Intermediate German Continued GRMN 0201/0202 is a culture-based intermediate language sequence that focuses students' attention on intercultural aspects of language acquisition, vocabulary expansion, reading and writing strategies, and a review of grammar. It moves from a focus on issues of individual identity and personal experiences to a discussion of Germany today (GRMN 0201), explores national identity in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and supplies an overview of cultural history, literary achievements, and philosophical traditions in the German-speaking world

Reasonable Doubts This course gives an introduction to various responses to the idea of "Enlightenment" and the "Age of Reason" in eighteenth century German literature and culture.  Starting with definitions of the term "Aufklärung" students will gain familiarity with proponents and critics of this notion as well as modern twentieth century approaches to it.  We will focus on works by Kant, Lessing, Goethe, Schiller, Lenz, and Kleist and the critical reflections of Adorno, Habermas, Lyotard, and Foucault, among others.

Intermediate German GRMN 0201/0202 is a culture-based intermediate language sequence that focuses students' attention on intercultural aspects of language acquisition, vocabulary expansion, reading and writing strategies, and a review of grammar. It moves from a focus on issues of individual identity and personal experiences to a discussion of Germany today (GRMN 0201), explores national identity in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and supplies an overview of cultural history, literary achievements, and philosophical traditions in the German-speaking world

Advanced Writing Workshop The goal of this course is to train students to present their thoughts, ideas, and arguments in correct, coherent, and effective writing. Students will expand their active vocabulary and aim for a consistently high level of grammatical accuracy through daily homework assignments focusing on advanced-level linguistic structures. In addition to a thorough review of major grammatical structures, some class time will be used for creative, structured, or contemplative writing practice. Grammar topics will be covered within the context of writing, through targeted teaching of linguistic structures.

Dramatic Changes and Challenges In this course we will analyze and discuss major changes and challenges to German Drama since the 17th century. Shifting social and political world views in Europe continuously challenge artistic expression and demand new approaches to the production of plays. With Aristotle’s Poetics as a backdrop, students will familiarize themselves with important German plays that altered traditional views on drama and staging. Examining works by Hans Sachs, Lessing, Lenz, Goethe, Schiller, Hauptmann, Wedekind, Brecht, Dürrenmatt, Löhle, and Jelinek, we will follow major shifts in dramatic theory and practice throughout the centuries. 3 hr sem.

Introduction to World Literature This course is an introduction to the critical analysis of imaginative literature of the world, the dissemination of themes and myths, and the role of translation as the medium for reaching different cultures. Through the careful reading of selected classic texts from a range of Western and non-Western cultures, students will deepen their understanding and appreciation of the particular texts under consideration, while developing a critical vocabulary with which to discuss and write about these texts, both as unique artistic achievements of individual and empathetic imagination and as works affected by, but also transcending their historical periods.

Rethinking Literature This course focuses on the "literary" as a force within cultural discourse. A thorough understanding of literary periods and genres serves as the background for a critical investigation of modern theoretical approaches to literary texts. Discussing major works of German literature, students explore the notion of "literariness" in its various cultural contexts.

Filling in the Blanks-Reading between Words Not only written words, but also the spaces that connect them, influence and determine literary readings. In this course we will analyze the cultural as well as the personal assumptions that enable us to create specific meanings in texts. Applying theoretical concepts to known works of literature, and reflecting on their own cultural and personal assumptions, students will gain an understanding of how culturally situated their readings are. Literary works by Shakespeare, Lessing, Choderlos de Laclos, Kafka, Walker, Tawada, and others create a canon to which we will apply various theoretical approaches.

Roman Graf

Reviews and ratings for Roman Graf at Middlebury College.Roman Graf teaches Intermediate German Continued, Reasonable Doubts, Intermediate German and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Roman Graf good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

As a student who studied with both Bettina and Roman at the same time, I would say that Roman's class is much more discussion-based, whereas Bettina's has more worksheets and group work. Personally I prefer Roman's style, but they're both good classes and it's really a personal preference. 

I love Roman. He is so friendly, wants us to succeed, a fair grader, and effective at explaining the course material. I got a CW for this course and there were only 3 papers. Other than that, daily homeworks from a textbook, the occasional reading, and 6 grammar quizzes throughout the semester that varied in difficulty. The focus on grammar that was definitely helpful for those of us preparing to study abroad. Would absolutely recommend this course and any course with Roman, for that matter.

This class is definitely reading intensive, but you can also watch almost all of the plays on YouTube. Roman is an awesome professor and keeps the class entertaining and engaging for everyone. The two oral exams are just discussions with the professor about the material and are very relaxed. I would recommend this course to anyone taking upper level German.