GERM 1111 - Introduction to German Culture

1. Demonstrate awareness of the great scope of works in the arts of German cultures, as expressions of the human condition in terms of human behavior, ideas, and values.
2. Recognize the variety of these works of human imagination, which may include architecture, literature, film, theater, dance, music, painting, and popular entertainment.
3. Analyze the universal and philosophical content of these works as expressions of fundamental humanity and human values.
4. Better understand the human condition by having analyzed universal motifs in the arts and humanities of German cultures.
5. Analyze the historical and the social context of German works of the imagination and recognize to what degree works of art are historically and socially determined.
6. Critically respond to expressions of German thought and imagination, by recording responses to works of art in journals, for internal reflection and analysis, and by means of class discussion and criticism of works studied.
7. Appreciate the quality and beauty of great achievements in the humanities and arts of the German cultures.
8. Develop a more experienced and more informed set of standards for aesthetic judgment.
9. Show increased self-understanding in personal critical reaction to expressions of German philosophy and values, comparing them with their own behavior, ideas, and values.
10. Describe and analyze political and social conditions that exist within and between German countries, especially those which affect the relations of societies and nations.
11. Analyze economic factors which affect the historical development and contemporary conditions of German-speaking societies, especially in their relationship to other cultures.
12. Understand cultural elements which distinguish German-speaking cultures as compared to other cultures.
13. Understand the religious characteristics of German cultures in historical context and in a cross-cultural perspective.
14. Analyze how linguistic differences have caused historical and contemporary problems among German cultures and between German and other cultures.
15. Recognize geographical features and regions of German-speaking countries.
16. Demonstrate understanding of the interdependence of the nations and people of the German-speaking world, and their links with the rest of the world.
17. As a result of all of the above, develop a global perspective, as opposed to an ethnocentric world view.

1. Land and people: geography, land and vegetation; population; situation, countries and capitals, land use
2. History and heritage: Germanic and Roman civilizations; feudalism; from an agrarian to an urban society
3. Religion: Germanic mythology; Christianity, the role of the church in society, rise of Islam and protestant religions
4. Modern society: the economy; government and politics; education; immigration patterns
5. Family and gender: marriage, the role of women in German-speaking societies, children, extended family
6. Interpersonal communication: the German language, gestures, body language, physical greeting styles, perception of time and space
7. The arts: architecture, visual arts, music, dance, theater, literature, cinema, mass media
8. Daily life and customs: sports and leisure, food and drink, holidays and festivals