First-Year Seminar in German

Catalog description

This seminar will introduce students to the study of German, Austrian, Swiss, Yiddish and/or Dutch literature, film and culture in their first year at Penn State. Students will read significant texts (in English), view videos (with subtitles), listen to music and explore Germanic-speaking cultures in general. These experiences will help prepare students for additional courses in literature and in German as well as provide a point of comparison with U.S. culture. Specific topics or themes for the course may vary from semester to semester. In addition to the academic topic explored in this course, students can expect to gain a general introduction to the University as an academic community and have the opportunity to explore their responsibilities as members of that community. Students will develop an understanding of the learning tools and resources available to them including the opportunity to develop relationships with faculty and other students who share their academic interests.