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The Major Program

The German major explores in depth the literature and language, the culture and commerce of the German-speaking world. Whereas the General Program accommodates specifically those students whose interest lies in literary studies, German Area Studies as well as the Culture and Commerce emphasis are two options that combine advanced language study with courses featuring the contributions of the German-speaking world to fields such as music, art, philosophy, history, and economics.

The Program. Two of the three major emphases 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 emphasis has as its goal functional language competency 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 emphasis, students will find maximum practice in spoken and written German as well as in listening comprehension in all upper-division courses offered in German.

Career Alternatives. Completion of the major prepares students for graduate study in German or for career opportunities in international fields ranging from employment in business and government to careers in the fine arts and sciences. Also, it permits admission to professional schools such as law and medicine.