Chair, Professor JULIE CASSIDAY
Professors: DRUXES, B. KIEFFER*, NEWMAN. Lecturer: E. KIEFFER§. Visiting Assistant Professor: TBA. Teaching Associates: PUNTIGAM, WESS.
LANGUAGE STUDY
The department provides language instruction to enable the student to acquire all four linguistic skills: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. German 101-W-102 stresses communicative competence and covers German grammar in full. German 103 combines a review of grammar with extensive practice in reading and conversation. German 104 aims to develop facility in speaking, writing, and reading. German 111-112 offers an alternative introduction to German with a focus on reading competence. German 201 emphasizes accuracy and idiomatic expression in speaking and writing. German 202 combines advanced language study with the examination of topics in German-speaking cultures. Students who have studied German in secondary school should take the placement test given during First Days in September to determine which course to take.
STUDY ABROAD
The department strongly encourages students who wish to attain fluency in German to spend a semester or year studying in Germany or Austria, either independently or in one of several approved foreign study programs. German 104 or the equivalent is the minimum requirement for junior-year abroad programs sponsored by American institutions. Students who wish to enroll directly in a German-speaking university should complete at least 201 or the equivalent. In any case, all students considering study-abroad should discuss their language preparation with a member of the department.
LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION
The department regularly offers courses on German literature in translation for students who have little or no knowledge of German, but who wish to become acquainted with the major achievements in German literary and intellectual history.
ADVANCED STUDIES
The department offers a variety of advanced courses for students who wish to investigate German literature, thought, and culture in the original. German 202 is given each year and is recommended as preparation for upper- level courses.
THE CERTIFICATE IN GERMAN
To enhance a student's educational and professional profiles, the department offers the Certificate in German. It requires seven courses-three fewer than the major-and is especially appropriate for students who begin study of the language at Williams.
Students who enter Williams with previous training in German may substitute more advanced courses for the 100-level courses; they can also be exempted from up to two of the required courses.
The student must achieve proficiency at the level of a B in German 104 or the equivalent.
Appropriate elective courses can usually be found among the offerings of German, Art History, History, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, and Theatre.
Required Courses
German 101
German 102
German 103
German 104
German 201
Electives
D at least one course (in German or English) on German cultural history (literature, art, drama, music)
D at least one course (in German or English) on German intellectual, political, or social history
THE MAJOR
The German major offers students an interdisciplinary approach to German intellectual and cultural history by combining courses in German language and literature with courses in History, Philosophy, Music, and other appropriate fields.
For students who start German at Williams, the major requires a minimum of ten courses: German 101-102, 103, 104, 201 and 202; two 300-level German courses; and two electives from either German courses numbered above 202 or appropriate offerings in other departments.
For students who have acquired intermediate or greater proficiency in the language before coming to Williams, the minimum requirement is nine courses: German 202; two 300-level German courses; and six other courses selected from German courses numbered above 102 and appropriate offerings in other departments.
Examples of appropriate courses in other departments are:
ArtH 267 Art in Germany: 1960 to the Present
History 239 Modern German History
History 338 The History of the Holocaust
Music 108 The Symphony
Music 117 Mozart
Music 118 Bach
Music 120 Beethoven
Philosophy 309 Kant
Students may receive major credit for as many as four courses taken during study abroad in Germany or Austria in the junior year.
THE DEGREE WITH HONORS IN GERMAN
Students earn honors by completing a senior thesis (German 493-W31-494) of honors quality.
Students interested in honors should consult with the department chair no later than April 15 of their junior year. The usual qualifications for pursuing honors are: (1) an overall GPA of 3.33 or better, (2) a departmental GPA of 3.67 or better, (3) a strong interest in a specific topic for which an appropriate faculty advisor will be available in the senior year.