German 311: Critical Approaches to German Literature

Fall 2008

Section B: Wilke: MWF 9:30-10:20 Denny 313; wilke@u.washington.edu

Section A: Brown: MWF 10:30-11:20 Denny 205; jkbrown@u.washington.edu

Course web site: http://courses.washington.edu/ger311

Critical Approaches to German Literature

Goals: This course is intended to introduce you to the basic techniques of literary discussion, to develop your ability to interpret by close reading of German literature, and to refine your writing skills through frequent assignments of either one-page exercises or 3-5 page papers (typed double-spaced). The course website contains terminology, study questions, glossaries and supplementary materials to help you work toward these goals.

Policies: The general method of instruction is through lectures and classroom discussions. The primary language of instruction is German. We recommend that the student have completed German 203 or its equivalent. Readings of up to 30 pages of text in German are assigned for every class meeting. You will be graded on your papers (20% each) and your oral participation and short exercises combined (40%). Assignments are due in hard copy in class on the day assigned; exceptions on paper due dates can only be made with the advance permission of the instructor. There can be no exceptions on exercises. All assignments are to be written in English since this is a “W” class. Please familiarize yourself with the University’s policies on grading and grade change at http://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/front/Grading_Sys.html. Anyone with a documented disability requiring special accommodation must meet with the instructor during the first week of classes to arrange for such accommodation.