Undergraduate German 2026-2027

Germanic literature is famous for its fairy tales. From the brothers Grimm to contemporary re-imaginings of traditional tales, fairy tales have undergone continual revisions, reflecting changing social norms. We examine tales from the early 19th century to the present day, with attention to the gender roles that these tales reveal or perhaps challenge. As we learn more about changing perspectives on gender in German culture, we can reflect upon the challenges that we still face today.

Top CEOs have cited creativity as crucial to successfully navigating today’s complex, technology-driven world. But what does it mean to be creative? This course explores concepts of creativity through German literature and culture, attending to ideas and innovations that have radically shaped modern European history. Ranging from the Enlightenment to the present day, the course develops students’ skills in cultural analysis and understanding of creativity.

This course will look at a number of key German-language films and directors from the past seven decades to examine the changing discourse and shifts in representation of the Nazi legacy in Germany and Austria. The course will proceed chronologically, encompassing both fiction and documentary film, offering the opportunity to compare and draw connections between films from different periods and of diverse genres.

Top CEOs have cited creativity as crucial to successfully navigating today’s complex, technology-driven world. But what does it mean to be creative? This course explores concepts of creativity through German literature and culture, attending to ideas and innovations that have radically shaped modern European history. Ranging from the Enlightenment to the present day, the course develops students’ skills in cultural analysis and understanding of creativity.