Unique Options for German Majors & Minors
Do an internship in Dresden, Germany
Study music in Vienna, Austria
Feedback
Study Abroad welcomes your feedback. If you have concerns or are looking for more information on a topic, please contact the office.
Study Abroad
The German Language and Literature Program encourages students to study abroad in a German-speaking country for a few weeks during the summer after your first year, and then for one or two semesters as a junior. This experience will help you practice and strengthen your proficiency, and develop cultural awareness.
Guidelines
Students may count three courses per semester of study abroad up to a maximum of four courses towards the major and up to a maximum of two courses for the minor.
Brandeis courses are defined in terms of credit hours (duration). For example, full-credit fall and spring courses usually meet for at least 39 hours. However, courses and credits may be structured differently at other universities and/or programs in other countries.
The Office of Study Abroad and the Office of the Registrar decide whether a course may be counted as Brandeis credit, and how much credit a course might receive. If you have questions about course credit, please contact the Office of Study Abroad.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the German study abroad liaison receives copies of all official paperwork regarding your study abroad. To ensure this, you will need to contact the Office of Study Abroad. Please keep all materials (syllabi, handouts, exercises, quizzes, exams, papers) from each course for which you hope to receive credit in case questions arise.
Choosing Courses
The German major and minor cover the broad spectrum of German language, literature, history, art, politics, philosophy and culture. Any course taken abroad that focuses on German language, literature, history, or culture will count toward the major or minor. Such courses can be conducted in either English or German.
Provided you have not previously enrolled in a similar Brandeis course, the following courses would fulfill the department's criteria for Brandeis credit:
- German Literature and Cinema
- Theodor Fontane
- Post-war debates about the German 'Sonderweg'
- Secession and the Berlin Art Scene at the Turn of the Century
- Economics
- Biochemistry
- Arabic Literature
There are exceptions to these guidelines. It is important to discuss your courses with the German study abroad liaison.
Of course, the most important thing is that you enjoy your time abroad. Viel Spaß!
Approved Programs with German Course Work
View a list of approved programs in German-speaking countries.
Study Abroad Liaison
Each academic department and program has a study abroad liaison who can answer questions about receiving major/minor credit and help you make choices about your study abroad program. You should speak with this faculty member before you go abroad, and again once you have returned.
The liaison for German is Professor Steve Dowden.
Requesting Credit in German
Students wishing to receive credit in German for non-Brandeis courses during the academic year should download the Petition for Major/Minor Transfer Credit (TC03). After filling out the form and gathering the necessary paperwork, please make an appointment to meet with the study abroad liaison listed above.
Funding
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) gives out a number of grants for students interested in studying in Germany.
The Center for German and European Studies (CGES) at Brandeis also provides funding for travel, study and research in Germany.
The Office of Study Abroad also has information on both Brandeis-based and national scholarships for study in German-speaking countries.