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Fall Term 2007, Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:00-1:00pm, VC 211
Willkommen!
In this term German 305 will be an introduction to German literature and culture of the periods from the Enlightenment until Post-1945 and Unification Literature of the 21 century. We will read excerpts from the most important works and authors of each major period, view a seminal motion picture, and learn about the development of German culture during periods of phenomenal social and political change and upheaval.
Instructor:
Dr. Alma Christova (Botcharova)
Office Hours:
Monday: 1:30 PM – 3 PM , or by appointment: E-mail: alma.botcharova@utoronto.ca
What will we learn in this course?
It is hoped that, in addition to getting an introduction to German literary and artistic culture, you will learn the following:
- how to read and interpret literature with a particular theme in mind;
- how to find resources that help you in formulating these interpretations;
- some of the German vocabulary related to the study of literature and culture.
Throughout the term we will also be improving our "information literacy". This means that we will be learning, by means of short assignments outside of class, about the important resources for the study of German literature that exist in the library and on the World Wide Web. And, by learning about these resources, you will also be learning about the history of German literature.

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What is Information Literacy?
Information literacy is a term used by library educators. It designates the ability to find, evaluate, and use information within an academic or scholarly context.
With the onset of the information age, it has become more important than ever for university students to develop good research skills.
What language will we use in class?
For the most part, German will be the working language of this course. I will usually use German for my lectures. However, I want people to be able to express their ideas as much as possible, so students are welcome to use English if they feel they can't get their point across in German. The readings are in
German; if there is an English translation available, you might refer to it at home or at the library. Assignments are often a mixture of German and English.
Assignments and Grade Distribution:
Classroom Work 15%: Your contributions to the course will play a part in your final grade. Attendance and preparation are therefore essential for doing well.
This is a subjective grade based on the following components: attendance; preparation for and participation in class. In order to do well on this portion of the course grade, attend class regularly and be prepared to contribute to class discussions.
Reading Exercises 25%: These exercises are intended to help you focus your understanding of the main reading selections. After each reading selection has been dealt with in class an exercise sheet will be made available to students. In order for an exercise to count, it must be returned within one week of the class session dealing with that reading selection; late submissions will not be marked.
Information Literacy 20%: The exercises connected with the information literacy portion of the course will count for 20% of your final grade.
Final Exam 40%: For a period of 2 hours you will be offered:
A.
To answer one of three discussion topics in the form of a mini-essay;
B.
To answer one of three theoretical questions about literary genres, form, content etc. of works discussed in class;
C.
To select three of 6 very short passages and to identify the author, the work, the speaker, and the context. You will be needing to discuss the significance of the passage to the work as a whole.

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Note on Avoidance of Academic Offenses:
All students registered in the courses of the Faculty of Arts are expected to know what constitutes an academic offense, to avoid committing academic offenses, and to take responsibility for their academic actions. If you need help in learning how to avoid offenses such as plagiarism, cheating, and double submission, or if you need clarification of aspects of the discipline policy, ask me as your course instructor for guidance. Other resources regarding the discipline policy are your academic advisor and the Undergraduate Associate Dean.
Booklist:
Film: Das Leben der anderen
Manfred Hausmann: Begegnung mit dem Buch
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing: Nathan der Weise
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Mailied; Willkommen und Abschied; Wanderers
Nachtlied
Fredrich Schiller: Kabale und Liebe
Goethe: Erlkönig
Heinrich Heine: Lorelei; Deutschland. Ein Wintermärchen
Gottfried Keller: Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe
Franz Kafka: Die Verwandlung
Bertolt Brecht: Mutter Courage
Rumjana Zacharieva: Erzählungen
Monika Maron: Zwei Berichte an die Stasi
Günter Grass: Im Krebsgang
Textbooks:
Recommended:
 A proper German or German-English dictionary.

A final note:
I want to help you get the most out of your studies. You are always welcome to come by my office with questions or comments about any aspect of the course. I will look at rough drafts of work to be handed in, give you guidance on assignments, and provide assistance in any other way I can. German culture intrigues me, so I am always eager to share my enthusiasm and discuss topics related to the course, but for which there just is not enough time in class. In short: feel free to visit with me!
GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY GER205!
Please remember to bring a Happy Face to each class: Smiling not only increases your face value, it’s contagious!
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