GERM 362 - Culture and Language through Performed Texts

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FA, alternate years. An introduction to different eras and cultural themes of German-speaking Europe through the reading, interpretation, and presentation of a variety of texts. Works studied represent different performance genres, such as medieval mystery plays, sermons, epic poetry, traditional theater, music, radio plays, speeches, modern theater, and poetry slams. Students learn to interpret these texts as cultural products with implicit goals, assumptions about audience and the role of performance texts, and worldviews. Connections to specific historical events, the visual arts, and literary trends are explored as they relate to historical and contemporary performances of the various German texts. Students are expected to progress in their German language skills, including grammar, reading, speaking, and listening comprehension. Prerequisite: GERM 301, GERM 303, or permission of the instructor.