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In general, an education in German not only encourages students to consider the profound effects of German-speaking thinkers, scientists, and artists on the modern world, but also provides a lens through which the particular contours of the present and past can be evaluated. Knowledge of the German language and an understanding of the cultures of the countries where German is spoken provide a valuable preparation for many careers and graduate programs. In addition, it opens the door to lifelong cultural enrichment. German is a primary language of scholarship and international communication in a diverse range of academic and scientific fields, including industry and commerce. The lower-division language classes give students the strong base in oral and written skills that will prepare them for a successful period of study abroad, completion of the German minor, or simply give them the fundamental tools for developing conversational fluency. The minor in German is an excellent complement to a number of different disciplines such as art history, business, international relations, mathematics, music, political science, literature, philosophy and religious studies. Upper-division courses are aimed at encouraging individual exploration of the country, its culture, its literature, its industry and commerce, while at the same time building and reinforcing language proficiency.
Students may elect to major in Interdisciplinary Humanities with a concentration in German in either the Humanities or European Studies track. Upper-division courses will be completed in disciplines such as history, philosophy, political science, and theology and religious studies. These courses are conducted in English. With the prior permission of the director, German 294, 394, 494 and 499 may be counted toward the requirements of both programs.
Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of our semester- or year-long programs in Freiburg, Germany or Vienna, Austria and/or our third-semester German in Europe intensive summer course. Information is available at the International Center, Serra Hall, Room 315 .