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Concentration in German Studies

The Concentration in German Studies offers students an interdisciplinary approach to German culture in a wide variety of areas. Along with courses from the German Studies core program, students have the opportunity to take courses from other departments and programs that deal with topics from the German cultural tradition (including History, History of Art and Architecture, Judaic Studies, Modern Culture and Media, Music, Philosophy, Political Science). Many students elect to complete a double concentration, combining German Studies with one of the above areas, or with fields such as International Relations or Economics, Comparative Literature or History of Art and Architecture. For the special joint concentration in Modern Culture and Media Studies, see below.

Concentrators are expected to develop a course of study that will meet their particular needs and interests. In order to do this, students select an area of focus for their concentration, in consultation with the concentration advisor and other appropriate faculty. They should select at least three advanced courses in this area.

A knowledge of the German language is not required for declaring a concentration in German Studies. However, since language fluency is the basis for sophisticated understanding of German culture, students must meet a language requirement by the time they graduate. This requirement may be satisfied by completing writing assignments in German for two 1000-level courses with the grade of B or better.

CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS

  • 9 courses beyond GRMN 0400 or 0450
  • At least 6 of the 9 courses must be at the l000-level (or higher)
  • 2 of the 1000-level courses must involve writing assignments in German, and students must obtain at least a grade of B in these courses
  • At least 5 must be taken in the Department of German Studies (or 4 if a student spends a whole year in Germany on Study Abroad).
  • If a student studies abroad for one semester, as many as 4 courses from study abroad may count toward the concentration.
  • If a student studies abroad for two semesters, as many as 5 courses from study abroad may count toward the concentration.
  • Completion of Senior Seminar during the senior year as part of these five courses within the Dept. of German Studies.