Workshops
Each participant must register for the convention, including their workshops. Register here.
Please read through the descriptions of the workshops carefully and select three and two alternatives. Remember to list them on the registration form in order of preference, with your favorite as number one. We will make every effort to give you your top three choices. Forensics will replace one workshop slot. Make sure to indicate your category and level on the registration form.
1. FORENSICS: See specific information on competing in this event. Your teacher will give you a copy of the poetry/prose for your level so that you can practice beforehand.
2. MUSIC VIDEOS: Get involved with an exciting contest of creativity and wit. Students will serve as judges of the video competition, deciding which of the "Einigkeit"- themed videos deserve to be shown to the entire convention.
3. WALTZER TANZEN: The Viennese are experts when it comes to the formal waltz. Let Frau Gabathuler show you the steps to keep up with the Austrian elite.
4. GLASÄTZEN: Create intricate designs and beautiful glassware by learning this traditional art form with VOGS's Frau Thorsen.
5. FRIEND OR FOE? GERMANY IN SOVIET PROPAGANDA: MLWGS's own Russian teacher Michael White examines the evolution of Soviet propaganda and the depiction of Germany first as an ally and then a mortal enemy.
6. THE CHANGING FACE OF THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC: Join MLWGS history teacher Dan Brown in exploring how a culturally vibrant democracy became the breeding ground for Nazism and the beginnings of the Third Reich.
7. FROM ESCHER TO GROPIUS: MLWGS math teacher Lynn Reed analyzes German contributions to mathematics and their impact on everything from architecture to painting.
8. DEUTSCHE KOMPONISTEN: Join MLWGS students in exploring the German impact on classical and popular music from Bach to Haydn and much more.
9. BAUHAUS: German III students help you understand the lasting impacts of the radical school of design which emerged from the Weimar Republic. Known for its mix of practicality and style, Bauhaus architecture remains even today an expression of the hopes of the 1920's and the creative explosion that resulted.
10. VÖLKERBALL: German III students will teach the German way of playing dodgeball.
11. KARTOFFELPUFFER: Join MLWGS student chefs in making this unique and tasty potato appetizer, perfect with any meal, it's a treat you can't ignore.
12. GEDICHTE: MLWGS English teacher Denise Yagel and her student assistants offer an introduction to the enlightening and entertaining world of German poetry. Whether it be the dark works of modern authors or the odes of the Romantics, these works offer a new perspective on German language outside of the textbook.
13. REVOLT AND RESISTANCE WITHIN EAST GERMANY: Duke University fellow and native German Dirk Philipsen discusses the collapse of the DDR and his book We Were the People: Voices from East Germany's Revolutionary Autumn of 1989.
14. AN AMERICAN IN BERLIN: From 1999 to 2001, English teacher Hal Waller found himself living in Berlin and teaching in a German high school, and he had never taken a class in German in his life! In this presentation, Mr. Waller shares the insightful and often humorous lessons he learned about the German language and the German people in his two years as an Ausländer in Germany.
15. ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN GERMANY AND VIRGINIA: Terri Noll, a representative from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, discusses the close relationship between German companies and the those in Virginia. As an increasingly global player, Virginia is a place of opportunity for students with German language experience.
16. KAISERSCHMARRN: Learn how to make and enjoy this delicious Austrian pancake with MLWGS grandparent and native German, Helga Prosser.
17. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE GREEN AND GERMAN: MLWGS science teacher and Environmental Club sponsor Anna Shore offers a brief overview of the ways that Germany has become the world's most aggressive waste minimizer. Learn and practice in the lab the various technologies used in Germany for sorting and testing plastic packaging.
18. HOW GREAT WAS FREDERICK? : Examine the enigma of one Germany?s most famous historical personalities, Frederick the Great. This workshop will attempt to probe into Frederick?s legacy as both a warrior king and patron of the arts, and his mark on German history.
19. THE HISTORICAL IMPACT OF OTTO VON BISMARCK, THE IRON CHANCELLOR: Whether viewed as the mighty unifier of modern Germany or an oppressive tyrant, the impact of the "Iron Chancellor" is indisputable. Discover how this historical giant helped make Germany what it is today.
20. THE SEARCH FOR MEANING: Challenge yourself to answer life's persistent questions with the help of Germany's most brilliant minds. This workshop will provide a basic introduction to classical German thinkers like Kant and Hegel.
21. THE LEGACY OF GOETHE: Examine the myth and reality of Germany's most famous figure: the writer, scientist, philosopher and politician who was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
22. THE MUSIC OF THE COMEDIAN HARMONISTS: Join MLWGS students in discovering the witty and Infectious music of the Comedian Harmonists, a 1920's singing group as popular as the Beatles.
23. GERMANY AND AMERICA TOGETHER: MLWGS government teacher and We the People coach Matt McGuire examines the relationship between Germany and the United States since World War Two, tracing the evolution from enemies to crucial allies.
24. FORGING CONTINENTAL LEADERSHIP: Esteemed Johns Hopkins Professor and former advisor to the American embassy in Berlin, Dan Hamilton, examines the changing role of Germany as a leader of the European community.
25. DIE SCHULTUTE: Learn about and make your own "school cone", which is a typical treat to begin your school years.
26. DEUTSCHE AUTOS: Enjoy a special presentation on one Germany's largest industries and their driving passion; from Volkswagen to Audi.
27. FUßBALL: Just in time for the South African hosting of the World Cup, soccer fans can learn about the proud history and promising future of the German national soccer team (Deutscher Fussball Bund).
28. VOLKSLIEDER: VCU German student and devoted musician, Aaron Kunk, is ready to teach you an exciting variety of traditional German folk songs and modern favorites.
29. GERMAN EMBASSY: Experts from the German Embassy and German Information Center offer their perspective on the crucial relationship and evolving partnership between the US and the Federal Republic of Germany.