German
4334, Section 001, The Culture of German Business, Fall, 2005
TR 11:00 – 12: 20, Trimble Hall 208
Prerequisites: Two 3000 level courses, or consent of the instructor
Credit hours: 3
Professor Lana Rings, Ph.D.
Phone: 817/272-5541
Email address: rings@uta.edu
Office: 327 Hammond Hall
Office Hours: Mondays 9:50 – 10:50, Tuesdays & Thursdays
8:50 – 9:20
Visit the German Section website often for your syllabus, as
well as information about the program’s offerings.
REQUIRED
MATERIALS: Gesprächstraining: Deutsch für den
Beruf by Kerstin Namuth and Thomas Lüthi, Hueber Publishing
Company; any edition of Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann; German-English
dictionary; access to reference grammar (hard copy or online
grammar); additional materials supplied by professor
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE: How do people initiate and maintain verbal
contact inside and outside of business in the German-speaking
world? What cross-cultural differences exist between the ways
U.S. Americans and German speakers tend to conduct business?
What is the culture of business etiquette in Germany, and in
what ways does ritual help maintain power? With what topics
of “high culture” are business people expected to
have an acquaintance when doing business with German speakers?
Finally, how do knowledge of manners, interaction, the arts,
and business cultural history intersect with power and the maintenance
of the status quo?
In this course is an introduction to the culture of German business
students will seek answers to these questions. In addition,
students will develop greater flexibility in the use of grammar
and vocabulary in appropriate situations while conversing, presenting,
reading, and writing.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of the course, the student
will demonstrate specific knowledge and the ability to integrate
that knowledge in an understanding of cultural issues. Specific
knowledge includes: 1) cross-cultural differences, problems,
and solutions, problems arising from foreign businesses’
policies, 2) business “etiquette” rules and the
power of rules, 3) appropriate means of verbal interaction in
German, 4) knowledge of arts and belles letters as they apply
to the business world, and 5) understanding of the history of
German business culture, including the concepts of “business
defining family” and the Hansa (die Hanse). The student
will demonstrate the ability to discuss and write, in German
and in English, about 1) the relationships between knowledge
of manners, verbal interaction rules, cross-cultural issues,
and high culture in the preservation of wealth, power, class
consciousness, and the status , 2) the changing nature of international
business today, and 3) literature and the arts as subservient
to human desire versus subservience to business interests.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course begins with an exploration of
German-American intercultural communication, the role of ritual
(e.g. “etiquette”) in society, and the interplay
of the language/meaning/culture matrix. Then the focus shifts
to the development of appropriate verbal skills both inside
and outside of the business world. The course concludes with
a look at how business and the arts intersect and for what reason.
During the course of the semester students will read Thomas
Mann’s Buddenbrooks. Through in-class participation, tests,
and a short project, students will demonstrate their progress
in both language skills and an understanding of the subject
matter of the course.
METHODS OF EVLAUATION:
Reports 5% (2 x 5% for students of advanced proficiency in German)
Midterm (oral) 20%
Final comprehensive exam (written) 25%
Homework, attendance, participation, 50% (40% for students of
advanced
and effort: proficiency in German
Definition of participation and effort: Using German when requested,
speaking – providing ideas orally, listening carefully,
taking notes, being involved/mentally engaged, attentive, and
on task. Doing the requisite work conscientiously
GRADE SCALE:
A: 100% - 90%
B: 89% - 80%
C: 79% - 70%
D: 69% - 60%
F: 59% - 0%
MAKE-UP EXAMS: Make-up exams are given only in the case of emergencies
and require documentation. Any other considerations will be
made on a case-by-case basis. When possible, please notify me
in advance of absences on scheduled exam dates.
LANGUAGE LAB: The Language Acquisition Center (LAC), located
on the third floor of Trimble Hall, offers audio, video and
computer services for learners of German at UTA. All CD’s
that accompany Vorsprung are also available in the lab. LAB
HOURS: Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday
8:30 a.m. to noon
THE GERMAN LANGUAGE SOCIETY (THE GERMAN CLUB): The German Language
Society is open for membership to all students interested in
the German language and culture, who wish to meet with others
of similar interests. Activities include meetings and Kaffeeklatsch
where members speak German and enjoy Kaffee und Kuchen together.
In addition, club members have outings and parties together.
METHODS OF PRESENTATION: The instructor may use lectures, debates,
group/individual in-class oral or written work, group/individual
projects, internet projects, videotapes, experiential learning
assignments, and simulations.
LIBRARY: Ann Kelley is the Foreign Languages Librarian. She
can be reached at 817/272-3000, ext. 4994, and by email at <kelley@library.uta.edu>.
Furthermore, you will find some useful research information
at: http://www.uta.edu/library/research/rt-foreign.html
ATTENDANCE: Regular classroom attendance is expected of all
students. All classes and exams are based upon that assumption.
You are responsible for acquiring class notes if you have to
miss. Ultimately you will find that regular attendance is essential
to a satisfactory grade performance. In addition, borderline
grades are adjusted based on class participation and performance.
FINAL REVIEW WEEK: A period of five class days prior to the
first day of final examinations in the long sessions shall be
designated as Final Review Week. The purpose of this week is
to allow students sufficient time to prepare for final examinations.
During this week, there shall be no scheduled activities such
as required field trips or performances; and no instructor shall
assign any themes, research problems or exercises of similar
scope that have a completion date during or following this week
unless specified in the class syllabi. During Final Review Week,
an instructor shall not give any examinations constituting 10%
or more of the final grade, except make-up tests and laboratory
examinations. In addition, no instructor shall give any portion
of the final examination during Final Review Week.
WITHDRAWALS: Please note that the last day to withdraw from
class with a "W" is November 11, 2005. Be aware that
after this date you will receive an academic grade in the course.
Initiating the drop procedure is the student's responsibility.
If you have any questions about withdrawals, please see me after
class.
ACHIEVING ACADEMIC SUCCESS: The University of Texas at Arlington
supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect
with the University and achieve academic success. They include
learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring,
admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students
requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should
contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107
for more information and appropriate referrals.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: The University of Texas at
Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit
and letter of federal equal opportunity legistlation; reference
Public Law 93112--The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
With the passge of new federal legislation entitled Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to Section 504 of The
Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this
population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.
As a faculty member (professor or instructor) I am required
by law to provide "reasonable accommodation" to students
with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of
that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with
informing faculty at the beginning of the semester and in providing
authorized documentation through designated administrative channels.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: It is the philosophy of The University
of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely
unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any
form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined
in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline
may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating,
plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work
or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another
person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed
to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit
such acts. (Regents' Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter
VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2, Subdivision 3.22)
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: Disruptive behavior which keeps other students
from learning will not be tolerated. Students who engage in
disruptive behavior will be cautioned first, then more drastic
measures will be taken.
German 4334, Fall, 2005 Lesson Plans (Subject to Change)
Day 1 August 23 First Day of The Culture of Business. Introduction
to the Course. Discussion of current knowledge. Discussion of
final exam questions and how to answer them. Five ways to think:
which one(s) do you use? How successfully? Which do you prefer?
What is most academically acceptable? Homework: Hedderich (handout),
Hall & Hall (handout) Take notes and be prepared to talk
about the questions provided.
Day 2 August 25 Discussion of homework. In English. Discussion
of outsourcing, deregulation, and Kafka’s CASTLE, as well
as Mann’s BUDDENBROOKS. Homework: First half of Kotthoff
article. Take notes and be prepared to talk about the questions
provided on a handout. Prepare to discuss it in German.
Aug. 22-26 Late Registration
Day 3 August 30 Discussion of homework. In German. Discussion
of Kapitalismus, Sozialismus, Sozialleistungen, Messeplatz Deutschland.
Homework: The remainder of the Kotthoff article
Day 4 September 1 Discussion of Kotthoff article. In German.
Review of salient vocabulary, mind maps, phrases, etc.
Homework for two different groups of students:
Reports by students of advanced proficiency in German:
Business-Etikette: Fortgeschrittene
Teil 1: Mit der Visitenkarte ins Fettnäpfchen
Teil 2: Besserwessitum vermeiden
Teil 3: Die Aufholleistung würdigen
Teil 4: Verlässlicher Partner sein
Die neuen Mitglieder im Osten der EU tragen ein überraschend
westliches Antlitz. Dennoch sind viele Befindlichkeiten anders.
Das sollte wissen, wer hier langfristig ins Geschäft kommen
will. Sonst wird er nie erfahren, warum er als "Executive
for Eastern Europe" schlechte Karten hat.
http://www.manager-magazin.de/koepfe/artikel/0,2828,298835,00.html
und mehr:
http://www.manager-magazin.de/koepfe/artikel/0,2828,298835,00.html
Potenzial im Osten und deutsche Ignoranz: Metro-Chef Körber
im Interview (mm 5/2004)
· Mittelstand: Keine Angst vor dem neuen Osten der EU
(02.05.2004)
· Eldorado Europa: Die besten Standorte der neuen EU
(21.04.2004)
· EU-Erweiterung: Die zehn Beitrittsländer im Überblick
(01.04.2004)
Vocabulary on “Etiquette” by all other students,
including definitions, mind maps, etc. http://www1.manager-magazin.de/active/karrierechk/fcgi/karrierechk-3552.fcgiSept.
5 Labor Day Holiday
Day 5 September 6 Reports (for which all students will be responsible).
Discussion of etiquette rules. OTHER
Homework: Etiquette knowledge and vocabulary phrases: making
a quiz show.
Sept. 7 Census Day
Day 6 September 8 In German and English. Finish reports; do
etiquette games. Discussion of power and ritual. Discussion
of the power of the worker in Germany and U.S. and influence
of U.S. on Germany. Wal-Mart as a case in point: http://www.alwayslowprices.net/archives/000462.html
. Homework: TBA
Day 7 September 13 The intersection of language, meaning, and
culture: Harley as a case in point. In English. TBA. Homework:
Gesprächsdeutsch textbook
DAYS 8 – 14: Gesprächstraining: Deutssch für
den Beruf
Day 8 September 15
Day 9 September 20
Day 10 September 22
Day 11 September 27
Day 12 September 29
Sept. 30 Last Day to Drop with an Automatic “W”
(undergraduate)
Day 13 October 4
Day 14 October 6
Day 15 October 11 Midterm oral
DAYS 16 – 24: Gesprächstraining: Deutssch für
den Beruf
Day 16 October 13
October 14: Midsemester
Day 17 October 18
Day 18 October 20
Day 19 October 25
Day 20 October 27
October 31 Current & Former Student Registration Begins
WHEN READING THE NOVEL Buddenbrooks, look for the following:
business relationships, business people and what they do, family
finances and whether/how tied into the firm, the firm’s
business relationships, how marriages, deaths, inheritance affect
the firm. When there is a marriage, money often comes to or
leaves the family/firm in the form of a dowry. When there is
a death of a relative, money may come to the family/firm. Think
about how the personalities of the family’s businessmen
affect the firm’s success. Note also how the times affect
the firm, indeed, the firm’s success or lack thereof.
Think about the pertinent Hedderich and Hall & Hall excerpts
as you read.
Buddenbrooks: Family, Relatives, In-laws, Friends, and Business
Associates
Family:
Generation 1: Johann & (Josephine [died]) & Antoinette
Duchamps
Generation 2: Gotthold, child of Johann and Josephine, married
Stüwing who had no great dowry, disapproved of by parents
Jean/John, child of Johann & Antoinette (married Elisabeth
Kröger of the wealthy Kröger family: Lebrecht and
son Justus and his sons)
Generation 3: Thomas, Christian, Antonie (Tony), and Clara:
children of Jean and Elisabeth
Generation 4: Erika, child of Tony; Johann (Hanno), child of
Thomas
Generation 5: no male heirs
Day 21 November 1 Buddenbrooks (film) in class
Homework: read part 1; here is the beginning, at a fine Thursday
evening dinner to celebrate the purchase of the wonderful house
in Mengstraße, and here is the beginning of some of the
current family/firm problems: Gotthold.
Day 22 November 3 Buddenbrooks
The early days; intro to Nibelungenlied; take notes
Americans and European culture
Homework: read parts 2 & 3
Day 23 November 8 Buddenbrooks; Nibelungenlied,
a couple of citations; take notes
Homework: read part 4; Short report assignments, not due until
Nov. 29: Hanse/Hanseatic League, Hansestädte,
Schabbelhaus, Lübeck, Mengstraße
4, Buddenbrookhaus, Meißner Porzellan (Porzellan
aus Meißen), Meißen, Thomas Mann – find
a book, article, or website about your topic by next time. If
you cannot, you will have to choose another topic.
How to do your short reports:
1. Provide a handout, in which you present your topic, a definition
of your topic, and information about your topic in key words
or key phrases in German. Provide definitions of key words/phrases
in German. Provide visual information via pictures or drawings
as well, if possible.
2. Give a talk in German, in which you make sure you are comprehended
by your audience. Provide your name, topic, and a defintion
of your topic. Provide additional information about your topic.
Day 24 November 10 Buddenbrooks; Luther & Faust,
a couple of citations (take notes); topics: book, article, website
found?
Homework: read parts 5 & 6
Nov. 11 Last Day to Drop Courses
Day 25 November 15 Buddenbrooks; Romanticism and other
periods; wars, cities, religion, persecution (take notes)
Homework: read part 7
Day 26 November 17 Buddenbrooks; Brecht et al. (take
notes)
Homework: read parts 8 & 9
Day 27 November 22 Buddenbrooks; Kafka; Weltschmerz
(take notes)
Read parts 10 & 11
Nov. 24 Registration for All Students Begins
Nov. 24 – 25 Thanksgiving Holiday
Day 28 November 29 Final discussion of Buddenbrooks. Reports,
approximately 5 minutes each. We’ll meet in TH 200 so
that you can show any additional pictures you’ve found
on websites that might enhance your handout and report.
Day 29 December 1 review for final: format, etc., and course
evaluations
Dec. 6: Final Exam, cumulative, essays in English and German,
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 11:00 – 1:30
Dec. 10 – 11 Commencement Ceremonies
Dec. 14 Final Grades Available Online
