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Major in German Studies (formerly Major A)

A major in German Studies focuses on understanding and interpreting texts, cultural artifacts, material mediums, and mediums of communication in their historical and intellectual contexts. This major is ideal for students whose priority it is to deepen their competencies in the German language while also expanding their knowledge of Germanophone cultures and societies. Students design their major plan in consultation with a faculty advisor/ the Chair prior to declaring it on DartWorks.

For Class of 2029 and subsequent. (Classes senior to the Class of 2029 may opt in):

The major consists of a minimum of ten courses. These include two prerequisites and eight required courses.

Prerequisites:

  • Two courses at the intermediate level (GERM 6, GERM 10.00, GERM 10.01, GERM 10.03, GERM 10.06, or permission of the Chair). 

Please note:

  • Students completing the summer Language Study Abroad (LSA) receive credit for GERM 6;
  • Students completing the summer Language Study Abroad+ (LSA+) receive credit for GERM 6 and GERM 10.00;
  • GERM 5 may never count toward the major.

Required courses:

  • Eight German Studies courses numbered 13 or above, in addition to the prerequisites. A third German 10-level course may replace one of these courses. 

Please note:

  • All three courses in the Foreign Study Program (FSP) receive major credit (GERM 29, GERM 30, and GERM 31);
  • GERM 13-16 and 42-47 are taught in English. No more than two may count toward this major. With permission of the Chair, you may replace one such course in the German Studies department with an appropriate course in another department. At least one-third of the work in the substituted course should be on topics related to German Studies;
  • A GERM 65 course must be completed as the culminating experience in the winter of the senior year. German 65 may also be taken prior to the senior year, with a different number in the decimal, but that iteration will not count as the culminating experience.

For Classes senior to the Class of 2029

Prerequisites:

Two courses at the intermediate level (German 10.00, German 10.01, German 10.03, German 10.06, or permission of the Chair.)

Required courses:

  • Eight courses numbered above 13
  • All three courses in the Foreign Study Program in Berlin receive major credit (German 29, 30, and 31)
  • German 42-47 (in translation) require additional work in German. Normally only one may count toward the major.

With permission of the chair, you may substitute one appropriate course in another department.