The primary focus will be the Federal Republic of Germany present and past, but the course will also include the former German Democratic Republic, Austria and Switzerland. The German situation today will be approached via discussion of major social, political and cultural issues. At the same time, changes in everyday lifestyles, traditions and values (ecology, peace, the women's movement) will not be neglected.

On satisfying the requirements for this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. analyse and critique German-speaking societies via written and visual texts.
2. have an understanding of current affairs in German-speaking societies, and of world events from a European perspective, and
3. combine this acquired ‘insider' perspective with their own as informed outsiders. In using target-language materials, this course provides an invaluable complement to European Studies and IR.
4. Students will also have the opportunity to develop generic skills, e.g., critical thinking, written and oral communication, research, teamwork.

10-15 minute oral presentation (25%), 1500 word essay (40%), test (25%) and class participation (10%).

2.5 hours/week of classes. The amount of time students could  reasonably expect to spend outside of contact hours will depend on reading speeds and level. Students who have started at Beginners' level will have slightly reduced assessment (essay length, and expectations of language proficiency).

GERM2105, or equivalent language proficiency.

Recommended: GERM2106 or GERM3008.