This course concentrates on familiarizing the student with the German-speaking countries: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Students explore contemporary history, geography, provinces, products, industries, customs, and cuisine of these countries. Use of the computer facilitates mapmaking, visualizing famous people and places, and accessing immediate events. Communication will be in German on such topics as contemporary politics, the environment, history, film, music, art, literature, and technology--and will improve reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills at the same time.