German BA
Exploring the Major— Students interested in German as a major should complete or waive GER 101 and GER 102 during their first year. Those who have had previous experience with German should contact the faculty who teach German for a waiver interview, which will determine their appropriate entry-level course. Also helpful would be participation in German Club activities and early enrollment in GER 140, which is taught in English and may be taken during the same term as introductory and intermediate courses. Students also should begin taking courses in another foreign language during their second year.
Admission to the Major— No additional or special curricular requirements must be met for admission to the German major.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)— Whether starting with GER 101 or at a higher level, prospective German majors should begin taking GER courses as soon as possible. Students interested in a major in German should complete or waive GER 101 and GER 102 during their first year.
Unless waived, all introductory and intermediate courses (GER 101, GER 102, GER 103) must be taken in sequence. After completion of GER 103, students may take upper-level courses in any order. Majors usually study abroad during their third year or during the Fall Term of their fourth year.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major— A grade of C or higher in each required German course and in each collateral course is required for continuation in the major. Students must meet all departmental requirements, including a B- average (2.8 GPA) in German, in order to receive financial support from the Department to study abroad. In addition to specified course requirements, each student must satisfy departmental standards for written and oral communication.
Other Considerations or Recommendations— Acceptance into the major neither requires nor guarantees a term abroad. Nevertheless, German majors strongly are encouraged to study abroad during a Fall or Spring term in Germany or Austria in a program approved by the Department, which advises students in selecting the proper program and in applying for scholarships. A significant number of German graduates have experienced the many advantages of combining a major in a language with a variety of other majors. Students considering combining a German major with a major or minor in another subject should plan how they will meet the requirements for the other major or minor while still spending a Fall or Spring term studying abroad.