history, literary achievements, and philosophical traditions in the German-speaking world (GRMN 0201) 5 hrs. sem.

Rethinking Literature
This course focuses on the "literary" as a force within cultural discourse. A thorough understanding of literary periods and genres serves as the background for a critical investigation of modern theoretical approaches to literary texts. Discussing major works of German literature, students explore the notion of "literariness" in its various cultural contexts. (Formerly GRMN 0330) 3 hrs. sem.

Dramatic Changes and Challenges
In this course we will analyze and discuss major changes and challenges to German Drama since the 17th century. Shifting social and political world views in Europe continuously challenge artistic expression and demand new approaches to the production of plays. With Aristotle’s Poetics as a backdrop, students will familiarize themselves with important German plays that altered traditional views on drama and staging. Examining works by Hans Sachs, Lessing, Lenz, Goethe, Schiller, Hauptmann, Wedekind, Brecht, Dürrenmatt, Löhle, and Jelinek, we will follow major shifts in dramatic theory and practice throughout the centuries. 3 hr sem.