Topic 2: Cultural Geography of Germany

Lesson 1: What are your impressions of Germany and Germans?

Lesson Objective

The student will be able to describe impressions and opinions of Germany and Germans.

Materials and Resources

Transparency 15 - “The Federal
Republic of Germany (Work and Life)”

Transparency 16 - "Culture”

Worksheet 9 - “Impressions of Germany and Germans”
Aids and appliances: calculators, clear transparency sheets, washable markers, rulers, compasses, protractors
Teacher Resource 4 - “Culture of the Federal Republic of Germany”
Teacher Resource 5 - “The Federal Republic of Germany (Work and Life)”
Teacher Resource 6 - Transcripts of “Key: Culture”

Strategies

Have each student complete Worksheet 9 “Impressions of Germany and Germans”. After students have completed the survey, divide the class into small groups and have each group tally the responses from one of the three sections. Each group should use the raw data to construct appropriate charts, tables, and graphs to summarize the information for presentation to the class. Probe students as to reasons for their impressions and what evidence they have to validate their views based on the discussion questions at the bottom of the worksheet. Save the initial impressions of students in the class for use at the end of Lesson 1.

Students often have preconceived notions about countries they are studying. These notions should be confirmed, rejected or understood in the context of the particular culture. Teacher Resource 4 will help the teacher understand the complexity of German culture.

Display Transparency 15 “The Federal Republic of Germany (Work and Life)” – using Teacher Resource 5 “The Federal Republic of Germany (Work and Life)” as a key – and Transparency 16 “Culture” using Teacher Resource 6 “Culture” as a key and have students in their small groups make lists of any stereotypes or well-known and surprising images of Germany.

Obtain many different resources, especially photographs from periodicals, current news media, travel brochures and German government agencies. Display the materials and/or create resource packets to be used by students to confirm, reject or further analyze their impressions from Worksheet 9.