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German Programs | German Courses

Professors Emeriti

A.P. Dierick, MA, Ph D (V)
R.H. Farquharson, MA, Ph D (V)
H. Froeschle, MA, Dr Phil (SM)
W. Hempel, Dr Phil (SM)
D.A. Joyce, MA, Ph D (T)
H.L.M. Mayer, Dr Phil (V)
H.W. Seliger, M.A. Ph D (V)
D. W.J. Vincent, MA, Ph D (T)
H. Wetzel, Dr Phil (U)
H. Wittmann, MA, Ph D (UTSC)

Associate Professor and Chair of the Department
M. Stock, Dr. Phil

Associate Professor and Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)
A. Fenner, Ph D

Associate Professor, Teaching Stream and Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies)
E. Boran, MA, Ph D (on leave, winter 2018)

Full Professors
W. Goetschel, Ph D (on leave, winter 2018) 
J. Noyes, Ph D 
J. Zilcosky, MA, Ph D (on leave, winter 2018)

Associate Professors
M. Hager, Dr. Phil
C. Lehleiter, MA, Ph D
A. Shternshis, Dr. Phil
S. Soldovieri, MA, Ph D

Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream
Hang-Sun Kim, Ph D

Introduction

German-speaking countries enjoy a long tradition at the cultural and political core of Europe. During the last two hundred years their importance has steadily increased, and with the recent developments in Eastern Europe their influence seems certain to expand even more.

The importance of the German language has grown correspondingly: it is the second foreign language after English in the countries of central and Eastern Europe, and its use is spreading within the European Community. Learning German opens the door to many fields of intellectual, technical and politico-economic endeavor. German scholars have been leaders in philosophy, the sciences, history, archaeology, sociology and political science. German literature is equally distinguished: writers like Goethe, Kafka, Rilke, Brecht, Mann, Wolf, Grass, Jelinek, Özdamar, etc., have dealt with the widest possible range of human problems and concerns, and have been recognized worldwide.

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures offers courses on literature from the Middle Ages to the present, so that the student may acquire an overview of this significant element of German life and culture. We offer language courses from beginning and intermediate to advanced levels, with practice in reading, writing, comprehending and speaking German, as well as stylistics, linguistics, and the specialized vocabulary and concepts of business. Language and literature instruction is integrated as far as possible, with the aim of teaching students advanced critical literacy in German. The department offers a minor in Yiddish, with instruction offered from beginning and intermediate to advanced levels. German combines well with other modern languages and literatures, and double-majors are encouraged. Students in a variety of programs, such as Cinema Studies, European Studies, Literary Studies, Drama, Music and others, will benefit from courses in German language, literature and culture.The Department supports opportunities for students to study and work in Germany, by encouraging participation in programs established by the German government, by Canadian universities, and by our own Arts and Science Faculty's Study Elsewhere Program. One of these is the exchange program under which Toronto students can spend the academic year at the Humboldt University in Berlin.

A knowledge of German is a virtual necessity for specialists in many disciplines; it is also very useful in certain career areas (e.g., the foreign service, interpretation and translation, librarianship, business and commerce, music, tourism, and of course teaching). The successful completion of a four-year program, including seven approved courses in German, may entitle the student to enter the M.A. or Ph.D. program in the Graduate Division of the Department.

Students entering with some previous knowledge of German are required to contact the department to write an initial assessment test (placement test) and will then be advised to take courses at the appropriate level. Please check the department's web site at www.german.utoronto.ca for more information.

Information on studies in German Language and/or Literature can be obtained from the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies at german.undergrad@utoronto.ca.

Enquiries: Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures

Address: 50 St. Joseph Street, Odette Hall #322

Tel.: 416-926-2324

Email: german@chass.utoronto.ca

Website: www.german.utoronto.ca

 

German Programs

German Studies Specialist (Arts Program)

Completion Requirements:

(10 full courses or their equivalent)

1. GER100Y1, GER200Y1, GER300Y1, GER400H1
2. GER150H1 (to be taken within the first two years of studies) or GER310H1
3. GER205H1, GER305H1
4. At least 3.5 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 300-level
5. At least 1.5 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 400-level
6. No more than 2 F.C.E. courses taught in English
7. Preapproved cognate courses may count toward the program

Please note: (a) GER150H1 must be taken within the first two years of study; (b) students must complete GER205H1 before taking ANY 300-level topic courses taught in German (i.e. typically in the second year, concurrently with GER200Y1); (c) students must complete GER305H1 before taking ANY 400-level topic courses taught in German; (d) 300-level courses may be replaced by 400-level courses (inquire in advance); (e) all specialists should schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Coordinator for personalized counselling as early in their studies as possible.

German Studies Major (Arts Program)

Completion Requirements:

(7 full courses or their equivalent)

1. GER100Y1, GER200Y1, GER300Y1, GER400H1
2. GER150H1 (to be taken within the first two years of studies) or GER310H1
3. GER205H1, GER305H1
4. At least 1.5 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 300-level
5. At least 0.5 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 400-level
6. No more than 1.5 F.C.E. courses taught in English
7. Preapproved cognate courses may count toward the program

Please note: (a) GER150H1 must be taken within the first two years of study; (b) students must complete GER205H1 before taking ANY 300-level topic courses taught in German (i.e. typically in the second year, concurrently with GER200Y1); (c) students must complete GER305H1 before taking ANY 400-level topic courses taught in German; (d) 300-level courses may be replaced by 400-level courses (inquire in advance); (e) all majors should schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Coordinator for personalized counselling as early in their studies as possible.

Al and Malka Green Yiddish Program Minor (Arts Program)

Completion Requirements:

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

1. GER260Y1, GER360H1, OR GER463Y1* (instead of GER260 and GER360)
2. GER462H1
3. The remaining courses should be taken from
361H1
362H1
367H1
100Y1
150H1
or any course offered by and crosslisted by the Centre for Jewish Studies

*NOTE: Students who took GER 463Y cannot take GER260Y or GER360H. Students who took GER260Y or GER360H cannot take GER463Y.

Business German Minor (Arts Program)

Completion Requirements:

(4 full GER courses or their equivalent)

This Minor Program requires 4 full courses from the Department of German.

1. GER100Y1/​GER200Y1, OR proof of comparable German level

2. GER270H1, GER272H1, GER370H1, GER372H1 are mandatory

3. the remainder of the courses or equivalent must have a GER designator OR must be a pre-approved cognate course.

Note: Students enrolled in the German Studies Specialist of Major Program may not simultaneously enroll for a Business German Minor Program.

German Studies Minor (Arts Program)

Completion Requirements:

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

1. GER100Y1, GER200Y1, GER300Y1
2. The remainder of the four courses or equivalent must have a GER designator, but cannot be GER400
3. No more than 0.5 F.C.E. may be taken in English

Note: Students registered for a German Specialist or Major may not simultaneously be registered for a German Minor program.

German Studies in English (Arts Program)

Completion Requirements:

Requirements:

  1. The Minor Program requires 4 full courses (FCE), three of which have to have a GER denominator;
  2. GER150H1 is required;
  3. A maximum of 1.0 FCE in cognate courses is allowed (i.e. courses offered by other departments containing a relevant Germanic component and a final paper on a Germanic topic); please inquire at the Department and get approved in advance.

For a list of courses taught in English, please check the German Department website.

Note: Students registered for a German Specialist or Major may not simultaneously be registered for a German Minor program.

 

Faculty of Arts & Science Language Citation

The Department of German participates in the Faculty of Arts & Science’s Language Citation initiative for German. The study of German is a demanding and intellectually rewarding educational experience, providing students with excellent resources for understanding the culture of the German speaking world. German is now the second foreign language after English in the countries of central and Eastern Europe, and its use is spreading within the European Community. Learning German opens the door to many intellectual, technical, political, and economic fields. Successful study of German demonstrates intelligence, discipline, analytical sophistication, and an excellent memory. The study of any foreign language provides invaluable insights into the varieties of human culture and expression.

The Language Citation recognizes a significant level of achievement in language study with a high level of academic success. The Citation in German is available to students who complete GER100Y1 (or the equivalent prerequisite training) and earn a grade of at least B- in GER200Y1 and GER300Y1.

Students should note that the Language Citation is not equivalent to an academic program and that enrolment in a program is not necessary in order to earn the recognition bestowed by the Citation.

First Year Seminars

The 199Y1 and 199H1 seminars are designed to provide the opportunity to work closely with an instructor in a class of no more than twenty-four students. These interactive seminars are intended to stimulate the students’ curiosity and provide an opportunity to get to know a member of the professorial staff in a seminar environment during the first year of study. Details can be found at www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/fyh-1/.

Note

Notes: (a) All students with previous knowledge of the German language, as well as students returning from extended stays in German-speaking countries, are REQUIRED to take a placement test offered at the Department. (b) The Department reserves the right to place students in the language course appropriate to their level of language skill. (c) More detailed course descriptions and reading lists for the various courses are available from the instructor.

 

German Courses

GER100Y1 - Introduction to German I

Hours: 96P

This is the language course to take if you have had no previous experience of the German language. The emphasis is on comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary and basic grammar. This course can be counted towards all programs in German.

Note: Students with any previous knowledge of German are REQUIRED to take a placement test offered at the department.

Exclusion: Senior high school German or equivalent. Note: Students with any previous knowledge of German are required to take a placement test offered at the department.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER101H1 - Introduction to German

Hours: 48P

This course is intended for students with some prior knowledge of German. It is equivalent to the Spring Term of GER100Y1. The emphasis is on comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary and basic grammar.

Exclusion: Senior high school German or equivalent. GER100Y.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER150H1 - Introduction to German Culture (E)

Hours: 36S

This course taught in English is intended for students who are unfamiliar with German culture. It examines historical, political and cultural developments in Germany from about 1871 to the present focusing on literary and non-literary texts.

Note: This course is required for the major and specialist program, and can only be taken within the first two years. In later years it may be substituted with GER310H1.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER200Y1 - Introduction to German II

Hours: 96P

This course continues the work done in GER100Y1 / GER101H1. It further expands on basic grammar and vocabulary, practice in comprehension, composition, and conversation.

Prerequisite: GER100Y1/​GER101H1 or German placement test, Senior high school German or equivalent
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER205H1 - German Literature I

Hours: 36S

This course offers a transition from the language courses to the topic courses on the 300-level. It introduces students to German literature and provides them with working methods and analytical tools relevant for the study of German literary texts in the original German.

Note: This course is required for the major and specialist program

Prerequisite: GER100Y1
Corequisite: GER200Y1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER220H1 - German Literature in Translation (E) (formerly GER204H1)

Hours: 36S

This course taught in English is an introduction to major authors of German literature, such as J.W. Goethe, F. Kafka, T. Mann, G. Grass, C. Wolf and E.S. Özdamar, focusing on their key works and introducing central topics.

Exclusion: GER204H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER240H1 - German Drama in Translation (E) (formerly GER232H1)

Hours: 36S

This course taught in English offers a general survey introducing major dramatic works from the German-speaking countries from the eighteenth century to the present, by authors such as G.E. Lessing, F. Schiller, G. Büchner, B. Brecht, P. Weiss and E. Jelinek.

Exclusion: GER232H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER250H1 - Topics in German Film History (E)

Hours: 24P/24S

Focusing on a specific era of film production (e.g.Weimar cinema, Nazi era and postwar, feminist filmmaking, New German Cinema or Postwall), this course explores the relationship between social movements and film form and style. Taught in English. Cross-listed with the Cinema Studies Program Innis College.

Exclusion: GER351H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER251H1 - German and European Cinema _E

Hours: 24P/24S

 

This course examines German cinema against the backdrop of European film history. European films share common references points anchored in the cataclysms of two world wars, and have also negotiated analogous postwar transformations in family life, urbanization, the regional and the national, cultural identity, labour relations, post-socialist societies, and state security. A comparative approach enables examination of what binds German cinema to European cinema - shared histories and political concerns--as well as what is nationally unique and distinctive. By matching select films with readings from social theory, cultural studies, and film studies, we will compare and contrast these socio-historical concerns while also attending to the medium specificities of film style, aesthetics, and narrative form.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER260Y1 - Elementary Yiddish

Hours: 72P

This course introduces Yiddish language, literature, music, theater, and cinema through interactive multi-media seminars, designed to build proficiency in reading, writing and comprehending. No prior knowledge of Yiddish is required.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER270H1 - Money and Economy in German Literature and Culture _E

Hours: 36P

In this course, we examine key literary, philosophical, and cultural texts, in order to understand how modern culture approaches problems such as property, debt, and exchange value.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER272H1 - Introduction to Business German

Hours: 36P

This course introduces students to basic concepts and vocabulary necessary for the German business context. All the language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) will be practiced in appropriate business contexts.

Prerequisite: Pre-/Co-Requisite: GER 200Y.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER275H1 - Marx, Nietzsche, Freud (E)

Hours: 36S

This is an introductory course to the thought of Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Sigmund Freud and their pioneering contributions to the understanding of the individual and society in modernity. Readings include selections from writings of the early Marx, the Communist Manifesto, and Capital, Nietzsche's critique of culture, academe, and nationalism, and Freud's theory of culture, his views on the psychopathology of everyday life, on the meaning of dreams, symptoms, the return of the repressed, and what it might mean to live in a free society.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER299Y1 - Research Opportunity Program

Hours: TBA

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/rop. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities

GER300Y1 - Intermediate German

Hours: 96P

Continuing the work done in GER100Y1 and GER200Y1, this course offers German at the intermediate level focusing on extension of vocabulary, specific problems of grammar, essay-writing, reading and conversation. The Department reserves the right to place students in the appropriate course in the series GER200Y1 and GER300Y1.

Prerequisite: GER200Y1 or German placement test
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER305H1 - German Literature II

Hours: 24S

Building on the work of GER205H1, this course offers a survey of German literature and culture from the eighteenth to the twentieth century. Within a chronological framework, students read and analyze excerpts from representative works of major German writers.

Note: This course is required for the major and specialist program, and should be taken concurrently with GER300Y1

Prerequisite: GER205H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER310H1 - Contemporary German Culture and Media

Hours: 24S

This course focuses on contemporary German culture as expressed through a variety of media. It approaches Germany and Germany's position within Europe and the world mainly (but not exclusively) through non-literary texts.

Note: This course may count as a substitute course for the required GER150H1; please inquire in advance.

Prerequisite: GER200Y1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER320H1 - The Age of Goethe (formerly GER420H1)

Hours: 24S

Goethe and his contemporaries saw themselves faced with a rapidly changing world. This course examines the innovative literary experiments they developed in response to these changing times.

Prerequisite: GER205H1
Exclusion: GER420H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER321H1 - 19th Century German Literature (formerly GER325H1)

Hours: 24S

This course focuses on German authors of the nineteenth century. Literary, political and philosophical texts are analyzed as a discussion of political uprisings, the industrial revolution and the emergence of German nationalism.

Prerequisite: GER205H1
Exclusion: GER325H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER322H1 - Kafka in Context (formerly GER331H1)

Hours: 24S

Franz Kafka's texts are read in the literary, historical, and philosophical context of fin-de-sicle Prague and central Europe.

Prerequisite: GER205H1
Exclusion: GER331H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER323H1 - Weimar Culture and Beyond (formerly GER334H1)

Hours: 24S

Focusing roughly on the period from 1918 to 1945, this course examines literary and artistic movements like Dada, Bauhaus, the Golden Age in German film in the decades between World War I and Nazism.

Prerequisite: GER205H1
Exclusion: GER334H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER326H1 - Writing Memory: Post 1945 (formerly GER335H1)

Hours: 24S

An examination of post-World War II German literature and culture from Zero Hour through to present-day debates about the Holocaust and its memorialization within a German context.

Prerequisite: GER205H1
Exclusion: GER335H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER330H1 - Introduction to German Poetry (formerly GER424H1)

Hours: 24S

This course offers an introduction and exploration of German poetry from all ages. The focus lies on poems which pick as a central topic the self in its relation to itself, others, and society.

Prerequisite: GER205H1
Exclusion: GER424H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER332H1 - Deviance - Madness - Outsiders (formerly GER327H1)

Hours: 24S

An analysis of the artistic confrontation with deviance, madness, and outsiders. The course covers expressions of this confrontation in a variety of genres.

Prerequisite: GER205H1
Exclusion: GER327H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER336H1 - Focus On Berlin (formerly GER422H1)

Hours: 24S

This course offers an exploration of the cultural developments of one of the most exciting capitals of the world, from the Bismarckian era to German reunification and beyond.

Prerequisite: GER205H1
Exclusion: GER422H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER338H1 - Narratives of the Body (E)

Hours: 24L/12T

In this course, we examine literary and cinematic explorations of bioethical questions, in order to understand how artistic discourse approaches problems such as normality, madness, and biopower. Readings could include texts by G. Buechner, H. Kleist, E.T.A. Hoffmann, F. Kafka, and T. Mann, among others. All material will be read in English translation.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER340H1 - German Theater Production (formerly GER380H1)

Hours: 48S

The course offers close reading, rehearsing and staging of a play. Students will become familiar with the different steps of a theater production, be introduced to basic acting and staging techniques and get acquainted to leading theories of theater.

Prerequisite: GER200Y1
Exclusion: GER380H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER350H1 - German Visual Cultures (formerly GER351H1)

Hours: 24P/24S

This course presents students with a survey of the history and development of the German cinema. It examines major trends of German cinematography focusing on thematic and formal aspects.

Prerequisite: GER205H1
Exclusion: GER351H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER354Y0 - Special Topics Summer Course in Berlin (E)

Hours: TBA

The topics of this course taught in English and open to students from other disciplines vary from year to year. Interested students can address questions to Woodsworth College.

Recommended Preparation: 100-level HIS/POL/GER course/International or European Studies
Distribution Requirements: Humanities; Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER355Y0 - Summer Course in Berlin

Hours: TBA

Students who wish to petition the department for credit toward a specialist or major program in German will be required to do part of their work in German. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER360H1 - Intermediate Yiddish

Hours: 36P

The course conducted in Yiddish offers a review of basic grammar, stylistics, study of short literary texts.

Prerequisite: GER260Y1
Exclusion: GER360Y1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

JGJ360H1 - Holocaust in Literature

Hours: 24S

This course examines literary works written in different languages, in ghettos and concentration camps during the Holocaust, as well as those reflecting on the genocide in its aftermath. We focus on literature as a means of engaging with the unimaginable and on the cross analysis of eye-witness and memory writing.

Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 4.0 FCEs
Exclusion: CJS220H1 GER367H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER361H1 - Yiddish Literature in Translation (E)

Hours: 24S

An overview of the major figures and tendencies in modern Yiddish literature and culture from the beginning of the 19th century to the present. Readings (in English) of modern Yiddish prose, poetry, drama and cinema.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER362H1 - Jewish Culture in the Soviet Union (E)

Hours: 24S

The course focuses on Soviet Jewish culture between 1917 and 1991. Works in translation by Soviet Yiddish writers and poets, performances of central Yiddish theatres, and publications in central Yiddish periodicals will be analyzed as expressions of Soviet ideology and of ethnic identity.

Recommended Preparation: HIS208Y1, HIS242H1, HIS250Y1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER367H1 - Topics in Yiddish or German Jewish Literature and Culture

Hours: 24S

Topics in modern Yiddish or German Jewish literature and culture from the beginning of the 19th century to the present, featuring a selection of readings of modern Yiddish prose, poetry, drama and cinema. Taught in English and open to students across disciplines.

Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 4.0 FCEs
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER370H1 - German Business Culture 1

Hours: 36P

This course provides students with a working knowledge of German business culture that allows them to navigate the German workplace. The main focus is to deepen students' knowledge of business concepts.

Note: This course is required for the minor program in Business German

Prerequisite: GER200Y1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER371H0 - Berlin Summer Internship

Hours: TBA

An intensive internship in Berlin, focusing on work/study and intercultural learning. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities

GER372H1 - German Business Culture 2

Hours: 36P

This course offers an intensive development of the linguistic skills needed in the context of business transactions and management in German-speaking countries. Through materials from various sources, students develop oral and written skills for competence in German business communication as well as cross-cultural awareness.

Prerequisite: GER370H1
Exclusion: GER470H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER398H0 - Research Excursions

Hours: TBA

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/399. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities

GER399Y0 - Research Excursions

Hours: TBA

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/399. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities

GER400H1 - Advanced German

Hours: 48P

This is a course for advanced learners of German reviewing complex features of the language and introducing them to aspects of German stylistics. The emphasis lies on oral and written communication.

Prerequisite: GER300Y1
Exclusion: GER400Y1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER410H1 - Topics in German Intellectual History (E)

Hours: 24S

This course taught in English offers an examination of key moments and themes in German intellectual history from the Enlightenment to the present.

Prerequisite: Advanced status
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

GER411H1 - Critical Theory

Hours: 24S

The course familiarizes students with some of the key issues in critical theory today. Focusing on current debates, it will provide the background to these debates.

Prerequisite: Advanced status
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

GER423H1 - Transnational Literatures

Hours: 24S

This course investigates contemporary German culture by paying attention to its other or alternate voices and perspectives, i.e. those not usually prevalent in mainstream cultural and sociopolitical discourses.

Prerequisite: GER305H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER425H1 - Romanticism

Hours: 24S

This course introduces students to the literature and some philosophical tenets of Romanticism (roughly 1798-1830) as a critical engagement with Enlightenment, modern science, and modernity.

Prerequisite: GER305H1
Exclusion: GER324H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER426H1 - Medieval Language and Culture

Hours: 36S

This course offers an introduction to the language, literature and culture of Medieval Germany. The reading and translation of exemplary medieval German texts will introduce students to Middle High German and provide an insight into epochal concepts like courtly love and chivalry as well as courtly and monastic designs of identity.

Prerequisite: GER300Y1, GER205H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER429H1 - Topics in Medieval German Literature (E)

Hours: 24S

An open course which explores specific topics in Medieval literature and culture. It serves to introduce students to seminal premodern texts and discourses.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER430H1 - Topics in German Literature and Culture

Hours: 24S

An open course which explores specific aspects of German literature and culture.

Prerequisite: GER305H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER431H1 - Topics in Germanic Studies

Hours: 24S

An open course which explores specific aspects of Germanic Studies.

Prerequisite: Completion of at least 7.0 FCEs
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER450H1 - Topics in German Cinema

Hours: 24P/24S

This course explores in detail a specific aspect of German cinema. Details will be available from the Department.

Prerequisite: GER300 or equivalent
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER462H1 - Advanced Yiddish

Hours: 24P

This course conducted entirely in Yiddish focuses on advanced reading, writing, vocabulary and conversation, the study of poetry, short fiction, and memoir literature by leading authors. Selected advanced grammatical topics are presented in conjunction with the study of texts.

Prerequisite: GER360H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER463Y1 - Yiddish Language for German Speakers

Hours: 48P

The course is designed as an intensive Yiddish language training. The goal is to teach German speakers to read, write and speak in Yiddish. The curriculum relies on the German language skills of the students, and focuses on differences between Yiddish ad German grammar and vocabulary. Upon the completion of the course, students should be able to read Yiddish literary texts with a minimal use of dictionary.

Note: Graduate students can take the course in preparation for their Yiddish competency test.

Prerequisite: Either 3 FCE in German language or fluency in German language.
Exclusion: GER260, GER360, GER462
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

GER490H1 - Independent Study

Hours: 24S

A reading & research project in Germanic literature and/or culture involving a substantive research component. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: Advanced status and permission of department. Note: permission needs to be obtained by May 1st for the Fall Term and by Nov. 1st for the Spring Term
Distribution Requirements: Humanities

GER491Y1 - Individual Studies

Hours: 48S

A scholarly project chosen by the student and supervised by a member of the staff. The form of the project and the manner of its execution are determined in consultation with the supervisor. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Advanced status and permission of department. Note: project proposals need to be submitted by June 1st
Distribution Requirements: Humanities

 

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