Program Overview

German Undergraduate Major (BA, HBA)

The German Undergraduate Major (BA, HBA) is designed to develop individualized German language proficiency and intercultural competence via intensive content-based language learning, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Overview

This program focuses on the development of German language skills, including listening, reading, spoken interaction, written and online interaction, and spoken production. Students will learn to understand extended speech and lectures, read articles and reports, interact with native speakers, and present clear descriptions on a wide range of subjects.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar
• Understand most TV news and current affairs programs
• Understand the majority of films in high German
• Read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular stances or viewpoints
• Understand contemporary literary prose
• Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with other German speakers of the C2 level quite possible
• Take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining their views
• Interact with several people, linking one's interaction to theirs, and handle misunderstandings or disagreements, provided the others avoid complex language, allow time, and are generally cooperative
• Highlight the significance of facts, events, and experiences, justify ideas, and support collaboration
• Present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to their field of interest
• Explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options
• Write clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects related to their interests
• Write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view

Requirements

The program requires the completion of the following courses:

• LING 201: Introduction to Language, Linguistics, and Power (4 credits)
• GER 311: Third-Year German (4 credits)
• GER 312: Third-Year German (4 credits)
• GER 313: Third-Year German (4 credits)
• GER 411: Fourth-Year German (4 credits)
• GER 412: Fourth-Year German (4 credits)
• GER 413: Fourth-Year German (4 credits)
• Electives: 9 credits of upper-division courses with a GER designator
• Additional Requirements: Bacc Core, CLA Core, and Electives (143 credits)
• Total Credits: 180

Sample Plan

A sample plan of study is provided to help students complete their degree in four years. The plan includes the following courses:

First Year

• Fall: GER 111 (4 credits), WR 121 (4 credits), Bacc Core (1 credit), CLA Core (3 credits), Math (3 credits)
• Winter: GER 112 (4 credits), COMM 111 (3 credits), HHS 231 (2 credits), Bacc Core (3 credits), CLA Core (3 credits)
• Spring: GER 113 (4 credits), LING 201 (4 credits), Bacc Core (3 credits), CLA Core (3 credits)

Second Year

• Fall: GER 211 (4 credits), CLA Core (3 credits), Bacc Core (3 credits), Electives (4 credits)
• Winter: GER 212 (4 credits), Bacc Core (3 credits), Electives (8 credits)
• Spring: GER 213 (4 credits), Bacc Core (4 credits), CLA Core (3 credits), Electives (4 credits)

Third Year

• Fall: GER 311 (4 credits), Bacc Core (4 credits), Electives (8 credits)
• Winter: GER 312 (4 credits), Bacc Core (4 credits), Electives (8 credits)
• Spring: GER 313 (4 credits), Upper-Division GER Elective (3 credits), Bacc Core (4 credits), Electives (4 credits)

Fourth Year

• Fall: GER 411 (4 credits), Upper-Division GER Elective (3 credits), Bacc Core (4 credits), Electives (4 credits)
• Winter: GER 412 (4 credits), Upper-Division GER Elective (3 credits), Bacc Core (4 credits), Electives (4 credits)
• Spring: GER 413 (4 credits), Upper-Division GER Elective (3 credits), Bacc Core (4 credits), Electives (4 credits)