Computer Support for Upper Level Language and Literature Classes

"The Tannhäuser Reader"
Interactive Reading and Research Project

Spring 2003
Software Programming: Andrei Furtuna
Professor: Stephanie Kufner

"The Tannhäuser Reader" is the product of a one-semester/ 2-credit FL Learning & Technology Tutorial (FLLTT) :"Interactive Reading and Research Project" (IRRP) . It was designed and programmed around and with the Software Development Program "RealBasic" which allows for relatively fast and easy programming. The goal of this particular program was to allow students studying German through the Bard Conductors' Institute easier access to a difficult German opera text. A built-in morphology- as well as a regular dictionary allows students to find basic forms and/or translations of German words by simply clicking on a word. At the same time, students are provided with a 'search' function that allows them to type in any word in German and find the resepctive translation. Additional "Resources", such as sound , text, and image files allow professors and students alike to analyse and research the text from a variety of angles independently or in class. With the help of the "Notes" function students are given the option to take notes for themselves and/or write short statements, questions, or essays and share them either in printed or emailed formats with classmates and/or professors. A "find" function has been integrated in order to not only find particular acts, scenes or passages, but to also research the use of certain words, metaphors, or motifs within the context of the whole text.

During the Fall 2003 semester, another FLLTTutorial is planned to enhance the present version of the program, produce a Professor- IRRP template to enable German professors to put together their own "Readers", and design a Student 'Transparent Reader' template for the Language Center Lab allowing students to easily import foreign language texts into the Transparent Reader and have immediate one-click access to both dictionaries.

At this point the program is available only for the Macintosh. A PC version should be available by the fall.
For more information or if you are interested in a trying this program, please contact Stephanie Kufner. Bard College, New York: 845 758 7443 or send an email with the subject line IRRPto kufner@bard.edu .