The article presents and discusses materials for a cultural lesson about Green Germany. An introductory mini-unit frames the over-all student learning objective: students should be able to respond to the questions "Where are we?" and "Where are we going?" with regard to the natural environment. Three different units then help…

This article explores the possibilities for effecting Transformative Learning in students of German language and culture through the use of popular music videos, in both the target and the students' own languages. Transformative Learning, a term that has differing valences in numerous academic disciplines, is employed here in its social-scientific…

While much attention has been paid to the gap between beginning language instruction and literature courses, there is another gap which presents significant challenges to college instructors, namely the gap in proficiency levels between students in the same third-year course. This article argues that bridging this particular gap can productively…

This article examines the phenomenon of graphic novels generally, and in particular, their utility in second-language contexts via the example of the graphic adaptation of Klaus Kordoris "Der erste Fruhling." This text lends itself especially to bridging thematic gaps in 20th-century German literature courses, as well as the "language/literature…

This article discusses how new and familiar computer technology tools can be used in a communicative language classroom. It begins by outlining the benefits and challenges of using such technology for language teaching in general, and it describes some sample activities that the author has used. Readers are shown how to implement various computer…

Describes a project for first-year German that combines integration of standards with computer technology. Based on ongoing curricular changes in German programs, the focus on language instruction increasingly includes German studies approaches that introduce content-based and culture-oriented instruction as early as possible. Suggests using the…

Describes the objectives, methodology, and resources for a college German course, taught in English, that examines the concept of "outsider" and is aimed at fostering critical thinking, ethical relations, and understanding of contexts. It traces representations of cultural groups in literature and the visual arts. Students learn to question…

Explores whether and how an offering of authentic texts can be made useful for a German class that is focused on German culture and geography. Learning goals and practical strategies are derived from the unique characteristics of the texts. (Author/DMK)

Introduces a computer-assisted business translation course, developed as part of a grant. Discusses course goals and mechanics, choice of software and texts, educational backgrounds, classroom activities, strengths and weaknesses of computer assisted translation and evaluates the success of the course(Author/VWL)

Introduces activities designed to wean students from equivalency thinking in the German as a foreign language classroom. Suggests that with sufficient prior linguistic awareness and some target language knowledge, use of a bilingual dictionary--in book form or on a computer--can become a successful learning experience. (Author/VWL)

Suggests "Landeskundlichen" is an indispensable part of German instruction and presents teaching ideas on the topic. (VWL)

Discusses the successful use of the Web as a medium for distribution for childrens and youth literature and to suggest ways to expand and enhance the following site: ml.hss.edu/fac/Pages/amgreen/projects/jug.html. (VWL)

Outlines a set of Web-based exercises for students preparing to study abroad that encourages them to develop a cultural context for the places that are about to visit and thus to maximize the educational benefit of their stay abroad. (Author/VWL)

Catalogs new compound nouns in a recent German publication and suggests possibilities for using them as a springboard for vocabulary development in class. (VWL)

Suggests the use of fairy tales in German foreign language instruction at the intermediate level. This suggestion is established using features of the Grimm genre and clarified using concrete examples. (Author/DMK)