This course will explore the meaning of the concept of “Wellness”, now a commonly used term in Germany. Topics will include mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, sleep, relaxation and other aspects of lifestyle. We will investigate how Germans strive to live a healthy and balanced life, and students will also examine their own practices and goals relating to wellness. Students will be required to participate actively during class. Besides traditional language class activities, we will also sometimes be doing physical activities, such as yoga, mindfulness practice and exercises designed to engage students at German public schools in a 5 minute “movement break”. As we explore each topic, students will be required to keep journals on those topics, such as recording their meals or exercise or sleep patterns for several weeks.

Course Requirements:

Grades will be based on active participation, journals, essays, quizzes, presentations, and a final project.

Class Format:

Instruction Mode: Tuesday Wednesday, and Thursday class meetings will be in-person; Friday class meetings will be remote. Remote class meetings will be held synchronously at the times listed for the class. Students are expected to be available during all scheduled class times.

Learning Mode: Remote class meetings will take place via Zoom. Students will need a reasonably stable internet connection with enough bandwidth for videoconferencing and a computer (or tablet) equipped with a camera.