Nine courses, one of which must be GRMN 0900. GRMN 0100-0450 may not be counted. At least six of the nine courses shall be at the 1000-level (or higher), and it is recommended that these courses be taken in the Department of German Studies. The requirement of language proficiency may be satisfied in one of two ways: (a) passing two 1000-level courses German studies courses conducted in German in which written work is also done in German, or (b) by completing an ACTFL oral proficiency examination at the A level. The selection of individual courses is to be done in consultation with the concentration advisor and shall form a focus within the field of German studies. The focus may be either literary or interdisciplinary, but it shall be specified in some detail and with a rationale at the time of declaration.
The senior colloquium is an integral part of the concentration program and serves an important function in bringing coherence to the student's program. It consists of an oral presentation before the Department of German Studies near the end of the senior year on a topic worked out in consultation with a faculty member. This topic should be chosen during the junior year, but at the latest at the beginning of the senior year, and it should serve to integrate work done in two or more courses and to give coherence to the entire concentration program. In 2008 students may opt to enroll in the senior seminar instead of presenting a colloquium. Thereafter, the senior seminar replaces this requirement.
Senior Seminar
The topic of this seminar changes yearly. It is designed to promote interdisciplinary work in the humanities using the cultural tradition of German-speaking countries. In German.
Candidacy for honors in German studies assumes a better than average academic record, particularly in the major field. Requirements are the same as those for the standard concentration with the addition of one 1000-level course from the German studies offerings and presentation of an acceptable honors thesis. The additional course may be used for preparation of the honors thesis.
Page last updated in February, 2008.