The department offers two options for completing the major. The option in language and literature trains students to attain linguistic proficiency and a broad knowledge of German literature and culture. The German studies option also enables students to broaden and deepen their interests in another academic field. Credits with a grade of D are not counted toward the major. Credit toward the major for work conducted in the German language at the 300-level or higher may be earned only after successful completion of 01:470:232 or the equivalent.
Language and Literature (curricular option 470)
The major comprises 10 semester courses, as approved by the department, at the 200 level or above and taught in German. At least half of these courses should be in literature, civilization, or film. A minimum of six semester courses must be taken at the 300 level or above. Six of the courses comprising the major must be taught by the School of Arts and Sciences.
German Studies (curricular option 470A)
This option can be fulfilled either by taking most courses within the Department of German, or by combining the study of German language and culture with other fields (such as history, art history, religion, philosophy, music), which offer courses with a substantial German content. Twelve 3-credit courses are required, to be distributed in the following manner: a set of core courses in German language, culture, and history, plus a coherent set of an additional five courses to be selected from the German studies course list available at the department's website with the approval of the German studies adviser. Courses not included in the German studies course list may be considered toward the major at the discretion of the undergraduate director and the participating department.
All German studies majors must complete the equivalent of 01:470:232 Advanced Conversation and Composition II, one course (conducted in German) on contemporary German culture, and one additional 300- or 400-level course offered by the German program in either German or English. All majors take two courses in German history. Additional courses may be considered toward the major at the discretion of the undergraduate director and the participating department.
