Summer 2011/Pasadena
LG566
Keller

LG566: THEOLOGICAL GERMAN. James Keller.


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:

Wilson, April. German Quickly. Revised edition. New York: Peter Lang, 2004 (Third printing 2007). ISBN-10: 0820467596; ISBN-13: 9780820467597. Pub.price: $44.95.

RECOMMENDED READING: See course syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS: Regular assigned reading from reading list and weekly handouts. A two-hour homework assignment will be given after every class meeting. In addition, students will select their own text (subject to approval of the instructor) to work on during the course, and that text will serve as the basis for the final exam.

PREREQUISITES: None. No audits except for those with transcript evidence of previous study of German.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, on August 8. Selection from student's passage (2-hour length).

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (April 2011)