This course offers a survey of modern German literary, cultural, and intellectual currents, as well as an introduction to argumentation and analysis. Students will examine numerous issues and questions central to defining the complexity of modern German culture. R5A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R5B satisfies the second half.

What can we learn from analyzing cinematic techniques and devices? In this class, students will practice crafting arguments and using evidence by looking at ubiquitous, though curiously under-analyzed cinematic techniques: special effects. Can special effects be used artistically, or are they just cheap spectacle? Do they express ideas, or are they merely background, part of plot or setting? Do special effects raise cinema to the status of a “high art” on par with literature, or do they show that cinema is merely entertainment? Students will debate these ideas and more, in writing and discussion, while researching the history and technology of special effects. Students will also dive deep into film history, as we discuss examples from the heyday of German silent cinema (Metropolis, Nosferatu, The Student of Prague) to contemporary Hollywood blockbusters (Jurassic Park, Avatar, Everything Everywhere All at Once).

Requisites

• Previously passed an R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Previously passed an articulated R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for GERMAN R5B after passing GERMAN 5B.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills