GERMAN STUDIES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
Portland, OR, October 3-6, 2019

Call for Participants: GSA Seminar "In and Out of the Classroom: Innovations in Teaching in German History & Culture" (sponsored by the Teaching Network), deadline 1/26/19


Conveners
Elizabeth Drummond, Loyola Marymount University, ([log in to unmask])
Kristopher Imbrigotta, University of Puget Sound, ([log in to unmask])
Andrew Evans, State University of New York, New Paltz ([log in to unmask])

Description: This seminar focuses on innovative approaches to teaching German history and culture.  As scholars of German-speaking Europe, we face the challenge of engaging students and demonstrating the relevance of our courses.  The study of history, language, and literature has been in decline in many universities across North America, as many universities have de-emphasized Europe in favor of a focus on Asia, Latin America, and/or Africa. We need teaching methods that encourage curiosity and foster mastery not only of disciplinary content but also of skills that will prepare students for twenty-first century lives. This seminar allows participants to design new approaches and materials.  Each day will have a different focus: (1) project-based learning, including Digital Humanities projects, public and applied history projects, and research projects; (2) the use of simulations in class; and (3) experiential and on-site learning, including community-engaged learning, international immersions, and study abroad.

Format: Before the conference, participants will circulate a description of and materials for an innovative assignment or teaching strategy, including learning outcomes and challenges, and a syllabus for the course for which the assignment is assigned or envisioned. We will discuss and workshop these on day 1 and 3.  On day 2, participants play a “Reacting to the Past” simulation requiring preparation of assigned roles in advance.

General Information
Seminars meet for all three days of the conference during the first morning slot to foster extended discussion, rigorous intellectual exchange, and intensified networking. This seminar will consist of 12 to 15 participants.  In order to reach the goal of extended discussion, seminar organizers and participants are required to participate in all three installments of the seminar.

Applying: Please apply though the GSA portal: https://www.xcdsystem.com/gsa/member/index.cfm, starting January 5, 2019. Seminar applicants are asked to submit a brief CV, current syllabus, and a no more than 500-word abstract describing an innovative assignment or teaching strategy that you either already use or want to develop in the future.  Applications are due by 26 January 2019. You must renew your GSA membership for 2019 to apply.  

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The German Studies Call for Papers List
Editor: Sean Franzel
Assistant Editor: Olaf Schmidt
Sponsored by the University of Missouri
Info available at: https://grs.missouri.edu/german/resources