Introducing the FUS Faculty: Barbara Heinkel Pennati

Barbara Heinkel-Pennati is Professor of German Language and Comparative Literature. She is specialized in teaching German to students and future teachers. Her passion for languages and their connection to fine arts includes the research of the relationship between contemporary literature and artwork.
In recent years she taught German and Art in international institutes like the EUROPEAN SCHOOL in Varese, LIUC University in Castellanza, Italy, SUPSI and LILU, Lugano.

Her artworks were exhibited in various Art Galleries in Zürich, Sankt Moritz, Rohrschach (Switzerland), and Italy.

2026-2027 Courses

GER 100	Introductory German, Part I	FALL 2026
This course provides an introduction to the essentials of German grammar, vocabulary, and culture. The acquisition of aural/oral skills are stressed right from the beginning, and as such, the predominant language of instruction is German. In this course, students will acquire basic knowledge of written and spoken structures so that they will be able to read and comprehend short passages in German and write simple compositions and dialogs.
GER 200	Intermediate German, Part I	FALL 2026
This course is designed for students who have completed one year of German language study. It reviews and expands on grammar, vocabulary, and culture acquired in GER 100 and GER 101. The acquisition of aural/oral skills are stressed, and as such, the predominant language of instruction is German. By the end of the course, students are expected to be proficient in the written and spoken usage of intermediate linguistic structures. Further, students are introduced to short literary texts, inviting conversation and some initial literary analysis
GER 300	Advanced German, Part I	FALL 2026
For students who have completed at least two years of college-level language studies or the equivalent. This course offers cultural readings from a variety of sources, including some literary pieces, as well as magazine and newspaper articles reflecting the contemporary scene in the countries where the language is spoken. Vocabulary expansion and development of techniques of expression are accomplished through oral and written exercises.