Program Overview

Introduction to the German — Elementary, BAE Program

The German — Elementary, BAE program at Western Washington University is designed to provide students with the skills needed to learn about a culture in depth. The department trains students in two areas: language structure and literary analysis. Language structure is taught both holistically and analytically, with a focus on modern methods, multimedia technology, and study abroad opportunities. Literary analysis is essential to a student's understanding of the highest achievements in aesthetic expression of a culture's values.

Why Consider a German-Elementary Major?

The department provides students with the skills to learn firsthand about major world societies. The languages offered in the department are spoken natively by nearly two billion people. The multifaceted programs of the department provide an opening to the world through language, literature, culture, and civilization. This major satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in elementary education.

Program Requirements

The program requires 50 credits, including:

• 30 credits from:
  • GERM 201 - Intermediate German: Language, Communication & Culture (5 credits)
  • GERM 202 - Intermediate German: Language, Communication & Culture (5 credits)
  • GERM 203 - Intermediate German: Language, Communication & Culture (5 credits)
  • GERM 301 - High Intermediate German: Contexts & Culture (5 credits)
  • GERM 302 - Advanced German: Contexts & Cultures I (5 credits)
  • GERM 401 - Advanced German: Contexts & Cultures II (5 credits) (must be taken on campus)
• Electives (20 credits) from:
  • 2 courses (10 credits) from GERM 300-level
  • 2 courses (10 credits) from GERM 400-level, excluding GERM 425
  • Note: A maximum of 20 GERM elective credits may be earned through foreign study course work in language, culture, or literature.

Elementary Education Professional Program Requirements

The Elementary Education Professional Program requires 105 credits, including:

Professional Studies Core (22 credits)

• ELED 305 - Development and Learning in a Diverse Classroom (5 credits)
• ELED 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity (5 credits)
• ELED 311 - Understanding Washington State Tribal History, Culture, and Government: Since Time Immemorial Curriculum (1 credit)
• ELED 460 - Children’s Literature in the Classroom (5 credits)
• IT 344 - Foundations of Technology in Teaching and Learning (1 credit)
• MLE 441 - Language, Culture, and Equity: From Global to Local (5 credits)

Elementary Program Methods and Curriculum Content (32 credits)

• One course from:
  • ART 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators (3 credits)
  • DNC 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators (3 credits)
  • MUS 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators (3 credits)
  • THTR 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators (3 credits)
• HLED 455 - Health Education Grades K-8 (2 credits)
• IT 442 - Digital Decisions: Technology for Educators (3 credits)
• MATH 381 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics I (4 credits)
• MATH 382 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics II (4 credits)
• MATH 383 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics III (4 credits)
• PE 345 - Physical Education for Elementary School (3 credits)
• SCED 480 - Science Methods and Curriculum for the Elementary School (5 credits)
• SPED 364 - Teaching Each Student (4 credits)

Preparatory Field Experiences (13 credits)

• ELED 480 - Literacy: Beginning Communicators (5 credits)
• ELED 481 - Literacy: Fluent Communicators (5 credits)
• SCED 490 - Laboratory/Field Experience in Elementary Science (3 credits)

Professional Field Experiences & Methods Courses (38 credits)

• ELED 412 - Seminar on Racial Justice Praxis (5 credits)
• ELED 427 - Elementary Social Studies Through Counternarratives (5 credits)
• ELED 471 - Documenting Teaching (4 credits)
• ELED 494 - Internship - Elementary (2-16 credits) (must complete 22 credits toward the major)
• MATH 491 - Internship Seminar - Teaching K-8 Mathematics (2 credits)

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Conclusion

The German — Elementary, BAE program at Western Washington University provides students with a comprehensive education in language, literature, culture, and civilization. The program satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in elementary education. With a focus on language structure, literary analysis, and cultural understanding, this program prepares students for a career in teaching and beyond.