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Spring Quarter 2008 Course Descriptions

[ Dutch ]. [ German ]. [ Scandinavian ]. [ Swedish ]. [ Yiddish ].

Call numbers can be found on the University Registrar's Web site.

Dutch

not offered Spring Quarter

German

Taught at 8:30 / 9:30 / 10:30 / 11:30
Introduction to German; development of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing skills and cultural knowledge.
Text - Deutsch: Na klar! 5th edition, Di Donato, et al.
Please note: Students should attend one of the initial orientation sessions. In this program, students work by appointment with the Center's instructors to set goals and to receive assistance with self-managed learning. Students register for and complete from 1 to 5 credit hours during the quarter. Students who complete 5 hours before the end of the quarter may proceed to 102.51. For the dates of the orientation sessions and for more information about the program, visit the Individualized Instruction Web site at http://germanic.osu.edu/individualized-51/default-simpl.cfm
Texts: Na klar! 5th edition, Di Donato, et al.
Taught at 9:30 / 10:30 / 12:30
Continued development of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing skills and cultural knowledge.
Text: Na klar! 5th edition, Di Donato, et al.
Please note: Students should attend one of the initial orientation sessions. In this program, students work by appointment with the Center's instructors to set goals and to receive assistance with self-managed learning. Students register for and complete from 1 to 5 credit hours during the quarter. Students who complete 5 hours before the end of the quarter may proceed to 103.51. For the dates of the orientation sessions and for more information about the program, visit the Individualized Instruction Web site at http://germanic.osu.edu/individualized-51/default-simpl.cfm
Texts: Na klar! 5th edition, Di Donato, et al.
MTWRF 12:30
Intensive review of basic structures, vocabulary and skills needed for entry into German 103.01
Text: Na klar! 5th edition, Di Donato, et al.
Taught at 9:30 / 10:30 / 11:30 / 12:30
Continued development of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing skills and cultural knowledge; grammar review.
Texts: Langenscheidt Standard German Dictionary; Na klar! 5th edition, Di Donato, et al.
Please note: Students should attend one of the initial orientation sessions. In this program, students work by appointment with the Center's instructors to set goals and to receive assistance with self-managed learning. Students register for and complete from 1 to 5 credit hours during the quarter. Students who complete 5 hours before the end of the quarter may proceed to 104.51. For the dates of the orientation sessions and for more information about the program, visit the Individualized Instruction Web site at http://germanic.osu.edu/individualized-51/default-simpl.cfm
Texts: Langenscheidt Standard German Dictionary; Na klar! 5th edition, Di Donato, et al.
Taught M W F : 9:00-10:18 / 10:30-11:48 / 11:00-12:18 / 12:00-1:18
Vocabulary building, reading, listening and written practice; cultural knowledge.
Texts: Stationen: Ein Kursbuch für die Mittelstufe, and Langenscheidt Standard German Dictionary
Please note: Students should attend one of the initial orientation sessions. In this program, students work by appointment with the Center's instructors to set goals and to receive assistance with self-managed learning. Students register for and complete from 1 to 5 credit hours during the quarter. For the dates of the orientation sessions and for more information about the program, visit the Individualized Instruction Web site at http://germanic.osu.edu/individualized-51/default-simpl.cfm
Texts: Blickwechsel, German in Review, and Langenscheidt Standard German Dictionary
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-- 5 Credit Hours Prof. Hens, email: hens.1@osu.edu
M W F 9:30-10:48
German 201 is a prerequisite for the German major and minor programs and for semester- or year-long study-abroad programs in Germany. To prepare students for either experience, and to encourage continued study of German for all others, the course covers a wide range of important skills and knowledge areas, with attention being paid both to the language and to "content" -- information about Germany, German culture, literature, and socio-political developments in German-speaking countries -- a required skill for prospective teachers and for all others who wish to use German in their careers.
Prof. Becker-Cantarino, email: becker-cantarino.1@osu.edu
T R 11:30-1:30 / GEC course
Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 2 2-hr cl. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 cr hrs. Taught in English; GEC arts and hums lit course.
This course serves as an introduction to the literature, culture, and history of German immigrants to North America, especially to the Midwest and Ohio, from the seventeenth century into the twentieth. We will study selected settlements (like Schoenbrunn, Zoar, and German Village in Columbus) and selected individuals (from Ohio missionary David Zeisberger to Wernher von Braun and Henry Kissinger) and their (auto)biographies and letters, as well as stories and tales of German pioneer authors (like Sealsfield and Therese Robinson). A field trips to German Village in Columbus will provide a first-hand encounter with the culture and life of the settlers—and what is left of it. Taught in English and a knowledge of German is not required. Fulfills GEC requirement.
A Reader "The German Experience in America" is available at Grade A Notes Copy Center.
Prof. Hammermeister, email: hammermeister.2@osu.edu
T R 1:30-3:18 pm / GEC course
Text: The Nietzsche Reader (Blackwell). ISBN 0631226543
Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 2 2-hr cl. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 cr hrs. Taught in English; GEC arts and hums lit course.
Prof. Berman, email: berman.58@osu.edu
T R 1:30-3:18 / GEC course
Taught in English. GEC arts and hums lit course.
This course explores modern German culture in light of global political, social, and economic developments. We will discuss novels, short stories, autobiographical texts, essays, and films that allow us to explore issues related to emigration, colonialism, imperialism, immigration, tourism, and globalization.
Objectives of the course:
  • to provide a framework for understanding German culture in historical and comparative perspective
  • to practice thinking critically about literature and film as expressions that are meaningful comments on the human condition
  • to provide a thorough grounding in the analysis of texts, and enhance awareness of the specific parameters of genres and discourses
  • to develop the ability to read, critically evaluate, and synthesize information gathered from texts produced in different historical contexts
  • to refine the ability to communicate effectively about diversity, traditions, cross-cultural relations, and distinct cultural histories, both orally and in writing.
Texts:
Karl May, Winnetou
Franz Kafka, "In the Penal Colony"
Stefanie Zweig, Nowhere in Africa
Hans J. Massaquoi, Destined to Witness
Uwe Timm, The Snake Tree
Corinne Hofmann, The White Masai
Clips from the films One Arabian Night (Ernst Lubitsch) and Nowhere in Africa (Caroline Link) will be shown in class.
Background reading: Mary Fulbrook, A Concise History of Germany
Grading:
Grades will be based on 4 reaction papers (250-500 words each; 20%), a midterm (20%), classroom participation (10%), one oral presentation (20%), and a final take-home paper (30%). Attendance is mandatory; more than two unexcused absences will affect your grade.
Prof. Spencer, email: spencer.4@osu.edu
M W 2:30-4:48 pm GEC course
Taught in English !
This class deals with three short, complex, and vital periods in German history and culture: the Weimar Republic, the period of National Socialism up to the end of the Second World War, and the immediate post-war period. In order to complicate students' thinking about the German nation in general and National Socialism in particular, we shall be turning to the rich and varied art of the period, including not only literature and film but also the visual arts, architecture, and music. It will be our premise that the cultural artifacts of a period offer insights into historical and political realities.
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Prof. Hammermeister, email: hammermeister.2@osu.edu
M W F 9:30-10:48
German 301 is the first language and cultural skills course on the advanced level. In addition to printed materials, students will utilize Web-based resources. Students will explore events, accomplishments, shortcomings, trends, and ideas in German culture, science, politics, and society from the Revolution of 1848 to the end of the Third Reich.
Prof. Ribaj, email: ribaj.1@osu.edu
M W 1:30~3:18 pm
C. Vannette, email: vannette.1@osu.edu
M W 11:00~12:48
German perspectives on and in 20th-century American culture. Influence of German thought and writings on American culture; German views of American culture. Taught in English. GEC course.
Prof. Reitter, email: reitter.4@osu.edu
Lecture T R 1:30- + Recitation M W 12:30 / 1:30 / 2:30
Reading, analysis, and discussion of representative works pertaining to the Holocaust from the perspectives of the German and Ashkenazic traditions.

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Prof. Spencer, email: spencer.4@osu.edu
M W F 11:00-12:18
German 401 is the second language and cultural skills course on the advanced level and builds upon knowledge acquired in German 301. It is meant for students who have begun to master advanced skills in writing, speaking, reading, and listening and are venturing into the complexities and subtleties of the German language. We will review difficult points of German structure, discuss variations in style and regionalisms and work on building vocabulary and using it correctly. Materials used for analysis will include written texts, images as well as music and performance that represent highlights in German culture and history from the early Middle Ages through the beginning of the Second Empire. The comprehensive goal of the course is to enable students to discuss fundamental aspects of early German history in an informed manner and at an advanced level of speaking and writing.
Prof. Ribaj, email:ribaj.1@osu.edu
M W F 11:30-12:48
This course focuses on the development of German literature in its historical context from 750 to 1700.
Prereq: 201 or equiv, and one German literature course; or permission of instructor. Taught in German.
Prof. Hens, email: hens.1@osu.edu
M W 1:30-2:48 pm
Studies and intensive discussion of current cultural and social issues in the German-speaking world; newspaper readings, guest lectures, films, music and student presentations; topic varies.
German 550 is a discussion-based class which examines current cultural, political, economic, and social issues in the German-speaking world. Taught in German.
Prereq: 10 cr hrs of German at the 200 level and 301 or equiv, or permission of instructor.
Prof. Hens, email: hens.1@osu.edu
T R 9:30-11:18
Discussion of stylistic variation in modern German. Comparative analysis of (literary and non-literary) writing styles. Review of advanced grammatical and lexical structures. Development of a sophisticated expository style through essay writing assignments.
Prof. Davidson, email: davidson.92@osu.edu
M W 12:30-2:18 pm
Historicizes cinema's political and artistic roots, concentrating on the perceived and real possibilities of the medium. Fosters critical awareness of "film culture" historically and currently.
Prereq: German course at the 300 level or above and honors standing. Not open to students with credit for Film Std H670. Cross-listed in Film Studies. Taught in English.
German 693 Individual Studies -- 2-5 Credit Hours
Prereq: Signature of undergraduate advisor or Graduate Studies Committee chair as applicable.
Prereq: Written permission of department chairperson.
Prof. Hens, email: hens.1@osu.edu
T R 1:30-3:30 pm
Elements of German poetry; close study of representative poets and poems since the Baroque.
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Prof. Becker-Cantarino, email: becker-cantarino.1@osu.edu
T R 3:30-5:30 pm
Study of major works chosen to present prominent themes and problems and/or important developments within the period.
The focus this quarter will be on the great works of German Romanticism, authors discussed include Goethe, Schiller, Kleist, Hölderlin, F. Schlegel, Novalis, E.T.A. Hoffmann, Brentano, Achim and Bettina von Arnim, and Günderrode. In our readings we will raise questions concerning the poetic imagination and aesthetics of the "Romantics"; of genre, gender and style of individual works; about intellectual and philosophical tenets of the era; and of literary periodization (Sensibility/ Sturm und Drang, Classicism and/or Romanticism?). We will contextualize German Romanticism by investigating its cultural and historical parameters and by comparing works in literature, art, and music from that period. (This course also serves as a survey of representative literary works written between 1700 and 1850 covering major texts on the German MA reading list.)
La Roche, Geschichte des Fräuleins von Sternheim Goethe, Werther Schiller, Kabale und Liebe Schiller, Über die ästhetische Erziehung des Menschen Kleist, Prinz Friedrich von Homburg Tieck, Der gestiefelte Kater Novalis, Heinrich von Ofterdingen Hölderlin, Hyperion E.T.A. Hoffmann, Der Sandmann
Prof. Steinecke
April 21—May 30, 2008
Selected topics in German literature, language, and culture; seminar discussion format with oral and written reports.
German 893 Individual Studies -- 2-5 Credit Hours
Prereq: Permission of chair of Graduate Studies Committee.
Prof. Grotans, email: grotans.1@osu.edu
W 3:30-6:18 pm
Topics vary in focus and methodology; emphasis may range from individual authors, works, or themes to theoretical or interdisciplinary issues.
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German 993 Individual Studies -- 1-5 Credit Hours
Prereq: Signature of Graduate Studies Committee chair.
Research for master's thesis.
Research for dissertation purposes only.

Scandinavian

Investigation of problems in the various fields of Scandinavian literature and philology. Prereq: Permission of chairperson.

Swedish

Prof. Risko, email: risko.1@osu.edu
M W 1:30-3:18 pm
Text: Mål II: Svenska som andra språk, Kerstin Ballardini, Sune Stjärnlöf, Åke Viberg.  Stockholm: Natur och Kultur
Swedish 293 Individual Studies -- 2-5 Credit Hours
Prereq: 104 or equiv or permission of instructor. Taught in Swedish.
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Yiddish

Yiddish is the language of the largest country in Europe; a key to the last thousand years of Jewish life; the language of a great national culture; and the secret of what makes today's Jews the way they are.
Yiddish 101-104 provides a comprehensive foundation in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending the national language of Ashkenazic Jewry. Yiddish language courses are applicable toward satisfaction of the foreign language requirement.
C. McCallum-Bonar, email: mccallum-bonar.1@osu.edu
MTWRF 11:30-
Yiddish 293 Individual Studies -- 1-5 Credit Hours
Prereq: Written permission of instructor.
Yiddish 241 Yiddish Culture -- 5 Credit Hours (GEC course)
CANCELLED !
Introductory survey of political, social, ideological, and religious trends as reflected in Yiddish culture, especially folklore and literature.
Not open to students with credit for 341. GEC arts and hums cultures and ideas course.
K. Herzner, email: herzner.1@osu.edu
MTWRF 11:30- / GEC course
Introduction to Jewish-American literature; development of expository writing and argumentation skills through systematic and critical reflection upon their own country from the perspective of an ethnic community.
Prereq: English 110 or 111 or equiv, and soph standing or above. GEC second writing course.
C. McCallum-Bonar, email: mccallum-bonar.1@osu.edu
M W 1:30 - 3:18 pm
Taught in English . . . GEC course
Reading and analysis of texts (primary documents, memoirs, academic works, fictional literature), and presentation and discussion of films and music pertaining to the topic of the Holocaust, the genocide perpetrated by Nazi Germany against European Jewry. The main focus of this course is internal: on the representation of the experiences, responses, reactions, and impact of the Holocaust within Ashkenazic-Jewish civilization.
Yiddish 693 Individual Studies -- 1-5 Credit Hours
Prereq: Written permission of instructor.
Prof. Miller, email: miller.3@osu.edu
T R 1:30-3:18 pm
In-depth study of a selected topic or issue in Yiddish literature, linguistics, or intellectual culture.
3-5 cl. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 cr hrs.
Yiddish 998 Research in Yiddish -- 1-10 Credit Hours
Research for thesis purposes only. Prereq: Permission of instructor.
Information in this course description bulletin is subject to change.