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German Studies

Certificate

This program serves both full and part-time students, and those seeking educational enrichment in language, literature, art, philosophy, and history of the German-speaking world. The program offers intermediate proficiency in the German language (speaking, reading, writing, and listening).

The certificate may be completed concurrently with, and complements, major and minor programs in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and other faculties.

Those students planning to obtain a bachelor of arts within FASS may complete the certificate in such a way that some of the FASS breadth requirements are fulfilled by the same courses. Courses used toward the certificate may also be used toward a major and minor.

Admission Requirements

There are no specific admission requirements. To declare your German studies certificate, please contact the World Languages and Literatures Advisor at wll_adv@sfu.ca.

Program Requirements

This program requires a minimum of 18 units as stipulated below. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all prerequisites are met.

Students must complete four German language courses from the following list:

GERM 100 - Introductory German I (3)

Introduction to German for students with no previous background in the language. Course develops German language acquisition through listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, using practical and situational materials that stress both language and culture. By the end of the term, students will have acquired basic conversational skills. (A1.1 level of CEFR). Students with previous German training should contact the department for placement. Students with credit for GERM 102 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Claudia Hein
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D300 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
GERM 110 - Introductory German II (3)

Follows GERM 100. Continues introduction to German for students who have developed the necessary foundations from GERM 100. Students will acquire elementary conversational skills and basic reading ability, along with cultural competence. By the end of the term, students will be able to communicate in basic German. (A1 level of CEFR completed). Prerequisite: GERM 100 (or GERM 102) or equivalent. Students with credit for GERM 103 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Claudia Hein
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
GERM 200 - Intermediate German I (3)

Follows GERM 110. Continues to develop basic communication skills and promotes student cultural understanding. By the end of the term, students will be able to function in a German speaking environment. (A2.1 level of CEFR). Prerequisite: GERM 110 (or GERM 103) or equivalent. Students with credit for GERM 201 may not take this course for further credit.

GERM 210 - Intermediate German II (3)

Continues the work of GERM 200. Students will receive further training in speaking, reading and writing, with extensive references made to German culture. After completion of the course, students should have attained the A2 level of the CEFR. Prerequisite: GERM 200 (or GERM 201) or equivalent. Students with credit for GERM 202 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Claudia Hein
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
GERM 300 - Advanced German: Composition and Conversation (3)

Practice in comprehension, reading, speaking and writing, combined with a review of the essential points of grammar. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or consent of the instructor.

and a minimum of two courses selected from the following list, or other courses with the approval of the departmental advisor.

CA 137 - The History and Aesthetics of Cinema II (3) *

This course will examine selected developments in cinema from 1945 to the present, with attention to various styles of artistic expression in film. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 137 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Christopher Pavsek
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
D101 Joseph Clark
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D106 Joseph Clark
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D107 Joseph Clark
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Vancouver
CA 308 - Contemporary Arts Field School I (Theory/History) (4) *

A scholarly exploration of artistic traditions and practices in the country being visited, with special attention to cultural, theoretical, historical and political contexts. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: A minimum of 30 units and approval of Field School Director.

CA 309 - Contemporary Arts Field School II (Studio) (4) *

Students receive training in selected forms of dance, film, video, theatre, music, visual art and other forms of art production in the country being visited, with the opportunity of interacting with local people, artists and academics. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: A minimum of 30 units and permission of Field School Director.

CA 316 - Intermediate Selected Topics in Cinema Studies (4) *

An intermediate course in critical studies in cinema addressing a variety of topics. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 337 may take this course for further credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: Nine units in CA (or FPA) courses including CA (or FPA) 136 or 137.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Joseph Clark
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
ENGL 439W - Seminar in World Literatures in English (4) *

Advanced seminar in literary works in English, mainly from regions other than Canada, Britain and the United States. The course may focus on one or several literatures or individual authors, and will be organized according to specific critical methodologies. This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units or two 300-division English courses. Writing.

GERM 300 - Advanced German: Composition and Conversation (3)

Practice in comprehension, reading, speaking and writing, combined with a review of the essential points of grammar. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or consent of the instructor.

HIST 224 - Europe from the French Revolution to the First World War (3)

A survey of European history emphasizing the French Revolution, and Napoleonic Europe and first Industrial Revolution, liberalism and its opponents, agrarian conservatism, liberalism and conservatism, the Revolutions of 1848, the struggles for political unification, the second Industrial Revolution and the origins of the First World War. Breadth-Humanities.

HIST 225 - 20th Century Europe (3)

A survey of European history from the First World War emphasizing the origins and effects of the World Wars, the emergence of the Soviet Union and of fascism. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Ilya Vinkovetsky
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HIST 332 - Politics and Culture in Modern Germany (4)

An examination of major themes in German history from the establishment of a united German Empire in 1871 to the reunification of Germany in 1990. Emphasis will be placed on issues related to the formation of German national identity and the problems associated with modernization and militarism. Attention will be given to the difficulties of Weimar democracy, the nature of the Third Reich, and contrasting developments in East and West Germany after 1949. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

HIST 338 - World War II (4)

An introduction to the history of the origins and course of the second world war. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 225.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Lauren Rossi
Online
HIST 401 - Problems in Modern German History (4)

An examination of major debates concerning the history of late-nineteenth and twentieth century Germany. Themes may include the nature of German modernity, interpretations of the Third Reich, or German memory after the Second World War. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 401 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units, including nine units of lower division history and one of HIST 224, 225, 332 or permission of the department.

HUM 240 - Studies in Modern Culture (3) *

Thematic approach to two or more cultures through the examination of historical, literary, philosophical and/or aesthetic materials. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is taught or when part of the HUM Field School. Breadth-Humanities.

HUM 340 - Great Cities in Their Time (4) *

Exploration of the cultural and intellectual accomplishments of a specific city that achieved prominence in a particular time period, and had substantial impact and influence on human civilization. Examines the political, social, religious, and cultural factors that help to explain a city's significance and investigates the achievements of its citizens. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.

HUM 350 - Great Figures in the Humanistic Tradition (4) *

Interdisciplinary study of the life and works of a figure, school, or movement that has made a lasting contribution to the humanistic tradition in more than one field of endeavour (e.g., philosophy, politics, literature, economics, religion). May be repeated for credit when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for this topic under another Humanities course number may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

PHIL 280 - Introduction to Existentialism (3)

A study of existentialist philosophers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, and Camus and a survey of precursors such as Kant and Hegel.

PHIL 451W - Advanced Topics in the History of Philosophy (4)

A highly focused, advanced examination of a selection of topics in the history of philosophy. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 15 upper division PHIL units. It is highly recommended that students in PHIL 451W have taken prior courses in the history of philosophy. Writing.

POL 348 - Theories of War, Peace and Conflict Resolution (4) *

Examines the origins and causes of several major conflicts during the last century. This course reviews various theories on the causes of conflict and war in the international system. It also examines the techniques of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, crisis management and coercive diplomacy as they have been used to try to forestall open warfare and maximize the opportunities for peaceful change and the negotiated resolution of international disputes. Both documentary and feature films will be used to illustrate many types of conflict and warfare in the international system. Course simulations, when employed, will concentrate on the problems and risks that are involved in international efforts to contain and reverse the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Prerequisite: POL 141 and three lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Tsuyoshi Kawasaki
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
SA 350 - Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4) *

An examination of aspects of the work of one or more of the nineteenth or early twentieth century sociological theorists. Prerequisite: SA 250.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Yildiz Atasoy
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
SA 351 - Crisis, Critique, and Marx's Capital (S) (4)

Marx’s Capital is a central reference point across the social sciences. It has been maligned and criticized by many, but it has also inspired and guided the activities of numerous political parties, trade unions, social and revolutionary movements, and scholarly fields. Prerequisite: SA 150.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Gary Teeple
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
WL 201 - East/West Encounters (3) *

Explores the relationship between Eastern and Western narratives. The focus may include the mutual influence of Eastern and Western cultural traditions and modernities, the construction of the 'East' in the West and of the 'West' in the East, theories of Orientalism and Occidentalism, and forms of East/West syncretism. This course may be repeated once for credit when different topics are offered. Breadth-Humanities.

With prior permission from the departmental advisor, students may count other German-related courses which do not appear on this list. Consult with the program advisor.

* may be used if the subject is primarily Germany, Austria or Switzerland and its people (literature, film and/or video, great historical figures, etc.); requires approval of the departmental advisor.

Transfer, Exchange, and Challenge Units

A maximum of six units from either transfer, exchange or course challenges may be used toward this certificate. Such requests must be submitted to the departmental advisor. In lieu of the transferred credits, students will be required to complete coursework of an equivalent number of units as assessed by the departmental advisor.