Advanced Creative Expression in German speaking (303-0-1)

Instructors

Franziska Lys
847/491-8298
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Rm 3317

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This advanced German course is designed to enhance students' listening comprehension and speaking proficiency, empowering them to become confident, creative, and independent users of spoken German. Through a student-centered approach, the course fosters sophisticated communication skills across a broad range of contemporary topics. Students will explore and critically engage with key social, political, and historical issues that shape intercultural relations in Germany. The course emphasizes themes such as power sharing, justice, equity, and the protection and promotion of diversity in a multicultural and multiethnic society. Topics may include: extremism and the far-right in German politics; refugee experiences and integration; social equality and poverty, Germany's energy transition. Students will have the opportunity to select topics of interest and contribute to shaping class discussions. Learning activities include small-group discussions, collaborative projects, and a variety of speaking tasks—ranging from descriptive and narrative exercises to analytical reports, structured debates, and critical discussions.

This course is taught in German

Registration Requirements

Two 200-level courses in German

Learning Objectives

This course will emphasize the articulation of ideas orally, using visuals and other digital media as evidence to explain data and present arguments. Course tasks and goals are:
1. Participating in a series of scaffolded speaking assignments with a partner in class discussing and evaluating the assigned readings by discerning their thesis, argument, evidence, and conclusion. These speaking assignments prepare students for further class discussions.
2. Participating in scaffolded speaking assignments one-on-one with their instructor designed to practice the linguistic accuracy of their speaking. Students prepare one of the class topics (introduction, summary of main arguments, critique, and opinion) for discussion.
3. Prepare detailed presentations to the class that is comprised of an introduction, a summary of arguments using digital evidence, critique and express their own opinion on the issue, providing further evidence when necessary. Topics are chosen by the students.

Class Materials (Required)

Material will be distributed by the instructor.

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity