german (ger) German

German
german (ger)
Department of World Languages
Kim T. Bowen
Learning a world language is an essential tool for
building relationships through cultural awareness
and appreciation. Within this frame of reference,
learning German plays a vital role. With over 120
million native speakers, German is among the very
top of the world languages. German continues to
play a prominent role as a significant source of
philosophical, scientific, and cultural traditions. In
some areas, German defines the academic field. Any
university course catalog and any university’s library
holdings will confirm the importance of German in
the liberal arts and sciences. Consider an education
without the presence of Bach, Einstein, Beethoven,
Goethe, Von Braun, Kafka, and innumerable others.
Germany’s history through the last 200 years has
experienced the political spectrum of totalitarianism
to democracy. What better lens to use than the
German language to experience issues still in focus
today?
In the sciences, German maintains a leading role in
engineering fields, green technologies, alternative
energy development, manufacturing innovations,
inventiveness, design, and digital products. Germany
is among the top three leading industrial nations in
the world. Germany is the leader in the European
Union, and German is the leading language of the
EU, spoken by 24% of the EU members.
Knowing German also grants greater access to all
liberal arts, the applied sciences, business fields,
and cultural studies. The learning of German will
enrich students’ lives by exposing them to the widest
cultural spectrum, improving their professional
employment, and engaging them with a wide range
of cross-curricular topics and global issues.
Career opportunities
Knowledge of German brings improved chances
for employment and advancement. The German
economy is the strongest in the EU and among the
top three in the world. Employees in international
companies have an advantage if they know German.
Over 1,200 German companies are located in the
US Midwest! Staff members who know German are
necessary. They are called upon to serve as contacts
between corporations, governments, customers, and
the media.
The Business German course provides students with
significant access and advantages to job placement
and professional success.
The German language in business, diplomacy,
tourism and science is second only to English in
Western Europe. German tops English in Eastern
Europe! Multinational employers seek qualified
German speakers for business within Europe and as
representatives between Europe and North America.
Students will have an edge in these economically
challenging times to improve their employability
with German.
Language study at
the level of 102 or higher satisfies the liberal arts
requirement for humanities. Language study at
the level of 102 or higher may also be used as an
alternative to CORE 200.
:
ger 100 business german (3)
This introductory course will prepare students to
communicate with German in everyday situations with
an emphasis on business-related situations. Practice with
speaking, listening, writing, and reading will involve
business themes and include topics of cultural differences
in business etiquette and practices between the USA and
German-speaking countries. (Offered in spring).
ger 101 elementary german (3)
This is the first of a two-semester sequence in the
fundamentals of speaking, reading, writing, and listening
to German. Interactive communication skills in everyday
life will be emphasized. German culture will be explored.
(Offered in fall.)
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German
ger 102 elementary german (3)
This is the second of a two-semester sequence in the
fundamentals of speaking, reading, writing, and listening to
German. Interactive communication skills in everyday life
will be emphasized. German culture will be explored.
(Offered in spring.)
ger 201 intermediate german (3)
Review and thorough studies of grammar and
communication skills with extensive practice in
conversation, reading and composition taught in a cross
cultural context designed to promote awareness and
appreciation of German culture.
(Offered in fall.)
(3)
This entry level advanced course focuses on curriculum
that will prepare students for the other advanced courses
In their major or minor - especially advanced reading and
critical writing skills (like grammatical forms that only
appear in more difficult texts and are often not stressed
In typical Intermediate courses) and more scholarly
presentation skills while Introducing techniques for
analysis and critique within cultural and literary contexts.
(Offered in spring.)
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