Languages and Cultures: German

The German program in Languages and Cultures (LACU) provides students with training in language, literature, and culture. Grounded in an interdisciplinary and global perspective, the program fosters advanced proficiency in German while developing critical, analytical, and intercultural competencies. Students engage with the diverse cultural, historical, and intellectual traditions of the German-speaking world and are encouraged to apply their knowledge in both academic and real-world contexts, including business and diplomacy.

Learning Goals

In alignment with the mission of the Department of Languages and Cultures, students completing either major and the minor will:

  • Demonstrate advanced proficiency in German in the four skills of speaking, writing, reading, and listening
  • Analyze literary, cultural, and historical texts within their social and intellectual contexts
  • Engage critically with issues of culture, identity, and global interconnection
  • Apply language and cultural knowledge in academic, professional, and intercultural settings

Major in German Language and Literature

Requirements
The Language and Literature major consists of a minimum of 10 courses including GERM 1501 (Intermediate German I) and above, taught in German, to facilitate a path towards maximum language proficiency.

The program normally includes:

  • GERM 2001 – German Language and Literature
  • At least seven additional courses (depending on placement), selected in consultation with the German faculty adviser

Placement and Course Progression
Students who place beyond GERM 1501, 1502, and/or 2001 will substitute these courses with advanced-level electives, in consultation with the adviser. The curriculum is designed to ensure both linguistic proficiency and sustained engagement with literary and cultural texts.

Study Abroad
LACU strongly encourages students to pursue study abroad as an integral component of their academic formation.

  • Up to five upper-level German language or literature courses taken abroad may count toward the major

All courses taken abroad must be approved in advance by the German faculty adviser.

Major in German Studies (Interdisciplinary)

German Studies offers an interdisciplinary pathway that combines advanced language study with coursework in related fields such as art history, cultural studies, economics, film, history, philosophy, and politics. The program allows students to situate the German-speaking world within broader global and comparative contexts.

Requirements
The German Studies major consists of a minimum of 10 courses including GERM 1501 (Intermediate German I) and above.

The program normally includes:

  • GERM 2001 – German Language and Literature
  • At least seven additional courses (depending on placement), selected in consultation with the German faculty adviser

Up to five courses in related disciplines may be counted toward the German Studies major with prior approval by the German faculty adviser.

Placement and Course Progression
Students who place beyond GERM 1501, 1502, and/or 2001 will substitute these courses with advanced-level electives, in consultation with the German faculty adviser. The curriculum is designed to ensure both linguistic proficiency and sustained engagement with literary and cultural texts.

Study Abroad
LACU strongly encourages students to pursue study abroad as an integral component of their academic formation.

  • Up to five upper-level German language or literature courses taken abroad may count toward the major

All courses taken abroad must be approved in advance by the German faculty adviser.

Advising
Students work closely with the German faculty adviser to design a coherent and individualized Overview 

Minor in German

The minor in German provides students with linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy in the German-speaking world. Through a combination of language, literature, and culture courses, students develop skills in communication, critical thinking, and intercultural competence. Students explore the cultures of German speaking countries, while gaining practical language skills applicable to a wide range of careers.

Requirements
The German minor consists of a minimum of 6 courses including GERM 1501 (Intermediate German I) and above at the intermediate level or above.

Placement and Course Progression
Students who place out of GERM 1501, 1502, and/or 2001 will substitute these courses with advanced-level electives, in consultation with the adviser. The curriculum is designed to ensure both linguistic proficiency and sustained engagement with literary and cultural texts.

Study Abroad
LACU strongly encourages students to pursue study abroad as an integral component of their academic formation.

  • Up to three upper-level German language or literature courses taken abroad may count toward the minor

All courses taken abroad must be approved in advance by the German faculty adviser.

The program normally includes:

  • GERM 2001 – German Language and Literature
  • At least five additional courses (depending on placement), selected in consultation with the German faculty adviser