ObjectivesThrough the study of Germanic literature, language, and linguistics, German majors receive a humane liberal education as well as an understanding of the cultures of the German-speaking countries. The literary texts are read in both English and their original language and most classes are taught in German. Students read major authors such as Luther, Lessing, Herder, Goethe, Schiller, Heine, Mann, Hesse, Grass, Wolf and Boell, and cultivate a broad philosophical, historical and critical appreciation for language, culture and literature as they reflect on historical periods. The department also offers courses in Dutch, Afrikaans, and Old Norse languages, literature, and culture.
Course descriptionMajorPlans
Three plans are offered by the department:
Plan A: Literature and Culture
Plan A is designed for students who are interested in studying German language and thought by selecting courses in literature, film, folklore, and contemporary culture studies.
Required: German 152, 153, and 11 upper division German courses, at least three of which must be at the 150 level or above. Two of the 11 courses may be upper division courses in other departments. Students who enroll in any course taught in English translation in the department must sign a contract with the instructor that all texts authored in German are to be read in the original language. The contract must then be filed with the undergraduate adviser. Students may take up to two courses from the 150 series or below in satisfaction of major requirements. Two additional courses from the 120 series or below may be selected if students elect not to take courses in other departments. All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Plan B: German Studies
Plan B is designed for students whose interests are primarily interdisciplinary in nature. Departmental majors receive credit not only for upper division courses in German literature, film, folklore, and contemporary culture, but for courses in related fields such as history, political science, philosophy, music, and others.
Required: German 152, 153, seven upper division German courses (at least two of which must be at the 150 level or above), and four upper division courses in a related field or fields selected in consultation with the undergraduate adviser. Students who enroll in any course taught in English translation in the department must sign a contract with the instructor that all texts authored in German are to be read in the original language. The contract must then be filed with the undergraduate adviser. Only two such contract courses may be applied toward the major. All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Plan C: Germanic Languages/Linguistics
Plan C is intended for students interested in the study of languages and linguistics and allows students to study more than one Germanic language.
Required: German 152, 153, 140, 141, C172, and eight additional upper division courses as follows: three courses in one other Germanic language (Scandinavian languages taught in the Scandinavian Section may be applied by petition to the undergraduate adviser), three linguistics courses from outside the department (i.e., anthropology, applied linguistics, linguistics, sociology) selected in consultation with the undergraduate adviser, and two electives from department offerings (excluding German 100, 101, 102, and courses taught in English translation). All courses must be taken for a letter grade.