Film Culture in Germany

Specialised Course & Language Course

Period: 05.-31.08.2012

Target Group: Medium and Upper Levels (B2-C2), students of humanitarian, social, media and cultural sciences. This specialised course is intended for film-makers, journalists and media scientists, or for those with an interest in the German film and media landscape, who would like a career in these areas.

Requirements: German language skills level B2 or higher, otherwise no further requirements.

The media plays a central role in mediating intercultural dialogue. This course mainly focuses on film as a visual medium of documentation and its significance in conveying "foreign understanding".

The course "Film Culture in Germany" targets media and communications scientists, film-makers, and everyone interested.

Specialised Course "Film Culture in Germany"

Within the 4-week course, the basis of film analysis of German films will be taught. Based on this, a joint intercultural film concept will be developed. After learning the technical skills in camera work, light and sound technique, a film will be produced and afterwards finalised at the cutting table. The course aim is to produce a film within an international team and premiere it at the summer university gala. Excursions to a film and TV production company in the area and presentations of external speakers (film makers, film patrons etc.) will be integrated.

Overview of the course content:

History of documentary and feature films in Germany
Media competence: thoughts on dealing with the medium film
Producing one or several short films (documentary, experimental or feature film) in concept, execution, cutting and presentation
Analysis of selected historical and current German documentary and feature films
Excursion to a film or TV production

Intercultural Language Course

In the morning, this course introduces the linguistic and social context of the German media landscape.

Within each level, all courses deal with the following regional topics with varying degrees of difficulty:

Germany Through Foreign Eyes
Everyday Life in Germany
Regional Variety
Cultural Variety
Germany in the World

"German as a foreign language" consists not only of vocabulary and correct sentence structure. Germans also structure their conversations in a particular way and adhere to a culture-specific set of values. This adherence to culture in communication is a particular focus. Therefore a connection between foreign language and foreign understanding is formed.

At the start of the summer university, you will be allocated to the course which is most suitable for you by means of an assessment. You strengthen your German language skills through dealing with stylistics, idiomology, and vocabulary relevant to the issue. Aspects of German literature, culture, and society will be analysed and discussed. You can also give your own presentation if you wish.

This course consists of 28 hours per week:

20 hours of language course in the morning from 9 am to 12:30 pm and
8 hours of specialised course in the afternoon from 1:30 pm to 3 pm.

With regular attendance and a successfully passed final exam, you will receive ECTS credits for this course.

You may choose from the culture programme in the afternoon and evening according to your interests.

Cost: Course fee 650 € + registration fee 100 € + accommodation