German is one of the most important languages in the world today, especially in the emerging nations of Eastern Europe. In Europe, more people have German as a native language than English, French, Italian or Spanish. German is widely used in the areas of economics and business, culture, science, music, and technology. Knowing and understanding German gives people access to many scholarly works in these and other disciplines. Germans spend more on travel and tourism than any other people in the world.
Other important reasons to know and understand the German language include access to many important works of literature and the opening up of opportunities in the international job market.
German Major requirements:
| Credits | ||
| ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12) | |
| Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, II, IV, V, VI, VII (12 courses) |
(36) | |
| Major course requirements: (18 courses) | ||
| GER 103-104 Introductory German | (6) | |
| GER 215-216 Internediate German | (6) | |
| GER 299 German Language Lab | (2-4) | |
| GER 323 Topics in German Conversation I | (3) | |
| GER 324 Topics in German Conversation II | (3) | |
| GER 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in German I | (3) | |
| GER 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in German II | (3) | |
| German electives: six courses | (18) | |
| Second language (intermediate level proficiency): four courses | (12) | |
| Electives (6 courses) | (18) | |
| Total (40 courses) | (122-124) |
Study Abroad: Minimum of four consecutive weeks.
For information regarding dual majors, click here.
GER 103-104 Introductory German 6 credits
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Introduction to German culture. Almost exclusive use of German in class. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (GER 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for GER 104: C or better in GER 103 or permission of chair. GER 103 (Fall) and GER 104 (Spring).
GER 215-216 Intermediate German 6 credits
This course is designed as a thorough review of grammatical structures. Also emphasized is the building of vocabulary, increasing competence in the four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and gaining an overview of German culture. Exclusive use of German in class. Includes service-learning. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for GER 215: C or better in GER 104 or four years of high school German. However, if the last year you studied German was your junior year in high school and you received a C+ or lower, you will be placed into GER 104. Prerequisite for GER 216: C or better in GER 215 or permission of chair. GER 215 (Fall) and GER 216 (Spring).
GER 299 German Language Lab 0 credits
Students enrolled in GER 103-104, 115-116, 123-124, 133-134, 323-324, 353-354 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab.
GER 323 Topics in Conversation I (Fall) 3 credits
Contemporary communication skills emphasized in general exploration of contemporary culture of the German-speaking world. Exclusive use of German in class. Phonetics may be included. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 216.
GER 324 Topics in Conversation II (Spring) 3 credits
A continuation of GER* 323. Exclusive use of German in class. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 323.
GER 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in German, I (Fall) 3 credits
Distinguishing and producing effective writing of different types: essay, correspondence, description, report. Exclusive use of German in class. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 216.
GER 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in German, II (Spring) 3 credits
A continuation of GER 331. Exclusive use of German in class. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 331.
GER 341-342 Advanced German for Business I & II 6 credits
Advanced aural/oral and writing skills needed for working in a German-speaking environment. Practical situations, technical vocabulary, and correspondence highlighted. Preparation for Wirtschaftsdeutsch International Examination. Exclusive use of German in class. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for GER 341: C or better in GER 216. Prerequisite for GER 342: C or better in GER 341, GER 341 (Fall) and GER 342 (Spring).
GER 451 German Literature before 1770 3 credits
An examination of social and cultural as well as political changes from the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. Significant examples of cultural movements in literature, theater, music and painting, representing the Zeitgeist of each epoch. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 452 German Literature after 1770 3 credits
A close look at the social and cultural as well as the political changes in Germany between the 18th and the 20th centuries. Significant examples of cultural movements (in literature, theater, music and painting as well as in social and political affairs) will be presented during this course. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 453 German Literature since 1945 3 credits
A thorough inquiry into aspects of literary life in both parts of Germany before and after 1990. Reflection on the attempts by East and West German authors to distance themselves from and cope with the experience of the literature of the NAZI era. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 454 Thomas, Heinrich and Klaus Mann 3 credits
Critical analysis of the works of brothers Thomas and Heinrich Mann as well as Klaus Mann, their son and nephew. Differences and similarities between their aesthetic concepts. Reading of literary works will be complemented by viewing of film adaptations. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 455 Günter Grass 3 credits
Acquaints with this Nobel laureate and prominent figure of German literary and political life. A selection of five of Grass’ novels will offer the student an insight into the political and intellectual history of Germany from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 456 Uwe Timm, Wolfgang Koeppen, WG Sebald, Jurek Becker and Stefan Heym 3 credits
Selected readings from five of the most prominent post-WWII German writers. Comparison and critical analysis of literary representations of Jewish life in West- and East-German literature. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 461 Germany before Re-Unification 3 credits
An examination of dissimilar political, economic, and social issues in East- and West-Germany before 1989. Assessment of values and attitudes in the two German societies. Culture and cultural politics in the East and the West. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 462 Germany Today 3 credits
The ‘new’ political system in post-1989 unified Germany, the country’s cultural development, her economic structure, as well as her particular styles (!) of life. Voices from West-German and East-German authors are heard as well as assessments of foreign critics and supporters of Germany’s re-unification. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 400 German Internship 3 credits
Qualified students are placed in jobs or service programs where they will use and perfect language skills. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
GER 472 Contemporary German Film 3 credits
Concentration on the period of Autorenfilm and highlighting some of its most prominent directors: Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Werner Herzog, Alexander Kluge, Edgar Reitz, Volker Schlöndorff, Jean-Marie Straub, Hans-Jürgen Syberberg, Rolf Thiele, Margarethe von Trotta, and Wim Wenders. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 473 Literature and Film 3 credits
Study of six literary epochs through literature and film, stretching from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Comparison and critical analysis of prose and its adaptation in (German and foreign) film. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.