German 260 - Race, Place, Research

(Offered as GERM 260, ARCH 260 and EUST 260) This research-based seminar will explore the often dynamic representations of race and place in works of primarily German and European performance, narrative, the graphic novel, architecture and landscape design, and the visual and electronic arts. We will focus on developing research and presentation skills within a multidisciplinary and international context, learn how to formulate good questions, refine critical reading and writing skills, and practice oral and written presentations of individual and/or collaborative research projects in development. Students will select a research topic in consultation with the professor early in the semester and develop their research through frequent in-class workshops, writing, and oral presentations throughout the semester. We will focus on the work of creative writers, performers, choreographers, artists, designers, urban planners, and architects, as well as international theorists and philosophers who have critically engaged questions of race, place, otherness, difference, identity, performativity, xenophobia, migration, inclusion, and belonging. Emphasis on developing research, writing, and presentation skills is a core of this seminar.

Conducted in English, with German majors required to do a substantial portion of the reading in German. No prior knowledge of German language or culture required. 

Limited to 15 students. Enrollment requires attendance at first class meeting. 

Spring semester: Professor Heidi Gilpin.

How to handle overenrollment: Priority given to sophomores, then first years, juniors, and seniors in that order.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: An emphasis on reading, writing and research skill development, on visual, spatial, movement, and textual analysis, independent research, oral presentations, and group work, with possible field trips. Students with documented disabilities who will require accommodations in this course should be in consultation with Accessibility Services and reach out to the professor as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations can be made in a timely manner.