About the Program

The department welcomes all students to become concentrators in German language and literature. Work in the classroom and the Language Media Center is supplemented with regular German-speaking events. Concentrators in German literature are strongly encouraged to spend their junior year in Germany or any other German-speaking countries. (For more information see Sabine von Mering, and check with the Study Abroad Office at Study in Germany. Our department also offers a minor in German literature and participates in the program in European Cultural Studies. (The abbreviation GECS denotes German and European Cultural Studies courses.) In the past, majors have greatly benefited from participating in the events of the Center for German and European Studies.

Concentration in German

A. ECS 100a (European Cultural Studies: The Proseminar) to be completed no later than the junior year.

B. Advanced language and literature study: Required are: GER 103a and 104a, plus any six German literature/culture courses above GER 104a, at least two of which must be conducted in German.

C. Concentrators wishing to graduate with departmental honors must enroll in and complete GER 99d (Senior Thesis), a full year course. Before enrolling students should consult with the coordinator. Candidates for departmental honors must have a 3.50 GPA in German courses prior to their senior year. Honors are awarded on the basis of cumulative excellence in all courses taken in the concentration and the grade on the honors thesis. One semester of the Senior Thesis may be counted towards the six required upper-level courses.

A concentrator in German may obtain the Massachusetts teaching certificate at the high school level by additionally completing requirements of the Education Program (q.v.). Interested students should meet with the program director.

Requirements for the Minor in German Literature

GER 103a or 104a is required, plus three German literature/culture courses above GER 104a.

Successful completion of GER 30a, or GER 39a, or a departmental language exemption exam is a prerequisite for the minor.