German Studies, B.A.
German Studies, B.A.
The German Studies major provides students with the opportunity to become proficient in the German language while also becoming knowledgeable about social, historical, and political factors that shape and define German-speaking cultures. The German studies major in particular is interdisciplinary, and it creates connections among a number of disciplines which are cornerstones of the liberal arts tradition. The combination of these courses under a cohesive curriculum allows students to gain proficiency in the German language while also learning to think and reason across disciplinary boundaries. Additionally, the current trend toward globalization means that students must become not only informed citizens and leaders within their own community and country but also in the world at large. By becoming knowledgeable in global political and social processes through German, students will learn to understand complex international relationships and gain an appreciation for different cultures. The German studies major supports students in their developing roles as leaders in their community and the world.
Students pursuing the German track must complete 27 upper-division credit hours of German courses. All students pursuing the German studies track must complete 18 upper-division credit hours of German courses and 9 upper-division credit hours from at least two of the following disciplines: philosophy, history, political science, fine arts, and theology. Students pursuing a German major (either track) are also required to spend at least six weeks studying German in a German-speaking country. Should a student be unable to study abroad, the department chair, in consultation with the German faculty, may approve a substitute language immersion experience such as a local internship. Options for study abroad include the University’s year-long program in Salzburg, Austria; German-immersion courses in Salzburg during a summer session; and IES German-immersion programs in Freiburg, Vienna, and Berlin.
Both tracks of the German Studies major require at least six weeks of study abroad in a German-speaking country or participation in the University's programs in Salzburg.
Students graduating from the University of Portland with a B.A. in German or German studies are required to take the computerized STAMP 4S language proficiency assessment for graduation. Majors will be contacted to take the exam during the spring semester in two separate sessions. The testing of the students’ four language skills will give the students national certification of their actual skill levels; such certification should provide students and employers with an accurate comparative indicator of a student’s competency in the language. See statement on learning outcomes for language majors for further details on the Avant STAMP 4S.
University Requirements - 39 hours
See Core Curriculum
College Requirements - 21-33
See College Requirements BASee statement on learning outcomes for language majors for further details on OPIc.
Degree Requirements
Major Requirements — 27 hours (including 6 hours study abroad)
German Track
27 upper-division credits in German (GRM 301 and above). Students are required to take at least 6 of the 27 upper-division German credit hours at the 400-level, excluding 497.
German Studies Track
18 upper-division credits in German (GRM 301 and above). Students are required to take at least 6 of the 18 upper-division German credit hours at the 400-level, excluding 497. Students must also take three courses (9 credits) outside the German program from at least two different disciplines, chosen from the following list:
| FA 304 | Development of the Fine Arts In Europe | 3 |
| HST 335 | Europe in the Age of Religious Wars | 3 |
| HST 342 | Europe in the Age of Nationalism | 3 |
| HST 343 | Europe in the Age of Dictatorship | 3 |
| HST 346 | Modern Germany | 3 |
| HST 358 | Disease and Medicine in World History | 3 |
| HST 370 | Early Modern Europe | 3 |
| POL 372 | Politics of the EU and Modern Europe | 3 |
| THE 433/THE 333 | Theological Implications of the Holocaust | 3 |
FA 304: Salzburg only
GEO 373: Salzburg only
HST 358: Salzburg only
THE 333: Salzburg only
Students may also take courses containing significant content relating to German- speaking countries offered on a one-time basis or subsequently added to permanent course offerings. Students must seek the approval of the German studies advisor before counting such courses toward the German studies major.
General Electives — 21-33 hours