German language and Culture
Betsy Gordon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Speech Communication;
Chair, LLC Division;
begordon@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6889, Carnegie Hall 114
In order to prepare students for a world that is becoming more economically interdependent
and culturally diverse, the study of foreign language may afford students
opportunities to communicate with persons from other cultures as well as foster students’
understanding and appreciation of cultures other than their own. Foreign language
courses emphasize learning grammar and vocabulary, improving conversation
skills, and improving students’ ability to read another language. Because learning a foreign
language necessitates the rigorous study of grammar, it may enhance students’
overall language awareness and understanding of the grammar of English.
To minor in German language and culture the student must complete a minimum of 16
credit hours in German language and culture courses. Students seeking a teaching endorsement
in a language need the following: 18 hours of the language for an endorsement to
teach middle school and 24 hours of the language to teach secondary school. 18 hours of
a language may also be used as an area of concentration for elementary school teachers.
Up to 8 credit hours of CLEP or Advanced Placement Examination credit will be accepted
toward the 16 hour minor requirement or the 18 and 24 hour teaching endorsements.
(cf. Transfer of Credit section of this catalog). Students may apply up to 8 hours of CLEP
or AP credit toward the 16 hour minor or the teaching endorsement requirements. Students
who have successfully completed two years of high school German and who are allowed
to waive GER 101 and 102 based on criteria other than the CLEP or AP tests may complete
the 16 hour minor with 11 additional credit hours. To complete the teaching endorsements,
students must have 18 (middle school) or 24 (secondary) hours of college credit in
the language, up to 8 of which may come from the CLEP or AP examinations.
GER 101 GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE I (4)
An introduction course designed for the student with no knowledge of the German language. Emphasis is placed on the development of listening, speaking, and writing skills. The student is introduced to German culture and history. Annually, Fall.
GER 102 GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE II (4)
A continuation of GER 101. The course develops writing and vocabulary skills while emphasizing the speaking and understanding of conversational German. Prerequisite: GER 101 or placement test. Annually, Spring.
GER 201 GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE III (3)
This course focuses on developing the student’s skill to an intermediate level of proficiency. The student is expected to gain a knowledge of the customs and culture of Germany through readings in German and in translation. Prerequisite: GER 102 or placement test. Annually, Fall.
GER 202 GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IV (3)
The continued development of the written and oral language skills learned in GER 201. The student’s appreciation of German culture is enhanced through readings in German literature. Prerequisite: GER 201 or placement test. Annually, Spring.
GER 351 LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE IN GERMANY (3-6)
A six to eight week period of intensive language and cultural study during a summer session in Germany. Credit is determined through arrangement with the instructor for projects in German history and culture.
GER 380-389 TOPICS IN GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE (2-3)
The focus of this course will be development of speaking competency. The course will be taught in the German language; various methodologies will be used to further social and linguistic interaction in the classroom. Students should realize an appreciable growth in oral comprehension and expression in the language. Prerequisite: GER 202 (or concurrent enrollment). As needed.
GER 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GERMAN (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and academic advisor. As needed.