German Major

Major Program | B.A. Major Requirements

The German major explores in depth the literature and language, the culture and commerce of the German-speaking world (primarily Germany, Austria and Switzerland). The key to the major lies in the careful balance between the solid core requirements and the flexibility afforded by a choice from three options:

• The General Program
• German Area Studies
• German Culture and Commerce

Whereas the General Program accommodates specifically those students whose interests lie in literary studies, German Area Studies as well as the Culture and Commerce emphasis offer two options which combine advanced language study with courses featuring the contributions of the German-speaking world in fields as art, music, philosophy, history, politics, and economics.

Two of the three major tracks reflect the Department's primary emphasis on literary figures, movements, and themes and thus they share a common core of upper division literature electives. The Culture and Commerce track has as its goal functional language competency which means that it is designed to enable students to live and work in a German-speaking environment. A key feature of this track is a work/study experience abroad. Regardless of track, students will find maximum practice in spoken and written German as well as in listening comprehension in all upper division courses offered in German.

Before reaching a final decision concerning a German major, the student should meet with the undergraduate advisor to discuss the focus of his/her plans for the German program. A challenging and advantageous option is that of a double major, e.g.: German & History, German and another European literature, or--most frequently--German & International Relations.