German Studies majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you in these courses.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Why am I taking these classes? Honors students take equivalent honors courses.
Major and Elective Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses.
- A course in German (GER), based on the placement exam (see below)
- A liberal arts foundations course; a course toward a minor, certificate, or other focus area; or a free elective
- A liberal arts foundations course; a course toward a minor, certificate, or other focus area; or a free elective
About Your First Semester Courses
If you are interested in the German Studies major, the first step is to take the language proficiency exam so that you can be placed in the language or culture course that best meets your current proficiency level. Once you have taken the test, you will receive an email notifying you about the language/culture course you should take.
The German course that you will take in your first semester depends on your proficiency level. If you place at the 103 or 104 (intermediate) level, you should enroll in that course and also in a German literature and culture course taught in English. If you place at the 203 or 204 (advanced) level, you will begin your coursework in one of these courses. If you place above GER 204, you can enroll in literature and culture courses taught in German, such as GER 300 or 301. Your advisor will help you determine which literature and culture courses are right for you.
For your fourth and fifth courses, you can choose what you like. You can take a liberal arts elective or a free elective course in a subject of your interest. Or, you may wish to begin study in a secondary subject area, perhaps for a minor or certificate. You might be interested in the Certificate in European Studies, or in minors such as Art, Drama, History, International Business, Media and Communication Studies, Philosophy, or Politics.
To learn more about the German Studies major, consult the Modern Languages Department’s website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.