German Major

Many Americans have cultural ties to the German-speaking peoples of Central Europe, and recent history calls for a deeper understanding of the unique cultural and political significance of these countries. Commercial ties and cooperation in research with the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as Switzerland and Austria, underscore the usefulness of German as a career asset.
 

German Courses

 
Major Academic Plan
 
The German major requires 30 semester hours in German (GER) courses beyond GER 102 – Introduction to German. These 30 hours must include:
 
GER 290 – Preparation for Study Abroad
GER 335 – German Literature for Children and Young People (for Education majors only)
GER 489 – German Portfolio
GER 490 – German Capstone Course
Two German literature courses taken in Heidelberg, Germany
Two semesters at the American Junior Year at Heidelberg, Germany

Allied Courses

 
German majors must also take one of the following courses:
 
ANT 200 – Cultural Anthropology
ENG 102 – Literary Genres
HIS 106 – World Civilization (1648 to the present)
NDI 301 – Literature and Fine Arts (prehistoric period – Renaissance)
NDI 302 – Literature and Fine Arts (Baroque – twentieth century)
POL 263 – European Politics
or any course in another (non-German) language

Special Notes:

• All students must complete the requirements outlined for their major(s) and/or minor(s) in the undergraduate Heidelberg Catalog. In addition, they must complete the General Education requirements for their selected degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) as described in the catalog. Each degree requires students to take courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, cultures and mathematics. These courses are designed to provide a broad liberal arts background and skills specific to the particular degree program.
• The German minor is not available to German majors.
• Students with previous training in German who wish to continue the language at Heidelberg should take the German Placement test. The results of the test and consideration of the students’ previous German training will form the basis for placement at the appropriate level.
• Students who have completed three or more years of German in high school may apply for credit by examination for courses beyond GER 101 and 102 – Introduction to German. Students must make arrangements with the department faculty, complete the appropriate form in the Registrar’s Office and pay the prescribed fee at the Business Office. The results of the test should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office within the first four weeks of the semester in which the student is taking the next higher level German course. Therefore, the application procedure should be completed as early as possible.