Germanic Studies

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 B.A. in Germanic Studies enables a student to specialize in the German language through the acquisition of language competence, as well as exposure to the study of cultural, literary and filmic practices.

Major Requirements

  1. Lower-division requirements (24 units)
    1. Sixteen (16) units: GER 001, GER 002, GER 003, GER 004, or equivalents
    2. Eight (8) units: CPLT 001 or CPLT 001W, and 1 lower-division CPLT course
  2. Upper-division requirements (36 units)
    1. Sixteen (16) units from the following: GER 100, GER 101, GER 102, GER 103A, GER 103B, GER 104, GER 108, GER 172/ PHIL 172
    2. Twenty (20) units as follows:
      1. Sixteen (16) upper-division units in German literature and film beyond the language proficiency requirement, chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor.
      2. CPLT 193, Senior Capstone Seminar (CPLT 196 strongly recommended but not required)

Language Placement:

For information about placement exams contact Suzy Sharweed.

Committee in Charge

  • Johannes Endres, PhD. Director, Comparative Literature/German
  • Sue Hertzog, PhD. Comparative Literature/German
  • John M. Kim, Ph.D. Comparative Literature/German
  • Sabine Thuerwaechter, Ph.D. Comparative Literature/German
  • Daryle Williams, Ph.D., Dean, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, ex officio