This course features ten films made in Germany between February, 1933 and May, 1945 during the “Third Reich.” It is not, however, mainly a study of propaganda films, although they will receive modest attention. Rather, we will examine a number of genres of popular cinematic entertainment, conscious of the reality that out of some 1094 films made during this period, fewer than 100 were overtly propagandistic. We will see, discuss, and write about comedies, love stories, family dramas, and other styles of cinema popular not only in Germany during this period, but also in the USA and elsewhere in Europe. The course is taught mainly in German. Several of the films have English subtitles; several do not. The required textbook is in English. Some selected readings are in German. Zuhl Library holdings in this area are competitive with much larger institutions.
Textbook: Sabine Hake, Popular Cinema of the Third Reich
Austin: UT Press, 2001, paper, 272 pp., ISBN 02927-34581
GER 363 German Studies; Austria and Switzerland Dr. Richard Rundell Tu Th 1:10-2:25 BD 170A
In two consecutive half-semester blocks of this course, one devoted to Austria, the other to Switzerland, we explore the two main countries besides Germany where German is spoken. The course considers geography, demography, cultural institutions, history, life-styles, popular attitudes, issues, and problems in two countries which are often overlooked solely as tourist attractions. Special attention is paid to the city of Vienna and to the Alps, both as mountain paradise and as ecological challenge. The number of great figures in German culture who are actually Austrians or Swiss may surprise you. The course is taught mainly in German. A few feature films from each country will be shown. Most of our research and reading materials are online. Quizzes, readings, discussions, and projects will be in German.
Two examples out of a large array, including Austrian and Swiss media, are:
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%96sterreichische_Nation
and
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schweiz
GER 449 Special Problems Dr. Richard Rundell Professor Gabriela Buchenau Day and hour TBA Room: BD 222 Rundell, BD 230 Buchenau Variable 1-3 cr.
Consent of instructor required. GER 449 is ordinarily used for translation projects on an independent basis, the details of which are worked out with the instructor. A typical example for 3 cr. would entail ca. 10-15 pages of English-to-German translation and 10-15 pages of German-to-English translation, the texts to be selected after discussion with the instructor. The range of possibilities for a translation project is enormous and includes literary texts, scientific texts, journalism, and virtually everything in between. One recent project entailed the deciphering of a handwritten 19th century travel memoir and its transcription, then a translation into English. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 cr. For many more details, speak with Dr. Rundell or Prof. Buchenau.
GER 453 Independent Study in German Dr. Richard Rundell Professor Gabriela Buchenau Day and hour TBA Room: BD 222 Rundell, BD 230 Buchenau Variable 1-3 cr.
Consent of instructor required. Independent study entails a project which normally results in a written paper of ca. 30 pages in German. The choice of topic often relates to a student’s major or career plans, but not necessarily. Topics have covered a very broad range; almost any subject can be pursued in the context of an Independent Study project. GER 453 is for students with excellent time management skills who can work without a fixed schedule and regular supervision. The actual schedule for an Independent Study project is worked out between student and instructor but ordinarily involves meetings every two weeks. This course is not intended to replace any numbered course in the Undergraduate Catalog; it should not be used to compensate for a time conflict between a GER course and a course in another department. For many more details, speak with Dr. Rundell or Prof. Buchenau.