What does it mean to be German? How do Germans see themselves? How does the world view the Germans? What about the Austrians and the Swiss? Chances are, if you have had any contact with German-speaking culture, you have probably encountered the question of German identity. In fact, there is even a word that describes Germany’s image: das Deutschlandbild. Try Googling: “Was ist (typisch) deutsch?” or “Deutschlandbild” and marvel at the multitude of articles and surveys. Why do Germans so frequently ask such questions about themselves? Is it because of the relatively late founding of the German state in 1871? the brutal use of racial criteria for citizenship under Nazi rule? the country’s division into two vastly different and opposing political systems during the Cold War? the challenges with reunification? Germany’s role in the EU? the current debates surrounding the admission of refugees? How do most Austrians and Swiss see themselves in relation to Germany?

In this intermediate German language course, we will consider these and many more questions surrounding the topic of identity. We will also consider by comparison, our own personal and cultural identities. How do we perceive and express ourselves? What factors (gender, age, ethnic heritage, etc.) have shaped our own identities, and how have these changed in our lifetimes?

Throughout the term, we will ponder and discuss the concept of identity auf Deutsch within a series of thematic units such as childhood, history, geography, migration, art, literature, music, and film. Each unit involves all three modes of communication:

• the interpretive (one-way communication / comprehension),
• the interpersonal (two-way communication / conversation),
• the presentational (one-way communication to an audience or readers).

By successfully completing this course, you should be able to survive everyday life in a German-speaking country without needing English and have enough conversational skills to meet and enjoy yourself with other speakers of German. You will be prepared to pursue your own specific interests in German 232 (a themed course that you will choose) and beyond.

The full syllabus for German 231 is available at https://resources.german.lsa.umich.edu/kursseiten/

Course Requirements:

Course requirements include daily homework assignments (reading, writing short responses as well as larger creative writing projects, learning vocabulary, practicing grammar, watching movies, etc.), regular attendance and participation (these are crucial), oral presentations, quizzes, and tests (including the core vocabulary midterm and final, and 4 informal oral tests). Instead of a final examination, students will work in groups to produce final projects that will be presented on the last days of classes.

Class Format:

In person.