The objective of the German Studies Program is twofold: to enable students to reach a high level of competence in the German language and to emphasize in-depth study of aspects of German culture (literature, history, philosophy, art history, cinema, political science and forth). The program enables students to select one of these areas of specialization: history, cultural studies, German literature, German language and linguistics, philosophy, critical studies, and art history. Moreover, any individual student can design his or her own area of specialization (i.e., music, sociology, human rights) pending approval by German Studies faculty.

For students with no knowledge of the German language, an immersion program (a one semester, 16 credit course on campus, followed by a month of immersion in Germany) is offered every other Spring.

Moderation and Graduation Requirements

• Student has to be at the third year level of proficiency or able to display mastery of the German language in upper level seminars.
• Over the four years students must take 14 courses (56 credits) accredited by the German Studies Program. These 56 credits include the 8 Senior Project Credits.
• At least six of the fourteen courses must be conducted entirely in German. Before moderation students must have taken at least five courses accredited by the German Studies Program.
• Two of the required courses will be chosen from the German history offerings.
• To moderate, student must have:
  • 2 year proficiency in German (students are urged to participate in the German Immersion Program)
  • 1 Course in german literature (or "culture course" with emphasis on lit), taught in English or German (preferably a survey course)
  • One course in a related field (preferably German or European History)
  • at moderation student deomonstrates progress in primary discipline and is actively pursuing inquiry into aspects of German Studies
• After moderation, student is expected to take:
  • at least one upper college lit/culture course per semester in ascending sequence
  • Strongly recommended: Junior Year Abroad at Humboldt University, Berlin
  • two semesters of senior projects