Major
Students in German can choose from two distinct pathways for majors, the B.A. in German with a strong emphasis on high language and cultural competency in German and the B.A. in German with Emphasis in German Studies with a broad interdisciplinary focus and the opportunity to explore connections between German Studies and neighboring fields.
Outcome 1. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in German, including reading and listening comprehension, speaking, and writing at the B2-C1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR scale).
Outcome 2. Identify and discuss milestones of intellectual, social, and cultural innovation and explain their significance for contemporary German culture or society.
Outcome 3. Analyze and interpret creative achievements, including literature, film, and visual art and situate works in their historical, sociopolitical, and transcultural context.
Outcome 4. Analyze and interpret key cultural issues (e.g., of ethnic, social, and gender diversity) in German-speaking regions in their historical, sociopolitical, and transcultural context.
Outcome 5. Carry out interdisciplinary analysis of German source materials and synthesize, organize, and present research findings in German.
B.A. in German
The general German Major provides in-depth study of German through a variety of upper-division German courses. Students become proficient in the German language while taking specialized courses in language for specific purposes, linguistics, literature, film, civilization and other topics of culture of regions where German is spoken. With possible additional coursework and success on a proficiency exam, this major is also excellent preparation for those interested in entering a teaching credential program.
Preparation for the German major
German 100A, 100B, 202, 205A and 205B (21 units)
Requirements for the BA in German
A minimum of 27 upper division units to include German 300, 301, 304, 400, 430 and 12 additional units in upper division German (no more than one course taught in English may apply). Also required for this major: a minor (or double major) in another field; and international experience: completion of an approved study abroad program in a German-speaking country consisting of at least six units/90 hours or of an approved internship (see adviser for more information). If study abroad would create a barrier preventing you from completing this BA degree, please contact the Program Adviser to discuss possible alternatives.
B.A. in German with Emphasis in German Studies
The German Major with an emphasis in German Studies offers extensive preparation in the German language while providing students (through courses taken both in the German curriculum and in other programs) with a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of the history, cultures and societies of Germany and German-speaking central Europe.
Preparation for the major with Emphasis in German Studies
German 100A, 100B, 150, 202, 205A and 205B (24 units)
Requirements for the BA in German with Emphasis in German Studies
A minimum of 30 upper division units to include German 300, 301, and 410 or 411; six units of electives in German; 12 units (no more than six units in any one department) selected from: Art 558, Economics 330, European Studies 527, Geography 336, History 440, 517, Humanities 320, 404, Philosophy 414, Political Science 356; and 3 units of electives selected with approval of department adviser. International experience (study or an internship abroad) is NOT required for this major, but is highly recommended.
High School Equivalents
High school foreign language courses may be used for purposes of placement in college courses and may be counted toward meeting the language requirement in various majors. These high school courses will not count as college credit toward graduation. Secondary school language courses can be used as follows:
- The first two years of high school level language count as the equivalent of the first semester of a college level course.
- The first three years of high school level language count as the equivalent of the first two college semesters.
- Four years of high school level language count as the equivalent of three college semesters or five college quarters, thus fulfilling the language requirement.