German Studies

German Studies
BA
Hours32 - 48 Credit Hours
MAPMajor Academic Plan

Program Requirements

Students must complete the requirements for a primary major in another field.
All students will purchase a portfolio packet when they enroll in their first class in the German section. This portfolio will travel with the students as they progress from course to course through the degree program. It will serve as a checklist to guide them through their course of study, will record their language proficiency, and will also be a repository for all papers and creative work produced by the student in the department. The completed portfolio will be reviewed in Germ 400R in conjunction with the senior proficiency exam.
Complete the following prerequisite courses: Germ 101, 102, 201, 202. May be waived for students having comparable German training or experience including Germ 330. Consult department for information about placement examinations.
requirement 1 Complete 3.0 hours from the following course(s)
Complete 3 hours of one of the following or equivalent residency (mission, Study Abroad, internship, German language residence):
requirement 4 Complete 9.0 hours from the following option(s)
Complete nine (9) additional hours from courses numbered Germ 215 or higher.
option 4.1 Complete 3.0 hours from the following course(s)
At least three (3) of these elective hours must be courses from the following:
option 4.2 Complete 6.0 hours from the following course(s)
requirement 5 Complete 1 option
Final German proficiency examination:
Complete the following during one of the last two semesters before graduation (not offered spring or summer). Classes must be taken concurrently:
Note: A capstone paper will be required.
Program Outcomes

1. German Language Proficiency

At the end of each of these courses, students will demonstrate German language proficiency according to the 2012 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines as follows:101: Novice High; 102 Intermediate Low (Some higher)

201: Intermediate Low/ Intermediate Mid; 202: Intermediate Mid (Some higher)

301: Intermediate High; 302 Intermediate High/Advanced Low; 303: Advanced Low (Some higher)

330: Students will demonstrate ability to complete written assignments in German

2. Written Assignments and Research Papers

In written assignments, students will analyze and engage with concepts or German-language artifacts in a coherent, thoughtful manner appropriate to their course level. In research papers and capstone papers, students will demonstrate their abilities to

1) find problems and questions in the artifacts that they are discussing

2) compose thesis statements that make defensible claims that address the problems and questions in the artifact;

3) Compose a well-ordered argument that logically develops the ideas in the thesis statement;

4) Introduce specific supporting evidence through well-integrated quotes in carefully-crafted paragraphs.

3. Entering the Critical Discourse

When confronted with new concepts and/or artifacts, students will demonstrate a level-appropriate capacity to do the following:

1) Test and question the soundness of ideas;

2) Apply difficult theoretical concepts in their analysis;

3) Recognize ethical problems and global implications;

4) explore the multivalent nature of the object of their analysis

5) engage in ongoing critical discussions and negotiate between a plurality of viewpoints.

4. Cultural Literacy

Students will be able to engage with and cogently discuss a variety of culturally significant German-language literary, historical, artistic, filmic and musical texts and artifacts from all major periods. They will be able to analyze and discuss these works in their various social, cultural, historical and religious/ethical contexts.

5. Self Reflection

Students will be able to reflect upon their own learning, language skills, writing, critical skills, etc. Students will be able to formulate for themselves the value of the time and effort that they have spent studing the German language and culture. Students will also be able to explain the experiences from their major in a way that will be recognized and understood by future employers and other members of the non-academic community.