This course explores important social and political issues in 21st century Germany/Austria/Switzerland. It focuses on key institutions and the challenges to which these institutions respond in the 21st century, from immigration to globalization. Possible topics include: immigration, social movements, globalization, the environment and energy. Students will develop their language and literacy skills through structured use of the German language. Course targets the Intermediate-Mid to Advanced- low range on the ACTFL proficiency scale or the B1 to B2 levels on the CEFR. Genres include reports, updates, summarize, presentations and position papers. Prerequisites: GER 202 or equivalent, instructor consent. May be repeated up to 3x under a different subtitle.