In this course students are exposed to history and culture of German-speaking countries through audio, video, and Web materials. It focuses on the expansion of basic communication skills and further development of linguistic competency, and includes the review and completion of basic grammar, building of vocabulary, and practice in writing short essays. Students will also read short literary texts.

This course focuses on development of interpretive skills, using literary texts (B. Brecht, S. Zweig) and contemporary media texts (film, TV broadcasts, Web materials). The emphasis is on discussion and exploration of cultural topics in their current social, political, and historical context via hypermedia documentaries. It also covers further refinement of oral and written expression and expansion of communicative competence in practical everyday situations.

Prepares students for working and living in German-speaking countries. Focus on current political, social, and cultural issues, using newspapers, journals, TV, radio broadcasts, and Web sources from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Emphasis on speaking, writing, and reading skills for professional contexts. Activities include: oral presentations, group discussions, guest lectures, and interviews with German speakers. No listeners.

Gustav Klimt, Beethoven Frieze, Vienna Secession, 1902 A conversation with Khan Academy's Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris

Gustav Klimt, The Kiss, 1907-8, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 180 x 180 cm (Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna). Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.

Gustav Klimt, Death and Life, 1910, reworked 1915, oil on canvas, 178 x 198 cm (Leopold Museum, Vienna). Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.

The artist registers the widespread American sympathy with certain revolutionary movements in Europe. More specifically, the print extols Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian patriot who led an 1848 revolt against the Austrian imperial domination of Hungary. Kossuth (center) comes to the aid of Liberty (fallen, at left) against Austria, which is shown as a three-headed monster. The monster represents an alliance of "Throne and Altar," i.e., the monarchy and the papacy. Its three heads are those of a dragon with clerical hat and papal tiara (the Vatican), a wolf with a crown (Austria?), and a bear with an eastern crown (probably Russia, Austria's ally). Around the monster's neck is a pendant with the Jesuit insignia. Kossuth steps from a railing into the ring, wielding the sword of "Eloquence" and confronting the monster with the shield of "Truth," which reflects the face of a prelate (probably Pope Pius IX). Kossuth also carries a flag with a liberty cap surrounded by stars, the liberty cap being just above his head. The hero is cheered on by representatives of various nations, waving their respective flags and watching from behind the railing. These include (left to right) an American, an Italian, and a Frenchman who carries a flag of the revolution of 1793. Liberty meanwhile has fallen. Her sword lay broken on the ground while her left foot still presses on the monster's tail. She raises her hand toward Kossuth in an imploring gesture. |1851 or early 1852. Probably drawn by "AW".|The Library's impression of the print is inscribed with a note (probably contemporary) in pencil saying, "Fight for us." |Title appears as it is written on the item.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1852-1.