DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce theological students to a
reading knowledge of the German language with special emphasis on theological
German. Previous knowledge of German is neither presupposed nor required.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: After taking this five-week course, students should be able
to read most theological literature written in German, or know how to summarize
it quickly using the most efficient resources.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course in elementary German reading builds the
skills necessary to access the vast amount of literature available in the
German language from McAlister Library. Since Reformation times the German
language has been utilized to convey theological thought. Church ministry can
only be enhanced by tapping this rich source of theological insight. Reading
knowledge of German belongs among the abilities possessed by church ministers
and theologians, and the effectiveness of ministers and theologians often
depends on their comprehension, at least in broad strokes, of the contents of
major German theological texts.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-and-a-half-hour
sessions for eight weeks, with the last class meeting on August 8, 2011. A
two-hour homework assignment will be given after every class meeting.
REQUIRED READING: