German 102 is the continuation of German 101; please see the description for German 101 for a description of the general philosophy underlying this course. We will continue to work with the textbook, Vorsprung, from German 101. We will read, discuss, and occasionally re-enact excerpts from a novel about an artist whose new neighbor is a communist kangaroo. In addition, we will watch a feature film, Almanya - Willkommen in Deutschland, winner of the 2011 "Deutscher Filmpreis" for Best Script and Best Film, a tragicomedy dramatizing the question of identity and belonging for former Turkish guest workers in Germany and their descendants. As in German 101, we will read and watch texts & videos in English and occasionally German, exploring the culture of the German-speaking countries, and some important current issues, from a variety of perspectives.

By the end of the course, students will be able to cope with a variety of conversational situations and written texts. In particular, they will have the necessary "survival skills" for a visit to a German-speaking country, as well as a foundation for doing basic intellectual work in German. Students will have expanded their perspective on cultural differences, and developed their ability to engage open-mindedly, but also critically, with cultural differences they encounter, both at home and abroad.

The full syllabus is available at https://resources.german.lsa.umich.edu/kursseiten/

Course Requirements:

Course requirements include chapter tests and a final exam, two informal oral tests, a final role play, 3 short essays, class participation, and regular homework assignments.

Class Format:

In person.