German Language and Culture, Holzkirchen

  Germany

• Other Cities in Germany: 
Holzkirchen

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 7-August 1, 2009

Description: Holzkirchen (pop. 15,000) is located in the pre-Alpine plain about 20 miles south of Munich. Commuter trains provide rapid transportation throughout the metropolitan area and access to the many cultural offerings of Munich. There are numerous opportunities for recreational activities in the mountains and lakes of the Bavarian Alps and nearby Austria. KUs program in Holzkirchen was established in 1961 and is conducted in cooperation with the Volkshochschule Holzkirchen-Otterfing and the Freunde der Universität Kansas in Holzkirchen.

After a brief orientation in Holzkirchen, students will travel by train to Köln and Berlin with side trips to Bonn, Mayschoss and Potsdam. Following their return to Holzkirchen, students will live with host families, attend classes, participate in cultural events as well as make excursions to nearby points of interest: Berchtesgaden, Neuschwanstein, Chiemsee, Dachau, etc. The group will spend a weekend hiking the Bavarian Alps. A commuter ticket for the metropolitan Munich region also is provided for the month of July.

For more details please contact us.

Language of instruction in all classes is German. Outside of classes students are expected to use German for all everyday purposes when engaged in group activities (meals, excursions, etc.). Classes meet mornings Tuesday through Friday and afternoons Tuesday through Thursday. Mondays are reserved for day-long excursions. Lunch is provided for the group at a local restaurant on instructional days.

Highlights: Courses Offered
Each student enrolls in GERM 453 Special Studies in German and two additional courses based on preparation. Students completing the fourth semester of college German should enroll in GERM 340, GERM 400 and GERM 453. More advanced students (three to four German courses beyond fourth-semester college German) should normally take GERM 618, GERM 620, and GERM 453. Other combinations are possible. Please consult with Professor Keel if you have any questions about course selection. Class selection may not be changed after July 1.

Instructors, besides Professor William Keel, are faculty of the Volkshochschule with training in Deutsch als Fremdsprache and traditional German studies.

* GERM 340 Deutsche Grammatik (3 credit hours) Extensive practice in writing short compositions with review of selected grammar topics. Prerequisite: GERM 216 or fourth semester German course.

* GERM 400 Introduction to German Literary Masterpiece (3 credit hours) Reading and analysis of a number of illustrative works of 19th and 20th-century German literature, selected to familiarize the student with various literary genres and techniques. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in GERM 340 or completion of another intermediate composition course.

* GERM 453 Special Studies in German Language, History and Culture (3 credit hours) This course is required of all program participants. Students will keep journals during travel periods and excursions, as well as write short essays about historical and cultural sites visited. In Holzkirchen, the group will view and discuss feature films with a focus on recent German history and culture. Most meetings will be held in the afternoons. Prerequisite: GERM 216 or fourth semester German course.

* GERM 618 Moderner deutscher Sprachgebrauch (3 credit hours) Systematic study of advanced topics of German grammar and idiomatic usage. Emphasis on matters of stylistics in written compositions. Prerequisite: Advanced standing.

* GERM 620 Deutschland in Geschichte und Gegenwart (3 credit hours) Discussion of the historical background of contemporary Germany with emphasis on the developments of the 20th century as well as the current political structure and the social and economic consequences of the unification of Germany on 3 October 1990. Individual reports and research projects on current issues of interest. Prerequisite: Advanced standing.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Approximately 3,820 dollars

Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 9 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): 1,859 dollars.* Graduate students will pay slightly higher tuition.

* Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the students individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above.

Estimated Additional Expenses: Airfare, passport fees, and personal expenses. Participants arrange their own flight to Germany and meet the group in Munich or Holzkirchen on June 8.

Note:
All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.

Experience Required: no

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application