The German program offers basic courses in German (GER 101, 102, 203, and 204) and upper level courses focusing on advanced grammar, conversation and composition; literature; and aspects of civilization and culture. Some courses are taught exclusively in English to appeal to students who wish to know more about the German-speaking world without having to know the language itself. Students can take German courses to fulfill the language requirement for the College of Liberal Arts and other colleges. Students can also minor in German.
Our program has instructors with native or near-native proficiency in German and with extensive educational and life experience in the German-speaking countries of Europe. Courses offer extensive insights into the language, culture, and customs of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Given that Germany is by far the leading economy of the European Union today, and that approximately 100 million people on the Continent speak German as their mother-tongue, it remains an important language for visitors and professionals alike.
Minors: A minor in German consists of fifteen semester hours in the same language above 101. One 3-hour course in either German culture-in-translation or German literature-in-translation may be counted toward the completion of the required hours for the minor.
Students are especially encouraged to combine a major or minor in German with specializations in other fields such as Political Science (including International Relations), Business (including International Business), History, Humanities, Music, Art, Sociology, or Science. Many careers today stress the importance of knowing a second modern language given the global nature of our society and economy