Requirements for a Major in German Studies
Bachelor of Arts
The German Studies major consists of 11 courses, including GERM 215, 245, and 305, and completing one of the tracks in the major. Students whose initial placement is above GERM 215 may substitute another 3-hour GERM course or one from the approved list.
German Studies Major with German Language Track
This track is a good option for those seeking to develop a command of the German language through advanced language, literature, and culture courses that develop students' speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. Students must complete the following coursework:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| GERM 215 | Intensive Intermediate German | 4 |
| GERM 245 | Conversation and Film:The Context of the Two Wars | 3 |
| GERM 305 | Conversation in German:Diversity in German Culture | 3 |
| GERM 495 | Capstone Experience | 3 |
| Select four German literature or culture courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Topics in German Literature | ||
| Concepts of Identity in German Poetry (1650-Present) | ||
| Intro to German Business Culture | ||
| Conversational German | ||
| Modern Drama of the German-Speaking World | ||
| The German Novelle | ||
| Enchanted: German Fairytales | ||
| The Artificial Body in German Literature and Film | ||
| Advanced Business German | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Complete three elective courses from the list of approved German Studies courses. | 9 | |
| Study Abroad Program 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 34 | |
- 1
Students must complete a student abroad experience in a German-speaking country in Europe or a German J-Term travel course. The department encourages students to spend a full academic year or semester abroad. However, students needing accommodation should talk to the department chair for alternative options.
German Studies Major with German Studies Track
This track is a good option for those seeking an understanding of the culture and civilizations of German-speaking countries, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary coursework and perspectives. Students must complete the following coursework:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| GERM 215 | Intensive Intermediate German | 4 |
| GERM 245 | Conversation and Film:The Context of the Two Wars | 3 |
| GERM 305 | Conversation in German:Diversity in German Culture | 3 |
| Capstone Experience | 3 | |
Complete any 400-level GERM course | ||
| Select two German literature or culture courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Topics in German Literature | ||
| Concepts of Identity in German Poetry (1650-Present) | ||
| Intro to German Business Culture | ||
| Conversational German | ||
| Modern Drama of the German-Speaking World | ||
| The German Novelle | ||
| Enchanted: German Fairytales | ||
| The Artificial Body in German Literature and Film | ||
| Advanced Business German | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Complete five additional elective courses: | 15 | |
Electives may be chosen from the 200- and 300-level GERM courses or from the list of approved German Studies courses. | ||
| Total Hours | 34 | |
- 1
For students in the German Studies track, GERM 495 may be completed in the English language. Capstones or Senior Projects in other departments that focus on German cultures, societies, or regions may substitute for the capstone in the German Studies track with prior approval of the department chair. These projects should reflect a culmination of the student's coursework for the German Studies track.
Approved German Studies Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARTH 223 | Revolutions in 19th Century European Art | 3 |
| ARTH 224 | Modern Art | 3 |
| FILM 228 | The Holocaust in German and European Film | 3 |
| FLET 222 | 20th Century German Narrative Fiction in English Translation | 3 |
| FLET 226 | The Weimar Republic | 3 |
| FLET 227 | German Cinema | 4 |
| FLET 229 | The Berlin Republic | 3 |
| HIST 244 | 19th Century Germany & Europe | 3 |
| HIST 343 | The Great War in Fiction and Film | 3 |
| HONR 125 | Turkish German Cinema | 4 |
| PHIL 370 | 19th Century European Philosophy | 3 |
| PSCI 331 | European Politics | 3 |
| RELS 251 | The Holocaust | 3 |
The Requirements for Teacher Certification
To meet the Virginia Department of Education's standards for licensure in foreign language, German-education students must complete the German Language track and the following courses and experiences at they complete the major.
- LANG 349
- a semester at an institution of higher learning in a German-speaking country or a J-term travel course offered by the German program.
- Must complete ENGL 185.
- Must complete the Education minor.
- EDUC 426 will substitute for GERM 495 as long as one of the placements is in a German language classroom.