German 250: Advanced Conversational German Through Films

Format: Supervised small group discussion of progressively more difficult graded films. German 150 is offered in fall, winter, and spring quarters. German 250 is offered in winter and spring. Students are eligible to receive credit during each quarter because different films in the series are shown each quarter. Both classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Kane Hall 210: 150 begins at 10:30, and 250 begins at 11:30.

Credits: 2 credits per quarter. Total credits possible: 6 cr. in 150 plus 4 cr. in 250 = 10 credits.

Prerequisites: One year college German or equivalent.

Goals and approach: Developing facility in speaking and understanding conversational German through viewing and discussing films under the supervision of an advanced student of German. Grammar is not directly discussed, but grammatical rules are acquired indirectly through listening and speaking. Slides of the German-speaking countries are shown before class to the accompaniment of music. Students in 150 learn German folk songs on Thursdays. This multi-media approach facilitates the mastery of conversational skills in German.

Required text: A booklet containing the vocabulary of the films is available at the AVE COPY CENTER near the southwest corner of 42nd and University Way. Other useful but optional material is available in the University Bookstore.

Tests and grading: Nine short combination multiple choice/vocabulary quizzes are given on Tuesdays. There are no midterm or final exams. Grades are based on quizzes and on knowledge of vocabulary as demonstrated in group discussions. Participants can obtain more practice by viewing the same videos in the OUGL Media Center on their own time.