German
College of Arts and Letters
Program Description
Courses in German encompass the study of German language, literature, and culture. Language study begins with the imparting of the four basic language skills, namely, speaking, aural comprehension, reading, and writing. The teaching of these skills is provided as part of programs in liberal arts, in general education and in professional training, as well as a service for other degree programs.
The imparting of the basic language skills is the first and necessary step toward what is actually the liberal arts core of our curriculum: the upper division offerings. It is through the advanced language, literature, and culture courses that the students become familiar with the intricacies of another language and with the literary and cultural contributions made by the people who speak it.
Students who are considering the study of German should talk to a German faculty advisor. Each student minoring in German is assigned an advisor upon entry into the program. For assistance in obtaining an advisor, contact the Foreign Language Department office.
Teaching credential candidates must complete the Professional Education Program in addition to other requirements for a teaching credential. Consult a Department credential advisor for details. They may also obtain information about the Professional Education Program from theTeacher Preparation Program Office, Eureka Hall 216, (916) 278-6403.
Degree Programs
Special Features
- Close cooperation between members of the German faculty and the Sacramento German community has provided students with an opportunity to improve their language abilities and to become familiar with German customs and traditions.
- In addition, the German Club on campus allows students to socialize with others of similar interests.
- The Sacramento State chapter of Delta Phi Alpha, the national German honor society, gives recognition and awards to outstanding students and scholars.
- The German program is supported by modern language laboratory facilities, a departmental library, and a collection of instructional materials.
- Students receive tutorial help from graduate exchange students and other graduate students.
- In order to acquire maximum proficiency in the use of the German language, students are encouraged to participate in the Sacramento State International Programs in Heidelberg or Tübingen, the student exchange program established with the Department of American Studies at the Johannes-Gutenberg Universität of Mainz, Germany, or the German-Education Student Exchange Program at the Pädagogische Hochschule of Flensburg, Germany, or the summer work abroad with the International Education Program.
Career Possibilities
International Business Personnel · Trade and Commerce · Export/Import · Interpreter/Translator · Banking Representative · Buyer/Sales Representative · Foreign/Diplomatic Service · Airlines Personnel · Travel Industry · Media Personnel/Foreign Correspondent · Public Relations · U.S. Immigration/Customs · U.S. Information Agency · Peace Corps · Language Teacher · Bilingual/Foreign Secretary · Foreign Publications/Textbook Editor · Research Assistant
Contact Information
Curtis Smith, Department Chair
Valeria Herrera, Administrative Support Coordinator
Mariposa Hall 2051
(916) 278-6333
Department of World Languages & Literatures Website
Faculty
How to Read Course Descriptions
GERM 1A. Elementary German. 4 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall only
Focuses on the development of listening, speaking, and reading skills. Special attention will be given to the relationship of the language to the civilization and culture of the German-speaking countries.
GERM 1B. Elementary German. 4 Units
Prerequisite(s): GERM 1A or instructor permission.
General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Humanities (Area C2), Foreign Language Graduation Requirement
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Continuation of GERM 1A. Speaking, listening, and reading skills are practiced and more emphasis is placed on the development of writing skills than in GERM 1A. Cultural introduction to the German-speaking countries is continued.
GERM 2A. Intermediate German. 4 Units
Prerequisite(s): GERM 1B or instructor permission.
General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Foreign Language Graduation Requirement
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Continuation of GERM 1B with review of grammar and with further development of reading ability but with a greater emphasis on active skills in speaking and writing.
Note: Meets the Foreign Language Graduation Proficiency Requirement.
GERM 2B. Intermediate German. 4 Units
Prerequisite(s): GERM 2A or instructor permission.
General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Foreign Language Graduation Requirement
Term Typically Offered: Spring only
Continuation of GERM 2A with greater emphasis on skills in writing.
Note: Meets the Foreign Language Graduation Proficiency Requirement.
GERM 5A. German Language Practice. 3 Units
General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Foreign Language Graduation Requirement
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Practice with German conversation and vocabulary; supervised individual and small-group instruction designed to develop German vocabulary, including conversation and listening skills at an intermediate level.
Note: Meets the Foreign Language Graduation Proficiency Requirement. May be taken for credit four times.
GERM 100. Advanced German Grammar. 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Study of grammar and style and their practical application in writing and speaking.
GERM 105. Advanced German Language Practice. 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring only
Supervised individual and small-group practice for upper-division students desiring to improve their German language skills, especially conversation, listening and vocabulary. Some written work may be assigned. May be taken for credit three times, but may count only once for major or minor credit.
GERM 140. Heroes, Dragons and Quests. 3 Units
General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Humanities (Area C2)
Term Typically Offered: Spring only
Exploration of the heroic adventures of the medieval knights in their quests for fame and love, with special attention to the bridal quest and the roles of their "ladies": their social, political, and economic position, and their impact on life in the Middle Ages. Discussions will be based on the reading of selected Middle High German works in English translation.
Note: No German language requirement.
GERM 141. German Mythology and Legend. 3 Units
General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Humanities (Area C2)
Term Typically Offered: Spring only
Exploration of Germanic myth and legend and their impact on art and literature. Readings in English.
Note: No German language requirement.
GERM 142. German Folk Literature, Legend, and Lore. 3 Units
General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Humanities (Area C2)
Term Typically Offered: Spring only
Study of the traditional folk literature; fairy tales, folk tales, legends, ballads and folk songs; of the German-speaking people, their holiday traditions, festivals and social customs. Readings in English.
Note: No German language requirement.
GERM 143. King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in Germany. 3 Units
General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Humanities (Area C2)
Term Typically Offered: Fall only
Study of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table in the German medieval romances read in English translation.
Note: No German language requirement. Course will be offered every two years.
GERM 150. German Civilization: Beginning to 16th Century. 3 Units
General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Humanities (Area C2)
Term Typically Offered: Fall only
Historical, social, and artistic forces in German civilization from the time of the Great Migrations to the Reformation. All readings and lectures in English.
GERM 151. German Civilization: 17th Century to Present. 3 Units
General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Humanities (Area C2)
Term Typically Offered: Spring only
Historical, social, and artistic forces in German civilization from the Reformation through the 20th century. All readings and lectures in English.
GERM 194. Field Experience/Internship. 1 - 3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Intermediate competency in German and instructor permission.
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Directed fieldwork in a project which uses the language skills developed through previous study of German. The projects may include interpreting and translating for public and/or private agencies in Sacramento or other projects approved by the faculty supervisor. All work will be monitored by Sacramento State faculty. The student must submit written reports to his/her supervisor. May be taken more than once for credit.
Credit/No Credit
GERM 195. Fieldwork: Tutoring. 1 - 3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Native/near-native fluency in German; upper division status; instructor permission.
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Tutoring of lower division students of German under supervision of instructor. May be taken for credit more than once.
Credit/No Credit
GERM 199. Special Problems. 1 - 3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor supervising the work.
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Individual projects or directed reading.
Note: Open only to students who appear competent to carry on independent study.
Credit/No Credit