German Studies

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

Students will study the target language and enroll in a foreign study program or participate in a Converse designed program, studying the language and discussing important topics on culture and contemporary life. Grades in the course will be determined either by the native language teacher or by a Converse professor, based on class participation, tests and graded assignments.

An interdisciplinary survey of contemporary German society and its multicultural and transnational influences. Emphasis is placed on post-unification cultural, political, and social issues.

A close analysis of select feature films from German-speaking countries. Films are studied as both an aesthetic practice and a medium of cultural history. Special emphasis is placed on developing techniques for critical visual literacy. Fine Arts Film credit.

This interdisciplinary course explores key thinkers, ideas, and events that have shaped the religious landscape in German-speaking countries and beyond. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of Judaism, Christianity, and/or Islam on social life and institutions.

This interdisciplinary seminar explores a special topic in the cultures of German-speaking countries. Particular emphasis is placed on the increasingly transnational and multicultural contexts of German cultural studies. Topics may include German cultural history, intellectual history, literature, media studies, and sound studies. Conducted in English.  GEP designation contingent on seminar topic as outlined below. Writing Intensive.

GEP before 2025: GER 314-A: Humanities

GEP before 2025: GER 314-B: Fine Arts 

GEP before 2025: GER 314-C: Literature

An interdisciplinary seminar that investigates the works of Sigmund Freud and those who followed in his tradition. Focuses on the historical development of psychoanalyis and examines the revolutionary impact of Freud and psychoanalysis on art, culture, film, music, literature, and philosophy. 

Students will study the target language and enroll in a foreign study program or participate in a Converse designed program, studying the language and discussing important topics on culture and contemporary life. Grades in the course will be determined either by the native language teacher or by a Converse professor, based on class participation, tests and graded assignments.

Political, social and cultural history from Germany 1815 to the present.