The Department of Comparative Literature and Languages offers a B.A. major and a minor in Germanic Studies.

Whether one thinks of philosophy, music, art, religion, or political and social history, Germanic culture has exercised a profound and often decisive influence on Europe . To aid students’ appreciation of these achievements, knowledge of German is a valuable asset.

In light of the role that Germany and all other German-speaking countries play within the European Union and worldwide, anyone interested in the study of art, literature, philosophy, history, and the sciences would profit from the Germanic Studies program. Apart from acquiring a reading, speaking, and writing knowledge of the German language, students of this program become familiarized with the great contributions of German poets and thinkers as they manifest themselves in the Germanic literatures and scientific research and are exposed to a wide range of customs in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The Germanic Studies major and minor offer a diverse curriculum ranging from beginning language classes to advanced study of sophisticated literary and cultural topics.

The minor naturally complements liberal arts degrees in many areas, including History, Art History, Philosophy, Music, English, Business, and any area studies involving European aspects.

Minor Requirements

1. Lower-division requirements (16 units) GER 001, GER 002, GER 003, GER 004, or equivalents
2. Upper-division requirements (28 units)
   1. Sixteen (16) units from the following: GER 100, GER 101, GER 102, GER 103A, GER 103B, GER 104, GER 108, GER 172/PHIL172
   2. Twelve (12) upper-division elective units in German literature, film, or courses related to Germanic Studies, with approval of the student’s advisor.

See Minors under the College of Humanities , Arts, and Social Sciences in the Undergraduate Studies section of the catalog for additional information on minors.

Honors Program

Students who wish to undertake a special program of honors study in the upper division should apply at the beginning of the junior year. Acceptance for honors study is based on students’ previous grade records and the recommendations of their instructors. Candidates for honors must demonstrate superior capacity for independent study and during the senior year are required write an individually directed senior thesis.

Language Placement

For information about placement exams contact Suzy Sharweed.

Committee in Charge

• Jeffrey Sacks, Ph.D. Chair, Arabic Literature/Comparative Literature
• Johannes Endres, Ph.D. Director. Germanic Studies/Comparative Literature
• John M. Kim, Ph.D. Comparative Literature
• Sabine Thuerwaechter, Ph.D. Comparative Literature/German
• Heidi Waltz, Ph.D. Linguistics/Germanic Studies
• Daryle Williams, Ph.D., Dean, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, ex officio