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. Significant commercial ties and cooperation in research, especially with the Federal Republic of Germany, but also with Switzerland and Austria, underscore the usefulness of German as a vocational asset. Students majoring in German reap these rewards; and they gain access to the wealth of German civilization.
The University’s chapter of Delta Phi Alpha, the national German honorary society, is open to outstanding students who are invited to membership.
Sponsored by Heidelberg University, the American Junior Year/Semester at Heidelberg University provides an opportunity for students to study at one of Europe’s most illustrious centers of learning. A six-week summer session in May and June offers students the opportunity to earn 6-8 semester hours of credit on the intermediate and advanced levels. See the website for more information: http://www.heidelberg.edu/ajy.
Required Courses: 30 hours in German beyond the introductory level (101-102), including the following: GER 290, 489 (Junior level discipline specific communication requirement), 490 (Senior Capstone Experience) and two German literature courses taken in Heidelberg, Germany; two semesters at the American Junior Year at Heidelberg; and one of the following allied courses: ANT 200, ENG 102, HIS 106, NDI 301, NDI 302, POL 263 or any course in another language.
Allied/Prerequisite Course: GER 101-102 or equivalent.
Placement Test: Students with previous training in German who wish to continue the language at Heidelberg University 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.
Credit by Examination: Students who have completed three or more years of German in high school may apply for credit by examination for courses beyond GER 101, 102. 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.