Describes German literature course which subordinates goal of improving language skill in a literature course to a philosophical/critical approach which stresses increasing students' sophistication as literary critics and reinforces their interest in studying a foreign literature. Orientation emphasizes alienation of the protagonist and tries to…

The dialectical approach to teaching literary analysis, using William Perry's model of cognitive development, engages students intellectually and actively in literary issues, takes a holistic approach to education, and confronts students with an alternative to their well-entrenched philosophy that an education is to be gotten and stored away. (MSE)

Examples are presented of worksheets designed to help students prepare for discussions of literature in terms of the language, plot, and literary aspects of a particular work. All examples are from an introductory course in German literature. Benefits of using such worksheets include increased students comprehension and class participation. (LMO)