German

The German program at Hopkins is among the most distinguished in North America. It has been a leading force in literary criticism and is internationally recognized for its strength in German and Yiddish literature from the Enlightenment to the present, as well as interdisciplinary approaches to the humanities.

CLASSES YOU MIGHT TAKE

German Elements I

This is a four-skills introduction to the German language and culture. You’ll develop proficiency in speaking, writing, reading and listening skills through the use of basic texts, multi-media, and communicative language activities.

Advanced German I: Cultural Topics of the Modern German-speaking World

We’ll focus on defining moments in cultural history in German speaking countries in the 2nd half of the 20th century. Films, texts, including a full-length novel, and other media will provide a basis for discussing events in post-war Germany from 1945 to 2000.

Advanced German II: Contemporary Issues in the German Speaking World

This course focuses on contemporary issues such as national identity, multiculturalism and the lingering social consequences of major 20th century historical events. Our readings include literary and journalistic texts, as well as radio broadcasts, internet sites, music, and film.

Faculty Spotlight

PROF. Mark Christian Thompson

Krieger-Eisenhower Professor and Chair

Investigating the History of Jazz Music in the Weimar Era

Thompson explores how a popular African-American art form could go from being banned by government, as ragtime was in the 1910s, to becoming part of the soundtrack of the Nazi enterprise in Anti-Music.

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