German Studies Major
Department of World Languages and Cultures
Division of Humanities and Fine Arts
German Studies Major Requirements
The German Studies major requires at least eight courses (32 credits) at the 200, 300 and 400 levels and completion of the Senior Capstone Experience.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 12 | |
| Advanced German Proficiency I and Advanced German Proficiency II (or equivalent taken abroad) | ||
| German Civilization | ||
or GRS 305 | Introduction to German Literature | |
| Electives 1 | 20 | |
GRS 300-, 400- level | ||
GRS 300-, 400- level | ||
GRS 300-, 400- level | ||
GRS 300-, 400- level | ||
GRS 400 level (must be taken senior year) | ||
| Study Abroad Portfolio, if studying abroad GRS 375 | 0-2 | |
| Senior Capstone Experience (GRS SCE) | 2-4 | |
| Total Credits | 34-38 | |
- 1
For students beginning GRS at either the 100 or 200 level, 200 level courses may count toward the major. Additional courses for German Studies: After consultation with the faculty in the German program, students may take one course from outside the German Program for credit toward the major or minor, if these courses contain substantial work done in German under the supervision of the faculty. The following courses are recommended. This list is not exclusive. HIS 360 Modern Germany. MUS 204: History of Western Music: Classical to Romantic. POL 344: Comparative Government: Western Europe.
NOTES:
As a general rule, at least four of the major courses must be taken at Washington College, unless otherwise agreed upon by the faculty advisor.
The World Languages & Cultures Department encourages students to enrich their knowledge of the foreign culture they are studying by taking related courses from other departments and in some cases, these courses may be counted toward the major.
The Department further strongly encourages students to complete a study abroad semester or year (or a summer program, if pre-approved by the Department) in German. In some cases, study abroad may be necessary in order to complete all the coursework. As part of their study abroad experience, students complete a study abroad portfolio (GRS 375 Study Abroad Portfolio). Students should consult with both the Global Education Office (GEO), which administers study abroad programs, and the German faculty when planning a study abroad experience to ensure the chosen program meets major and other requirements.
To improve fluency, enrich course work, and further the interest in customs and cultures, language students are encouraged to speak the foreign language on a daily basis with native German assistants. The language assistants are also available to students at informal meetings of the German Club throughout the year. All students are invited to participate in the cultural activities sponsored by the language clubs, Honor Societies, and the department.
Teacher Training
Students planning to earn certification for secondary school teaching in a foreign language should consult with the World Languages and Cultures Department Chair and the Education Chair during the first year, no later than their sophomore year.