• Curriculum
• Program Dates
• Smith Center Courses
• University Courses
• Directors & Faculty
• Student Residence
  Halls
• Activities &
  Excursions
• Student Visas
• Accepted Students

Related Links

• Program-Specific
  Eligibility
  Requirements
• Costs
• How to Apply
• Photo Gallery

Smith Courses

German History and culture from 1871 to 1945

This course covers the Wilhelminian Empire, the Weimar Republic and the Thurs Reich. For the Weimar Republic, the focus will be on the political, economic, social and cultural issues the republic was facing. For the Third Reich, we will focus on the establishment of dictatorship; the persecution of Jews; everyday life in Hitler Germany; World War II; resistance and opposition; the end of the Third Reich.

Theater in Hamburg: Topics and Trends in Contemporary German Theater

This course offers an introduction to the German theater system; through concentration on its historical and social role, its economics and administration. We will study the semiotics of theater and learn the technical vocabulary to describe and judge a performance. Plays will be by German authors from different periods. The JYA program will cover the cost of the tickets. Attendance at four or five performances is required.

Studies in Language II

The objective of this course is to improve written and oral skills by building on work done during the orientation program. Emphasis in class will be on treatment of complex grammatical structures as well as dictations, grammar and listening comprehension. Students will be taught how to compose a term paper (Hausarbeit) in the German fashion. In addition, there will be an optional weekly phonetics tutorial.

Studies in Language III

The objective of this course is to improve written and oral skills by building on work done during the orientation program or the winter semester. Emphasis in class will be on treatment of complex grammatical structures as well as dictations, grammar and listening comprehension. Students taking the course in the winter semester will be taught how to compose a term paper (Hausarbeit) in the German fashion. In addition, there will be an optional weekly phonetics tutorial. Preparation for the qualifying exam "Deutsch als Fremdsprache" at the University of Hamburg.

Germany 1945–1990: Politics, Society, and Culture in the Two German States

This course, which provides a continuation of 270, will cover the post-war period of occupation; the founding of two German states; German-German relations during the Cold War; and the re-unification of Germany. Historical analysis; reading of selected literary works; screening of films.

Landscapes of Northern Germany: Natural Environments and Human Influences

Spring only

Course description (PDF)