German Campus Week Introduces Mason Community to Contemporary German Issues, Culture

German Campus Week Introduces Mason Community to Contemporary German Issues, Culture
Symposium participants preparing to present their research.

Germany has come to Mason!

George Mason University’s Departments of Modern and Classical Languages, History and Art History, School of Music, and Office of Housing and Residence Life worked together to present “Germany Making Choices,” a series of interactive, student-centered events highlighting important issues in contemporary German culture. Students learned about Bundestag (parliamentary) elections, immigration issues, education, and climate change, immersing themselves in German culture without leaving Mason’s campus.

Intermediate students collaborated with advanced German students to create a website on current issues in German society. Students in GERM 301: Culture and Civilization took part in an exhilarating undergraduate research symposium, presenting their research on the themes mentioned above and answering questions prepared by intermediate students. With events sponsored by the German Embassy, students took part in a film festival and learned about German-Turkish culture, Oktoberfest, the Energiewende renewable energy movement, and Liederabend celebration of folk songs.

The week capped off the fall semester with an understanding of issues that are important to German society, along with a taste of traditional and contemporary culture. This long-standing partnership with the German Embassy features events that are open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.