WHAT GERMAN 102 HAS TAUGHT ANDY

The german 102 curriculum has made me take a look at my own American culture from a different perspective. The cultural lessons have given me the chance to look at my own culture from the standpoint of a German or other type of world citizen. The information that each native german interviewed in the interactive about america is interesting, providing some things that I did not know while at the same time reinforcing some ideas that I previously believed people from other countries to hold about the US. I did know that many foreigners looked down on the US - ie, the stereotypes that Americans are superficial, fat, and inconsiderate. What I didn't assume before was that some germans believed also that Americans are hospitable and friendly. These facts have made me reassess what is important to me as an American, and has made me want to be more than just an American. I now want to be a world citizen, with knowledge and acceptance of all cultures. The stories about what friendship means to germans have made me yearn for deeper relationships myself.

I also have a greater respect for german culture - their way of doing things, their style of friendships, and their system of education. I really like the view of life in Germany (and perhaps the rest of europe) that you should take your time. I have always favored this approach in education, because I think that if you take the time to really study and think critically about the material that you learn much more profoundly than if you study just to pass a test. Life too should be enjoyed and less focus should be placed on money and material gain. As for foreigners living in my country, I have always had a positive view of them. I feel now though that I would like to experience that myself, and go abroad to study or otherwise. This german course has taught me a lot about germany and a lot about what I want to do with my education.