German: Interm Germ II: Sustainability

Enhancement of language proficiency with focus on effective, contextually relevant communication; emphasis on personalized content, learning strategies, and reflection skills; exploration of a variety of current issues and standpoints in contemporary German speaking countries with an emphasis on sustainability. Students may take 1 German course numbered between 2100 and 2109 for credit. Prerequisite: GERM 2100 or equivalent.

Prereqs: GERM 2100; Open to degree and PACE students

* This course meets the Sustainability Requirement: All undergraduate degree students matriculating in Fall 2015 or later must meet a General Education requirement in sustainability. To meet this requirement, students must complete a course, curriculum, or co-curricular module prior to graduation that has been approved by the Faculty Senate's Sustainability Curriculum Review Committee. Building upon GRMN 2100, GRMN 2202 seeks to refine your language development with the ultimate goal in mind: effective real-life, contextually relevant communication in today’s globalized world. By continuously drawing your attention to the purpose of language, you become accustomed to viewing communication in relation to your intended audience. Through a dynamic, hands-on exploration of cultural products, practices, and perspectives, you will explore a variety of current issues and standpoints in contemporary Germany while enhancing your language proficiency. An emphasis on personalized content, learning strategies, and reflection skills fosters your development into an effective and thoughtful communicator. Upon completion of this course you will be able to: - Communicate effectively with others in German on a variety of advanced topics, including: green aesthetics and sustainable architecture in contemporary Germany; film culture and its impact on society; and, finally, the concept of Heimat (sense or feeling of belonging) as it intersects with the globalized and multicultural German-speaking world. -Interpret the main messages and nuances communicated across a range of genres, including: personal interviews, feature film clips, short stories, newspaper articles, and infographics. -Present information (in written, oral, and digital form) in nuanced ways thanks to an increased linguistic repertoire and strong cultural understanding of German-speaking products, practices, and perspectives.

Students attend class 3 times per week in-person and submit homework online in Canvas and in class. Across all platforms, expect instruction and interactions with your peers to be centered around active learning scenarios and meaningful communication. Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours per week outside of class on homework and class preparation. A copy packet of the non-commercial textbook, Augenblicke: German Language and Culture through Film, Media and Texts, is the only required text. You should obtain this text from the UVM bookstore (if you attended 2100, you already have this text).

Evaluation is based on active participation, timely and thorough completion of homework activities, weekly quizzes, three end-of-module projects, essays, two tests, and a comprehensive final.