Skip to main content
Hunter College
  • Information for
    • Students
    • Alumni & Friends
    • Faculty
    • Staff
    • Community
  • QUICK LINKS
  • DIRECTORY
  • APPLY
  • GIVE
  • RENT
Hunter College The School of Arts & Sciences
Hunter College The School of Arts & Sciences
The School
  • Office of the Dean
  • Departments & Programs
  • Undergraduate Academics
  • Graduate Academics
  • Awards & Scholarships
  • Resources for Students
  • Resources for Faculty & Staff
  • Faculty Awards & Achievements
  • News & Events
  • Contact Us
Departments & Programs (A-H)
  • Africana, Puerto Rican & Latino Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art & Art History
  • Asian American Studies
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Classical & Oriental Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Dance
  • Economics/Accounting
  • English
  • Film & Media Studies
  • Geography & Environmental Science
  • German
  • History
  • Human Biology
  • Human Rights
Departments & Programs (I-Z)
  • Jewish Studies
  • Latin American & Caribbean Studies
  • Macaulay Honors College
  • Mathematics & Statistics
  • Medical Laboratory Sciences
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Physics & Astronomy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy
  • Religion
  • Romance Languages
  • Sociology
  • Theatre
  • Thomas Hunter Honors Program
  • Translation & Interpreting
  • Urban Policy and Planning
  • Women & Gender Studies
  • Admissions
  • Advising
  • Libraries
  • Undergraduate Catalog
  • Graduate Catalog
 
Hunter College Home
Hunter College Schools
  • School of Arts & Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Health Professions
  • Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing
  • Silberman School of Social Work
More Schools
  • Hunter College Campus Schools
  • Hunter College Continuing Education
  • Libraries
  • Undergraduate Catalog
  • Graduate Catalog
  • Students
  • Alumni & Friends
  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Community
  • Admissions
  • Advising
  • APPLY
  • GIVE
  • RENT
  • QUICK LINKS
  • DIRECTORY
German
  • About
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Honors and Independent Study
  • Courses
  • For Students
    • Summer Abroad
    • Exchange Program
    • Honor Society
    • German Club
    • Internships
    • Tutoring, Conversation, & Study Lab
    • After Graduation
    • Why You Should Study German
  • Faculty and Staff
    • Office Hours
  • Notices
  • Events
  • Contact

Courses

Englischer Garten

Course Offerings

These are the courses offered for the academic year, subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, always check the schedule of classes.

Elementary German Language Courses

GERMN 101: Elementary German I (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: None.

This course is for beginners without prior knowledge of German. It focuses on the basic linguistic and cultural abilities needed to function in German-speaking countries. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 1. ISBN 9781524996246

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
1360 01 Mon, Weds, Thur 10:30am - 11:20am Ciaccio TBA
6594 02 Tue, Fri 1:00pm - 2:15pm Bloom 509B West
1357 03 Mon, Thur 1:00pm - 2:15pm Zimmerman 611 West
1358 04 Tues, Fri 2:30pm - 3:45pm Schenkel 611 West
1359 05 Mon, Thur 4:00pm - 5:15pm Mekonen 509B West

GERMN 102: Elementary German II (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 101 or equivalent.

This course continues the work of GERMN 101. It broadens linguistic and cultural abilities for basic communication in a German-speaking environment. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 2. ISBN 9781524996253

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
1587 01 Tue, Fri 10:00am - 11:15am Bloom 509B West
1586 02 Mon, Wed, Thur 10:30am - 11:20pm Zimmerman TBA
1588 03 Tue, Fri 1:00pm - 2:15pm Koch 611 West

GERMN 103: Intensive Elementary German (6 hours, 6 credits)

Prereq: None.

This course is for beginners without prior knowledge of German. It covers in ONE semester the material normally covered in TWO, from GERMN 101-102. It focuses on the basic linguistic and cultural abilities needed to function in German-speaking countries. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 1. ISBN 9781524996246 AND Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 2. ISBN 9781524996253

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
5817 01 Mon, Wed, Thur 11:30am - 1:20pm Dawson TBA

Intermediate German Language Courses

GERMN 201: Intermediate German I (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 102 or 103 or equivalent.

This course is the third in a four-semester sequence and continues the linguistic and cultural introduction to German. Review and practice of elementary grammar; introduction of advanced forms. Reading and discussion of selected texts. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
5174 01 Tue, Fri 11:30am - 12:45pm Koch 611 West
5175 02 Mon, Thur 1:00pm - 2:15pm Merolle TBA
5173 03 Mon, Thur 2:30pm - 3:45pm Zimmerman 611 West

GERMN 202: Intermediate German II (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 201 or equivalent.

Continued broadening of abilities in speaking, listening, reading, writing. Reading and discussion of selected literary texts. Strong emphasis on active student participation. Regular attendance and daily homework are important elements in this course. Completion of this course fulfills the Hunter College foreign language requirement. Students at this level will normally be tested by both written and oral examination.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
2077 01 Tue, Fri 10:00am - 11:15am Koch 611 West
2076 02 Mon, Thur 11:30am - 12:45pm Mekonen 509B West

Advanced German Language, Literature and Culture Courses

GERMN 32058: German Comics & Graphic Literature (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 202 or 203 equivalent.

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement before registering for classes.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
6599 01 Mon, Thur 2:30pm - 3:45pm Dawson 509B West

GERMN 33600: German Lyric Poetry (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 202 or 203 or equivalent.

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement before registering for classes.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
6601 01 Mon, Thur 1:00pm - 2:15pm Mekonen 509B West

GERMN 38501: German Press of Today (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: Two courses above GERMN 300 or equivalent.

 

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
6600 01 Mon, Thur 11:30am - 12:45pm Nicolai 611 West

Courses in German Literature & Culture (Conducted in English)

GERMN 24100: German Fairy Tales (3 hours, 3 credits)

Pre- or Coreq: ENGL 120.

Fairy tales are known all over the world. The most famous European book of fairy tales is the one collected by the Brothers Grimm. These stories have entered our collective unconscious but are not easily explained. We shall look at various attempts at explaining what fairy tales are all about, look at older stories that served as models for the Brothers Grimm and study modern versions of the tales including scenes from Walt Disney movies and "politically correct fairy tales." Students will read fairy tales, tell one that they know, and there will be regular written assignments, a midterm and final examination. All readings, discussions and written work will be in English. This course has a "W" designation.
Exam Format: written midterm and final exams
Required Reading: Jack Zipes, The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, ISBN 9780553382167
Joanna Cole, Best-Loved Folktales of the World, ISBN 9780318796482 or ISBN 9780385189491
Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
4280 01 Sat 8:30am - 11:20am Titze 509B West
4283 02 Mon, Thur 10:00am - 11:15am Titze Online Synchronous
4281 03 Mon, Thur 8:30am - 9:45am Titze 509B West
4284 04 Tues, Fri 1:00pm - 2:15 pm Mekonen Online Synchronous
4282 HC1 Mon, Thur 10:00am - 11:15am Merolle 509B West

 

Courses in German Literature & Civilization (Conducted in English)

GERMN 241: German Fairy Tales

Pre- or Coreq: ENGL 120.

Fairy tales are known all over the world. The most famous European book of fairy tales is the one collected by the Brothers Grimm. These stories have entered our collective unconscious but are not easily explained. We shall look at various attempts at explaining what fairy tales are all about, look at older stories that served as models for the Brothers Grimm and study modern versions of the tales including scenes from Walt Disney movies and "politically correct fairy tales." Students will read fairy tales, tell one that they know, and there will be regular written assignments, a midterm and final examination. All readings, discussions and written work will be in English. This course has a "W" designation.
Exam Format: written midterm and final exams
Required Reading: Jack Zipes, The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, ISBN 9780553382167
Joanna Cole, Best-Loved Folktales of the World, ISBN 9780318796482 or ISBN 9780385189491

Summer Session I (May 27th - July 8th, 2025)

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room Writing Intensive?
2996 01 Mon & Wed 8:00am-11:08am Titze Online Synchronous Yes
2995 02 Mon & Wed 11:40am-2:48pm Titze Online Synchronous Yes
2997 03 Tues & Thurs 11:40am-2:48pm Mekonen Online Synchronous Yes
2998 04 Tues & Thurs 3:20 pm-6:28 pm Mekonen Online Synchronous Yes

Summer Session II (July 8th - August 18th, 2025)

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room Writing Intensive?
3909 05 Mon & Wed 8:00am-11:08am Mekonen Online Synchronous Yes

ELEMENTARY GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES

GERMN 101: Elementary German I (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: None.

This course is for beginners without prior knowledge of German. It focuses on the basic linguistic and cultural abilities needed to function in German-speaking countries. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 1. ISBN 9781524996246

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
10856 01 Mon, Wed, Thur 10:30am - 11:20am Zimmerman West Building, Room 509B
10858 02 Tue, Fri 10:00am - 11:15pm Merolle West Building, Room 509B
10854 03 Tue, Fri 1:00pm - 2:15pm Bloom West Building, Room 509B
10857 04 Mon, Wed 5:30pm - 6:45pm Ciaccio West Building, Room 611
10855 05 Tue, Fri 2:30pm - 3:45pm Bloom West Building, Room 509B

GERMN 102: Elementary German II (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 101 or equivalent.

This course continues the work of GERMN 101. It broadens linguistic and cultural abilities for basic communication in a German-speaking environment. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 2. ISBN 9781524996253

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
8300 01 Mon, Wed, Thur 10:30am - 11:20pm Dawson West Building, Room 611
8299 02 Tue, Fri 11:30am - 12:45pm Koch West Building, Room 611
8301 03 Tue, Fri 1:00pm - 2:15pm Koch West Building, Room 611
8302 04 Mon, Thur 4:00pm - 5:15pm Mekonen West Building, Room 611

 

INTERMEDIATE GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES

GERMN 201: Intermediate German I (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 102 or 103 or equivalent.

This course is the third in a four-semester sequence and continues the linguistic and cultural introduction to German. Review and practice of elementary grammar; introduction of advanced forms. Reading and discussion of selected texts. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: none, zero-cost course

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
8754 01 Tue, Fri 10:00am - 11:15pm Koch West Building, Room 611
8755 02 Mon, Thur 11:30am - 12:45pm Zimmerman West Building, Room 611

GERMN 202: Intermediate German II (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 201 or equivalent.

Continued broadening of abilities in speaking, listening, reading, writing. Reading and discussion of selected literary texts. Strong emphasis on active student participation. Regular attendance and daily homework are important elements in this course. Completion of this course fulfills the Hunter College foreign language requirement. Students at this level will normally be tested by both written and oral examination.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: none, zero-cost course

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
8983 01 Tue, Fri 11:30am - 12:45pm Merolle West Building, Room 509B
8984 02 Mon, Thur 2:30am - 3:45pm Mekonen West Building, Room 611

 

 

GERMN 203: Intensive Intermediate German (6 hours, 6 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 102 or 103.

Continued broadening of abilities in speaking, listening, reading, writing. Reading and discussion of selected literary texts. Strong emphasis on active student participation. Regular attendance and daily homework are important elements in this course. Completion of this course fulfills the Hunter College foreign language requirement. Students at this level will normally be tested by both written and oral examination.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: none, zero-cost course

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
10241 01 Mon, Wed, Thur 11:30am - 1:20pm Dawson West Building, Room 509B

 

 

COURSES IN GERMAN LITERATURE AND CULTURE

GERMN 24100: German Fairy Tales (3 hours, 3 credits)

Pre- or Coreq: ENGL 120. Conducted in English

Fairy tales are known all over the world. The most famous European book of fairy tales is the one collected by the Brothers Grimm. These stories have entered our collective unconscious but are not easily explained. We shall look at various attempts at explaining what fairy tales are all about, look at older stories that served as models for the Brothers Grimm and study modern versions of the tales including scenes from Walt Disney movies and "politically correct fairy tales." Students will read fairy tales, tell one that they know, and there will be regular written assignments, a midterm and final examination. All readings, discussions and written work will be in English. This course has a "W" designation.
Exam Format: written midterm and final exams
Required Reading: Jack Zipes, The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, ISBN 9780553382167
Joanna Cole, Best-Loved Folktales of the World, ISBN 9780318796482 or ISBN 9780385189491
Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
9894 01 Sat 8:30am - 11:20am Titze West Building, Room 611
9892 02 Mon, Thur 8:30am - 9:45am Titze West Building, Room 509B
9889 03 Mon, Thur 10:00am - 11:15am Titze Online-Synchronous
9891 04 Tue, Fri 1:00pm - 2:15 pm Mekonen Online-Synchronous
9888 05 Tue, Fri 4:00pm - 5:15 pm Bloom West Building, Room 611
9893 06 Mon, Weds 7:00pm - 8:15 pm Schenkel Online-Synchronous

 

GERMN 32300: Women in German Literature (3 hours, 3 credits)

Pre- or Coreq: GERMN 202 or GERMN 203. Conducted in German

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
11330 01 Mon, Thur 2:30pm - 3:45pm Zimmerman West Building, Room 509B

 

GERMN 32700: Modern Swiss Literature (3 hours, 3 credits)

Pre- or Coreq: GERMN 202 or GERMN 203. Conducted in German

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
11339 01 Mon, Thur 11:30pm - 12:45pm Mekonen North Building, Room C103

 

GERMN 37954: Faust: Mar, Goeth and Mann (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: ENGL 120. Conducted in English

There are countless stories surrounding the pact between men and the devil. One of the most famous is the Faust legend. This course aims to address the origins of the real figure of Johann Georg Faust, who likely lived between 1480-1541, as well as three of the most important interpretations of this text: Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (in this course we will focus on Faust I), and the novel Doctor Faustus by Thomas Mann. The human conflict between the power of faith and the certainty of scientific knowledge is a major theme in these literary adaptations. Faust is the person who strives beyond his limits and finds himself in conflict between egocentric self-realization and social recognition in a world that is still influenced by religion. All three texts covered in the course shine light on the social conflicts and challenges of the time in which they were written. The aim of the course is to examine both the temporal context and the connecting elements beyond this temporal classification.

This course is conducted in English; no knowledge of German is required.
Textbook: Thomas Mann, Doctor Faustus: The LIfe of the German Composer Adrian Leverkühn as Told by a Friend. Translated by John E. Woods. First Vintage International Edition. New York: Vintage International, 1999, ISBN 9780375701160.
Course requirements: Regular attendance and preparation; oral presentation; 2 short papers; final paper

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
14804 01 Mon, Thur 4:00pm - 5:15pm Schenkel West Building, Room 509B

 

 

GERMN 44462: Franz Kafka's Works (3 hours, 3 credits)

Pre- or Coreq: GERMN 320 or GERMN 444. Conducted in German

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
11340 01 Mon, Thur 1:00pm - 2:15pm Anderson West Building, Room 611

 

 

Courses in German Literature & Civilization (Conducted in English)

GERMN 241: German Fairy Tales

Pre- or Coreq: ENGL 120.

Fairy tales are known all over the world. The most famous European book of fairy tales is the one collected by the Brothers Grimm. These stories have entered our collective unconscious but are not easily explained. We shall look at various attempts at explaining what fairy tales are all about, look at older stories that served as models for the Brothers Grimm and study modern versions of the tales including scenes from Walt Disney movies and "politically correct fairy tales." Students will read fairy tales, tell one that they know, and there will be regular written assignments, a midterm and final examination. All readings, discussions and written work will be in English. This course has a "W" designation.
Exam Format: written midterm and final exams
Required Reading: Jack Zipes, The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, ISBN 9780553382167
Joanna Cole, Best-Loved Folktales of the World, ISBN 9780318796482 or ISBN 9780385189491

Winter Session (January 2nd - January 23rd, 2025) 

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room Writing Intensive?
9890 W01 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur 9:00am-12:08pm Titze Online Synchronous No
9887 W02 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur 1:00pm-4:08pm Titze Online Synchronous No
9886 W03 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur 5:00pm-8:08pm Ciaccio West Building, Room 410 No

 

Elementary German Language Courses

GERMN 101: Elementary German I (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: None.

This course is for beginners without prior knowledge of German. It focuses on the basic linguistic and cultural abilities needed to function in German-speaking countries. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 1. ISBN 9781524996246

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
3451 01 Mon, Thur 8:30am - 9:45am Nicolai 509B West
3454 03 Tue, Fri 11:30am - 12:45pm Koch 611 West
3453 04 Tue, Fri 1:00pm - 2:15pm Dawson 509B West
3452 05 Mon, Thur 1:00pm - 2:15pm Schenkel B121 East
3456 06 Mon, Thur 4:00pm - 5:15pm Bloom 611 West

GERMN 102: Elementary German II (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 101 or equivalent.

This course continues the work of GERMN 101. It broadens linguistic and cultural abilities for basic communication in a German-speaking environment. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 2. ISBN 9781524996253

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
3605 01 Tue, Fri 10:00am - 11:15am Dawson West Building, Room 611
3606 02 Mon, Wed, Thur 10:30am - 11:20pm Mekonen West Building, Room 509B
3604 03 Tue, Fri 1:00pm - 2:15pm Koch West Building, Room 611

GERMN 103: Intensive Elementary German (6 hours, 6 credits)

Prereq: None.

This course is for beginners without prior knowledge of German. It covers in ONE semester the material normally covered in TWO, from GERMN 101-102. It focuses on the basic linguistic and cultural abilities needed to function in German-speaking countries. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 1. ISBN 9781524996246 AND Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 2. ISBN 9781524996253

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
1776 01 Mon, Wed, Thur 11:30am - 1:20pm Bloom West Building, Room 509B

Intermediate German Language Courses

GERMN 201: Intermediate German I (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 102 or 103 or equivalent.

This course is the third in a four-semester sequence and continues the linguistic and cultural introduction to German. Review and practice of elementary grammar; introduction of advanced forms. Reading and discussion of selected texts. The instructor will emphasize active student participation (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Regular attendance and daily homework are necessary to succeed in this course.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: none, zero-cost course

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
2369 01 Tue, Fri 11:30am - 12:45pm Dawson West Building, Room 509B
9417 02 Mon, Thur 1:00pm - 2:15pm Merolle West Building, Room 611
2368 03 Mon, Thur 2:30pm - 3:45pm Merolle West Building, Room 611

GERMN 202: Intermediate German II (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 201 or equivalent.

Continued broadening of abilities in speaking, listening, reading, writing. Reading and discussion of selected literary texts. Strong emphasis on active student participation. Regular attendance and daily homework are important elements in this course. Completion of this course fulfills the Hunter College foreign language requirement. Students at this level will normally be tested by both written and oral examination.
Exam format: written quizzes, midterm and final exams
Textbook: Access to German, Jägerbuch, Vol 3. ISBN 9780201814224

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
4052 01 Tue, Fri 10:00am - 11:15am Koch West Building, Room 509B
9412 02 Mon, Thur 11:30am - 12:45pm Mekonen West Building, Room 611

Advanced German Language, Literature and Culture Courses

GERMN 32057: Erich Kaestner (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 202 or 203 equivalent.

Erich Kästner is one of German's major 20th-century authors. This year, Germany is celebrating his 125th birthday with lectures, museum exhibits, and more. Born in 1899, he grew up under the Kaiser, served in World War One, and became a literary star of the Weimar Republic. Although he was not allowed to publish under the Nazis (who burned his books in 1933), he stayed in Germany during the Third Reich. When he died in 1974, he had been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature four times. Kästner is known for his classic children's books, his biting satires, his humorous adult novels, and his political commentary. His writings have a light touch and accessible language, which work well for students beginning their study of German literature. We will read Emil und die Detektive (the only book of his not burnt by the Nazis in 1933), Das doppelte Lottchen, Drei Männer im Schnee, passages from his autobiography Als ich ein kleiner Junge war, and a selection of his poems. We will also watch some film versions of his books. We will exmaine why the Nazis considered Kästner decadent and what makes his children's books in particular so popular even today.
Textbooks: Emil und die Dektektive (ISBN 978-3-85535-603-4); Das doppelte Lottchen (ISBN 978-3-85535-605-8); Drei Männer im Schnee (ISBN 978-3-03882-016-1)
Course requirements: Attendance and participation with individualized speaking assignments, weekly or bi-weekly papers of 1-2 pages (with corrections), midterm and final examinations

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement before registering for classes.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
9413 01 Mon, Thur 11:30am - 12:45pm Nicolai East Building, Room 921

GERMN 33900: German Drama from Naturalism to Present (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: GERMN 202 or 203 or equivalent.

In this course on German theater in the 20th and 21st centuries, we will read and discuss dramatic literature by Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956), Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921-1990), and Juli Zeh (1974-), among others. Emphasis will be on close reading and analysis; the cultural and historical background of each text will also be considered. Students will watch/listen to performances and adaptations of the assigned plays, either in person or via recordings, and will also rehearse and perform scenes from the assigned readings.

This course is intended for students who have relatively little experience studying literature in German. It is not intended for native speakers of German.
Textbook: Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Der Besuch der alten Dame, ISBM 9783257230451
Course requirements: Regular reading and other class preparation; regular attendance and active participation; regular writing assignments; midterm & final exams

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement before registering for classes.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
9414 01 Mon, Thur 1:00pm - 2:15pm Anderson East Building, Room 922

GERMN 38503: German Grammar for Upper Level Discourse (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: Three courses above GERMN 300 or equivalent.

During the first half of this course our aim shall be at functional control of all items of basic grammar, working intensively with the tasks of narration and describing. Building upon this in the second half of the semester, students shall proceed to work with the more complex grammatical structures, which are necessary for one to master in order to state and defend opinions, hypothesize and argue abstractly - in short - to speak and write at a high level of literacy. Students shall work throughout the semester not only on the active skills of speaking and writing, but also on their ability to comprehend spoken and written German. Students should expect regular homework, as well as two to three brief in-class presentations throughout the semester. While English will be the language of explanations (with discussions of grammar and syntax and comparisons to English grammar all being conducted in English) all functional practices and assignments will be in German.
Exam format: Written midterm and final exam
Textbook: You will be given extensive handout materials. This is a "zero-cost" course, these materials will be provided to you free of charge.

Note: If you have previous knowledge of German, please contact the department for advice and placement.

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
9415 01 Mon, Thur 2:30pm - 3:45pm Mekonen West Building, Room 509B

Courses in German Literature & Culture (Conducted in English)

GERMN 24100: German Fairy Tales (3 hours, 3 credits)

Pre- or Coreq: ENGL 120.

Fairy tales are known all over the world. The most famous European book of fairy tales is the one collected by the Brothers Grimm. These stories have entered our collective unconscious but are not easily explained. We shall look at various attempts at explaining what fairy tales are all about, look at older stories that served as models for the Brothers Grimm and study modern versions of the tales including scenes from Walt Disney movies and "politically correct fairy tales." Students will read fairy tales, tell one that they know, and there will be regular written assignments, a midterm and final examination. All readings, discussions and written work will be in English. This course has a "W" designation.
Exam Format: written midterm and final exams
Required Reading: Jack Zipes, The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, ISBN 9780553382167
Joanna Cole, Best-Loved Folktales of the World, ISBN 9780318796482 or ISBN 9780385189491
Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
3192 01 Sat 8:30am - 11:20am Titze West Building, Room 509B
3195 02 Mon, Thur 10:00am - 11:15am Titze Online-Synchronous
3193 03 Mon, Thur 8:30am - 9:45am Titze West Building, Room 611
3196 04 Tues, Fri 1:00pm - 2:15 pm Mekonen Online-Synchronous
3194 HC1 Mon, Thur 10:00am - 11:15am Ciaccio West Building, Room 611

GERMN 37954: Faust: Mar, Goeth and Mann (3 hours, 3 credits)

Prereq: ENGL 12000

There are countless stories surrounding the pact between men and the devil. One of the most famous is the Faust legend. This course aims to address the origins of the real figure of Johann Georg Faust, who likely lived between 1480-1541, as well as three of the most important interpretations of this text: Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (in this course we will focus on Faust I), and the novel Doctor Faustus by Thomas Mann. The human conflict between the power of faith and the certainty of scientific knowledge is a major theme in these literary adaptations. Faust is the person who strives beyond his limits and finds himself in conflict between egocentric self-realization and social recognition in a world that is still influenced by religion. All three texts covered in the course shine light on the social conflicts and challenges of the time in which they were written. The aim of the course is to examine both the temporal context and the connecting elements beyond this temporal classification.

This course is conducted in English; no knowledge of German is required.
Textbook: Thomas Mann, Doctor Faustus: The LIfe of the German Composer Adrian Leverkühn as Told by a Friend. Translated by John E. Woods. First Vintage International Edition. New York: Vintage International, 1999, ISBN 9780375701160.
Course requirements: Regular attendance and preparation; oral presentation; 2 short papers; final paper

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room
9416 01 Mon, Thur 4:00pm - 5:15pm Schenkel CANCELED

Courses in German Literature & Civilization (Conducted in English)

GERMN 241: German Fairy Tales

Pre- or Coreq: ENGL 120.

Fairy tales are known all over the world. The most famous European book of fairy tales is the one collected by the Brothers Grimm. These stories have entered our collective unconscious but are not easily explained. We shall look at various attempts at explaining what fairy tales are all about, look at older stories that served as models for the Brothers Grimm and study modern versions of the tales including scenes from Walt Disney movies and "politically correct fairy tales." Students will read fairy tales, tell one that they know, and there will be regular written assignments, a midterm and final examination. All readings, discussions and written work will be in English. This course has a "W" designation.
Exam Format: written midterm and final exams
Required Reading: Jack Zipes, The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, ISBN 9780553382167
Joanna Cole, Best-Loved Folktales of the World, ISBN 9780318796482 or ISBN 9780385189491

Summer Session I (May 28th - July 11th, 2024)

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room Writing Intensive?
3917 01 Mon & Wed 8:00am-11:08am Titze Online Synchronous Yes
3918 02 Mon & Wed 11:40am-2:48pm Titze Online Synchronous Yes
2948 03 TBA TBA Wicker Online Synchronous No

Summer Session II (July 6th - August 16th, 2024)

Class Section Days Time Instructor Room Writing Intensive?
2947 04 TBA TBA Mekonen Online Synchronous No

Language Courses

The German Department offers beginning and intermediate language courses every semester.

The Hunter College language requirement helps students to:

  • communicate in a language other than English
  • attain cross-cultural knowledge and sensitivity
  • gain new perspectives on how people think, view the world, and express themselves

German language courses that fulfill this requirement are offered each semester at the elementary (100) and intermediate (200) levels. They use faculty-authored, low-cost textbooks and materials. The goals of these courses are:

  1. To give all students a real ability to function in everyday situations in the German language.
  2. To create a solid linguistic base for the further study of German at the advanced level.

Please email the department chair for help with placement or planning your language studies.

Schedule of Classes

You can search for the schedule of the classes using either CUNY Global Search Tool or by logging into your CUNYfirst account using their Search for Classes option.

  1. Go to the CUNY Global Search website.
  2. Set the "Institution" to Hunter College.
  3. Pick a semester under "Term".
  4. Set "Subject" to German.
  5. Set your "Course Career" to Undergraduate.
  6. Click Search.
  1. Go to the CUNYfirst website.
  2. Log in with your CUNYfirst credentials.
  3. Select HR/Campus Solutions from the first menu after login.
  4. Click on Self Service > Student Center > Course Planning & Enrollment > Search for Classes (green button on the top right of the page).

Course Catalog

The course catalog lists all German courses ever taught. To see the full list of German courses, use the undergraduate course catalog. German courses have the prefix GERMN.

VIEW
our full course catalog

HUNTER

Hunter College
695 Park Ave NY, NY 10065
(212) 772-4000

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Flickr
  • ABOUT
  • ACADEMICS
  • ADMISSIONS
  • EVENTS
  • NEWS
Hunter College Schools
  • School of Arts & Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Health Professions
  • Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing
  • Silberman School of Social Work
  • School of Arts & Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Health Professions
  • Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing
  • Silberman School of Social Work
Our Other Schools
  • Hunter College Campus Schools
  • Hunter College Continuing Education
  • Hunter College Campus Schools
  • Hunter College Continuing Education
Hunter College Libraries
More Info
  • Bookstore
  • Contact Us & Feedback
  • Jobs
  • Public Safety
  • Roosevelt House
  • Student Housing
  • Space Rentals
  • Bookstore
  • Contact Us & Feedback
  • Jobs
  • Public Safety
  • Roosevelt House
  • Student Housing
  • Space Rentals
Public Information
  • Annual Security & Fire Safety Report
  • Consumer Information
  • CUNY Tobacco Policy
  • Enough is Enough
  • Focus on Campus
  • Annual Security & Fire Safety Report
  • Consumer Information
  • CUNY Tobacco Policy
  • Enough is Enough
  • Focus on Campus
CUNY
  • © 2025 Hunter College
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Terms