Course Number: GER 363K
Instructor: Dr. Janet Swaffar
Title: German Media
Semester: Fall 1997
Unique Number: 3235 EPS 4.102A
Time: TT 2- 3:30

DESCRIPTION:

This seminar examines German video and print media as manifestations of cultural attitudes, behaviors, and values.  Using a range of programs and available network systems in conjunction with print media dealing with the same topics, we will focus on two concerns:

To address the first concern, we will analyze the visual imagery of video texts, the register or word choice of texts and videos, and how these genres are used to address a topic (in editorials, news reports, interviews, newscasts, documentaries, entertainment films) affect the arrangement and weighting of information conveyed.

In the second instance, the course will view the way media constructs German cultural events as German or non-German, significant or trivial.

The pedagogy of this course involves asking students to use the language of both spoken and written texts to express their ideas.  Initial identification of 10-15 phrases in each text that convey its messages will be followed by short essay writing on related topics.

In these essays students must use the language from the video and print sources in their analyses.

This course fulfills the substantial writing component.
TEXTS:

Videos available from Batts 3, copies to view in Batts 232

ASSIGNMENTS:

This course fulfills the substantial writing component with three kinds of writing assignments

Each student will write 1) 6 precis reports (1 page in length) on assigned video materials, newspaper articles, Web sites, and Deutsche Welle programs related to the video materials viewed, and 2) 3 interpretive papers due at intervals throughout the semester (2-3 pages) synthesizing the information from several video and print texts on a given topic.  In addition, each student will present 2 oral reports in class (approximately 5 minutes each) that provide a specific interpretation of a longer video or print text read independently.

They will also submit a written version of this report (1-2 pages in length).

All papers must be revised if errors in execution are noted by the instructor.  Progress will be assessed based on a portfolio of all work, collected and submitted at the close of the semester.  To measure progress there will be a hour long reading and video comprehension exam at the beginning and at the end of the semester.

GRADING:

Oral presentations: 6 precis reports: Final paper: Exam: Portfolio:

20% 30% 30% 10% 10%