Course Descriptions
GERMAN 1, Elementary German I, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC Foreign Language (required for UC only) • Prerequisite: None.
The German courses at Santa Monica College use a communicative approach to teaching the German language. The course is designed to give students the ability to understand, speak, read and write simple German. Primary goals are to introduce beginning students to basic structures of the German language by developing vocabulary and a command of idiomatic expressions; to familiarize students with sentence structure through written exercises and short compositions; to give students a basic foundation in German history and culture; and to interest students in traveling to German-speaking countries. Language lab is required.
GERMAN 2, Elementary German II, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities), Foreign Language (required for UC only) • Prerequisite: German 1*.
This course is a continuation of German 1 with additional stress on conversation, reading, and essential grammatical elements. Aspects of German culture and history are covered as well. Language lab is required.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to two years of high school German.
GERMAN 3, Intermediate German I, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities) • Prerequisite: German 2*.
This course reviews German grammar, emphasizing idiomatic construction and expressions. Discussions and interpretations are based on selected readings from contemporary German literature and a variety of cultural topics. This course is taught in German except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to three years of high school German.
GERMAN 4, Intermediate German II, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities) • Prerequisite: German 3*.
This course stresses finer grammatical points, idioms, and vocabulary used every day and in literature. The course is highlighted by intensive and extensive reading and discussion and interpretations of more advanced German works on literature, philosophy, and culture. This course is taught in German except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to four years of high school German.
GERMAN 8, Conversational German, 2 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • Prerequisite: German 2.
This course provides an opportunity to acquire intermediate fluency in spoken German with emphasis on natural, colloquial usage. New vocabulary and idiomatic phrases will be emphasized, and the students will hold conversations in German during each class. This course is taught in German except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
GERMAN 31A, Practical German, 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.
This course is designed for the student with no previous knowledge of German. It develops basic conversation skills in the present tense, emphasizing the use of set-up phrases, idiomatic expressions, correct pronunciation, development of useful vocabulary, and the ability to communicate at a practical and basic level. This course is taught in German except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Currently, there are no degrees or certificates offered in this discipline at Santa Monica College. Most students should plan to transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education toward a degree in this discipline. Transferring students who wish to qualify for an Associate degree before leaving Santa Monica College should discuss their plans with a Counselor before selecting classes.