The Specifics

Major in German

In order to major in German, you must take 27 hours in German above GERM 102. These courses include GERM 201-202 and 301-302, 321, and 322. German courses that you take in a study abroad program may be substituted for some of the above courses, but is subject to approval by the department. You may take up to nine hours as a directed study or special project. Also, if you're considering majoring in German, you should take GERM 201 and 202 no later than your sophomore year.

 

Study Abroad

To truly become immersed in German culture, it is recommended that you spend one semester or your junior year at the Karlsruhe University of Education in Germany or in Germany and Austria. This is in association with Central College in Iowa.

In order to participate in the Study Abroad program, you must have taken two years of college German and have maintained a "B" average.

 

General Education Requirements

Of course, you'll have to fulfill certain general education course requirements in order to obtain the Bachelor of Arts in German from PC. If you choose to major in German, please work closely with your academic advisor to make sure you select the proper general education and other courses.

 

Minor in German

In order to minor in German, you must take 18 hours in German above GERM 102.

Course Descriptions

German (GERM)

101-102. Introductory German (4 each sem)
A basic course designed to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills and an awareness of German culture.

201-202. Intermediate German (3 each sem)
(Prereq: GERM 102 or placement test) A continuation of GERM 101-102 with increased emphasis on German civilization, aural comprehension, and conversation.

258. Special Topics (1-6). See page 29.

301-302. Advanced German Composition and Conversation (3 each sem)
(Prereq: GERM 202 or placement exam) An advanced course designed to develop skills in oral and written communication in German. Discussions, oral presentations, and essays based on contemporary texts and tapes.

321. Survey of German Literature I (3)
(Prereq: GERM 302 or consent of the instructor) A study of representative German dramas and novellas of the 18th and 19th centuries. (Every three years)

322. Survey of German Literature II (3)
(Prereq: GERM 302 or consent of instructor) A study of representative German prose works of the 20th century. (Every three years)

343. German Apprenticeship (3)
(Prereq: GERM 302 and consent of the department) Students observe beginning language classes and eventually teach segments of the course and prepare audio-visual materials and tests under the close supervision of the first-year teacher.

398. Honors Research (3-6). See page 25.

405. German on the Internet (3)
(Prereq: GERM 302 or consent of instructor) This course will explore and contrast various German-language media, both popular and legitimate, and develop critical insight into their treatment of topics such as politics, business, sports, popular culture, and general culture. ((Every three years)

410. German Civilization (3)
(Prereq: GERM 302 or consent of instructor) A study of German civilization including geography, history, social structure, and cultural life. ( (Every three years)

420. German Film and Society (3)
(Prereq: GERM 302 or consent of instructor) This course will study a representative selection of German-language films from the early 20th century up to recent works. They will be discussed in connection with the contemporary social and political developments in the German-speaking countries. (Every three years)

440. German Literature Capstone (3)
(Prereq: GERM 302 or consent of instructor) This course will study several major German-language literary works from different historical periods, focusing on the development of language, form, and themes in the historical context. (Every three years)

442. Directed Studies in German (3-9). See page 28.
(Prereq: GERM 302) Open to students planning to major in German who will complete their major with a junior year abroad or for students taking German as the second foreign language for a modern foreign languages major.

444. Internships. See page 28.

446. Readings. See page 28.

448. Research. See page 28.

450. Seminar. See page 29.

452. Special Projects. See page 29.

458. Special Topics in German (1-6).
See page 29.
(Prereq: GERM 302) Directed independent study on a topic approved by the department.

Visit campus

Call our office at 1-800-960-7583. An admissions counselor will be glad to help you arrange a visit and meet with faculty, sit in on a class, or stay overnight in a dorm.
Email or call for more information - we look forward to hearing from you!