BA in Germanic Studies
Rationale:
The Department of Germanic Studies proposes to revise its BA with the following goals
in mind:
1. Provide a regularized and more gradually sequenced route toward acquisition of
the 4 fundamental language skills in German – speaking, reading, writing,
understanding (The core language sequence includes one new course and two
revised courses.)
2. Ensure that all graduates have both advanced level of language competence
(beyond the core sequence) and field-appropriate knowledge in the cultures and
literatures of the Germanic-speaking peoples.
The resulting program combines flexibility, breadth, and predictability – predictability in
terms of outcomes; breadth in terms of areas; flexibility in terms of choice at the upper
levels. As the enclosed sample offerings make clear, we offer courses in each of the three
areas in such number and frequency as to allow students to complete the major as
designed in 4 years.
The streamlined approach allows us to identify with greater precision what our students
know and can do at the end of four years; it allows us to offer courses that reflect changes
in the field; it allows us to offer courses that respond to the needs and interests of
particular groups of students as well as faculty research specializations.
The former tracks of the BA in German, called options, are numerous enough to make a
side-by-side chart unworkable, but a copy of the current program is attached. The major
points of distinction among the former and proposed programs include:
•
•
•
•
•
requirement of new course in German grammar at 2xx level focusing on particular
challenges that speakers of English encounter in mastering the notoriously
complex German syntax
standardization of content as vehicle for language acquisition courses at upperlevel
general move toward cultural studies, inclusive of but broader than literature as
narrowly defined. For example:
deletion of Germ 220 (Introduction to German Literature) and addition of Germ
320 (Survey of German Studies), which can both assume increased linguistic rigor
and broaden the scope of inquiry to include cultural products other than literature
inclusion of such upper-level courses as Variation in Contemporary German
(sociolinguistics); Translation; Berlin as Cultural Metropolis; Literature for
Young People.
The accompanying proposed catalogue description details requirements by category; the
accompanying proposed advising sheet gives a list of courses with prerequisites. N.B.
VPAC proposals are under consideration for the addition of Germ 320: Survey of
German Studies, for the changing of the prerequisites of Germ 321 and Germ 322 to
Germ 301 (from Germ 220, now no longer offered), and for the changing of prerequisites
of all 400-level literature courses taught in German from Germ 321 and Germ 322, to
Germ 320 or Germ 321 or Germ 322.
BA in Germanic Studies (36 credits) - Proposed Catalogue Description
The BA in Germanic Studies is centered on the study of the German language and the
literatures and cultures of Germanic peoples. Students who complete the requirements
for the major can expect to be able to speak, read, write, and understand German at a
level that would allow them to communicate with native speakers, to recognize and
interpret the diverse cultural perspectives and products of the German-speaking world,
and to be culturally sensitive members of society.
All prerequisites, in italics, imply “or equivalent knowledge.”
Prerequisite (8 credits):
GERM103 Intensive Elementary German (4 credits)
GERM203 Intensive Intermediate German (4 credits) (GERM103)
Course Requirements (36 credits):
All choices, transfer equivalencies, substitutions to be approved in advance by advisor.
Core Language Sequence: (9 credits)
GERM204 German Grammar Review (GERM203/HS level 4 German)
GERM301 Conversation/Composition I: Germany and its People (GERM204)
GERM302 Conversation/Composition II: Current Topics in German Society (GERM301)
Area Requirements: (27 credits)
Nine courses, to include a minimum of 2 upper-level courses in each of three areas:
language, literature, and culture.
Language Courses (6 credits upper level minimum):
GERM401 Adv Conversation: Germany within Europe (GERM302)
GERM403 Adv Composition: German Culture & Soc Issues (GERM302)
GERM405 Stylistics (GERM302)
GERM315 Practicum in Translation I (GERM204)
GERM316 Practicum in Translation II (GERM315)
GERM411 German for International Business I (GERM302)
GERM412 German for International Business II (GERM411)
GERM319 Selected Topics in Germanic Language Studies (GERM203)
GERM419 Selected Topics in German Language Study (302)
GERM479 Selected Topics in Germanic Philology (perm)
Literature Courses (6 credits upper level minimum):
GERM320 Survey of German Studies (GERM301)(new course)
GERM321 Highlights of German Literature I (GERM301)(new prereq)
GERM322 Highlights of German Literature II (GERM301)(new prereq)
GERM421 Literature of the Middle Ages (one course from the 320 series)(new prereqs)
GERM422 From the Reformation Through the Baroque (one course from the 320 series)
GERM424 Classicism (one course from the 320 series)
GERM431 Romanticism and Biedermeier (one course from the 320 series)
GERM432 From Enlightenment to Storm and Stress (one course from the 320 series)
GERM433 Naturalism and its Countercurrents (one course from the 320 series)
GERM434 Expressionism to 1945 (one course from the 320 series)
GERM435 Expressionism to 1945 (one course from the 320 series)
GERM439 Selected Topics in German Literature (one course from the 320 series)
Culture Courses: (6 credits upper level minimum)
Courses marked with * are taught in English; no prerequisites unless specified
*GERM280 German-American Cultural Contrasts
*GERM281 Women in German Literature & Society
*GERM282 Germanic Mythology
*GERM283 Viking Culture and Civilization
*GERM284 German Chivalric Culture
*GERM285 German Film and Literature
*GERM287 Ancient Celtic Culture and Civilization
GERM289 Selected Topics in the Cultures of the Germanic Speaking Countries
GERM299 Special Topics in Germanic Studies
*GERM368 Scandinavian Civilization
*GERM381 German Civilization I
*GERM382 German Civilization II
*GERM389 Topics in Germanic Culture
GERM399 Selected Topics in Germanic Studies (dept permission)
GERM449 Selected Topics in Germanic Studies (dept permission)
*GERM463 The Icelandic Family Saga
*GERM475 Old Norse
GERM489 Selected Topics in Area Studies (GERM302)
Language of Instruction No more than 9 credits of the 36 total required may be satisfied by courses taught in
English. With the approval of the Germanic Studies advisor, up to 6 credits of these
courses may be taken outside the department.
Study abroad and Internships
Study Abroad is highly recommended. With the approval of the major advisor, courses
taken through Study Abroad may be applied to the total of 36 credits, replacing courses
on list above. Specific credits and equivalencies are determined by advisor on receipt of
transcripts. Students are encouraged to save samples of work completed abroad to
present to advisor upon their return.
Internships (GERM 386) are also encouraged (no more than 3 credits may be applied to
the major). Germ 386 may not replace the required 6 credits of upper-level courses in
any of the three categories.
Highlights:
36 credits beyond GERM 203
9 credits in the core language sequence (GERM204-301-302)
27 credits in area requirements
At least 2 courses each from the upper-level language (such as GERM401, 403,
405, 315, 316, 319 and special topics courses), literature (such as GERM320, 321,
322, 421, 422 and special topics courses), and culture (such as GERM368,
381,382, 383, and special topics courses) areas, for total of 18 credits in upperlevel courses
No more than 9 credits in English toward the 36 total from courses
No more than 6 credits from outside the German department toward the 36 total
Supporting Area
12 credits in a single area other than Germanic Studies, 6 of which must be at the 300 or
400 level, all on approval of the program advisor. Students should discuss their choice of
supporting area with the advisor early on. Courses do not need to be selected from a
single campus unit, but they should complement both one another and the study of
Germanic language, literature, and culture.
Advising
Advising is crucial to the successful completion of the degree. Departmental advising is
mandatory at least once every semester to obtain approval for the program of study and
update departmental files.
Students whose advanced level of German allows them to pass out of any or all of the
core language sequence are placed into appropriate replacement courses in consultation
with the advisor. All students must complete 36 approved credits to earn the BA.
Honors in German
The department offers an Honors Program for majors, affording students individual
contact with a faculty mentor as they work independently to develop and complete a
project that goes beyond the regular undergraduate curriculum. For more information,
contact the Director of the Germanic Studies Honors Program.
Advising Form: Germanic Studies
Major:
_______________________
Name: _______________________
UID: ________________________
Date declared: _________________
___________________
Prerequisites:
Double Major: _______________________
Email: ______________________________
Phone #: ____________________________
Initial meeting with:
Credits
Semester
______
______
_______
_______
(8, or equivalent knowledge)
GERM103 Intensive Elementary German (4)
GERM203 Intensive Intermediate German (4)
Core Language Sequence: (9)
GERM204 German Grammar Review (203)
______
_______
GERM301 Conv/Comp I: Germany and its People (204)
______
_______
GERM302 Conv/Comp II: Current Topics in German Society (301)_____ _______
Additional Language Courses: (6 minimum upper level)
GERM401 Adv Conversation: Germany within Europe (302) ______
GERM403 Adv Composition: German Culture & Soc Issues (302) ______
GERM405 Stylistics (302)
______
_______
_______
_______
GERM315 Practicum in Translation I (204)
GERM316 Practicum in Translation II (315)
______
______
_______
_______
GERM411 German for International Business I (302)
GERM412 German for International Business II (411)
______
______
_______
_______
GERM319 Selected Topics in Germanic Language Studies (Germ203)____________
GERM419 Selected Topics in German Language Study (302) ______
_______
GERM479 Selected Topics in Germanic Philology (perm)
______
_______
Literature Courses: (6 minimum upper level)
*prerequisites listed here assume approval of VPAC proposals to change prereqs
of all upper-level literature courses in Germanic Studies. List assumes approval of new
course in series : Germ320.
GERM320 Survey of German Studies (301)
GERM321 Highlights of German Literature I (301)
GERM322 Highlights of German Literature II (301)
______
______
______
_______
_______
_______
GERM421 Literature of the Middle Ages
(one course from the 320 series)
GERM422 From the Reformation Through the Baroque
(one course from the 320 series)
GERM432 From Enlightenment to Storm and Stress
(one course from the 320 series)
GERM439 Selected Topics in German Literature
(one course from the 320 series)
______
_______
______
_______
______
______
_______
_______
Or other 4xx literature course, on approval of advisor.
Culture Courses: (6 minimum upper level)
Courses marked with * are taught in English; no prerequisites unless specified
______
______
*GERM280 German-American Cultural Contrasts
*GERM281 Women in German Literature & Society
______
_______
*GERM282 Germanic Mythology
______
_______
*GERM283 Viking Culture and Civilization
______
_______
*GERM285 German Film and Literature
______
______
*GERM287 Ancient Celtic Culture and Civilization
______
_______
GERM289 Selected Topics in the Cultures of the Germanic Speaking People______
_______
GERM299 Special Topics in Germanic Studies
______
_______
*GERM368 Scandinavian Civilization
______
_______
*GERM381 German Civilization I
______
_______
*GERM382 German Civilization II
______
_______
*GERM383 Viking Culture and Civilization
______
_______
GERM389 Topics in Germanic Culture (301)
______
_______
GERM399 Selected Topics in Germanic Studies (301)
______
_______
GERM449 Selected Topics in Germanic Studies (varies)
______
_______
*GERM463 The Icelandic Family Saga
______
_______*GERM475 Old Norse
______
_______GERM489 Selected Topics in Area Studies (302)
______
_______
Study Abroad Experience:
Courses completed abroad are applicable to the BA, replacing courses on list above. Specific
credits and equivalencies to be determined by advisor on receipt of transcripts. Students are
encouraged to save samples of work completed abroad to present to advisor upon their
return.
GERM
GERM
GERM
______
______
______
_______
_____
_______
Internship: 3 credits may be applied to one of categories above on approval by program
advisor; Germ 386 may not replace the required 6 credits of upper-level courses in any of the
three categories.
GERM386 Experiential Learning
______
_______
Courses taken outside department: up to 6 credits of coursework taken in a unit outside
Germanic Studies may replace courses from the three subject areas.
XXX
______
_______
XXX
______
_______
TOTAL:
______
_______
Supporting Area: (12 Credits; of which 6 upper level; complementary to Germanic
studies and forming an integrated area of inquiry; may come from multiple campus
units)
XXX ___________
XXX
_________
XXX ___________
XXX ___________
_____
_____
_____
_____
OLD PROGRAM -The German Language and Literature Major
Changes in major requirements are under review. For more information, please contact
the department at 301-405-4091.
The undergraduate major in German Language and Literature consists of 36 hours
beyond the basic language acquisition sequence (GERM 103-203). Three program
options lead to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree: 1) German language, 2) German
literature, and 3) Germanic area studies. All majors must meet with a departmental
advisor at least once per semester.
Students must take language-acquisition courses sequentially. Once credit has been
received in a higher-level language acquisition or grammar course, a lower-level course
may not be taken for credit.
Requirements
Credits
German Language Option Core:
GERM220
Introduction to German Literature
3
GERM301
Conversation and Composition I
3
GERM302
Conversation and Composition II
3
GERM321
Highlights of German Literature I
3
GERM322
Highlights of German Literature II
3
Specialization:
GERM300/400 two 400-level German literature courses
GERM300/400
two upper-level courses in any of the three areas of
specialization
6
6
Three from:
GERM401
Advanced Conversation
3
GERM403
Advanced Composition
3
GERM405
Stylistics
3
GERM419
Selected Topics in German Language Study
3
German Literature Option Core
GERM220
Introduction to German Literature
3
GERM301
Conversation and Composition I
3
GERM302
Conversation and Composition II
3
GERM321
Highlights of German Literature I
3
GERM322
Highlights of German Literature II
3
Specialization:
GERM300/400 five 400-level German literature courses
GERM300/400
two upper-level courses in any of the three areas of
specialization
15
6
Germanic Area Studies Option Core:
GERM220
Introduction to German Literature
3
GERM301
Conversation and Composition I
3
GERM302
Conversation and Composition II
3
GERM321
Highlights of German Literature I
3
GERM322
Highlights of German Literature II
3
Modern Scandinavian Specialization:
GERM369
Scandinavian Literature in Translation
3
GERM461
Reading Swedish, Danish and Norwegian I
3
GERM300/400 Five upper-level courses in the Germanic area studies group
15
Medieval Scandinavian Specialization:
GERM283
Viking Culture & Civilization
3
GERM475
Old Norse
3
GERM300/400 Five upper-level courses in the Germanic area studies group.
15
Also available is a German Business Option, an International Business-German Business
Option, and an Engineering-German dual degree. Students should contact a departmental
advisor for more information.
3/27/2009
ARTS AND HUMANITIES ACADEMIC PLAN WORKSHEET
Sample Germanic Studies BA : Course numbers follwed by E = taught in English
YEAR 1
Semester 1
______________
Total Credits
_________ CORE/ARHU/ELECTIVES
CORE/ARHU/ELECTIVES CR.
MAJOR
Germ 103
4
YEAR 2
Semester 3
______________
Total Credits
_________ CORE/ARHU/ELECTIVES
CORE/ARHU/ELECTIVES CR.
MAJOR
Germ204 German
Grammar Review
Total Credits _______
Semester 2 ______________
CR.
MAJOR
CR.
ADD’L COURSES/TERMS CR.
CR.
ADD’L COURSES/TERMS CR.
Germ 203
4
Total Credits _______
Semester 4 ______________
CR.
MAJOR
CR.
ADD’L COURSES/TERMS CR.
CR.
ADD’L COURSES/TERMS CR
Germ301Conversati
on and Composition
I: Germany and Its
People (Lang 1)
Germ368E
Scandinavian Civ
(Cult 1)
YEAR 3
Semester 5
______________
Credits
_________
CORE/ARHU/ELECTIVES CR.
MAJOR
MAJOR
CR.
ADD’L COURSES/TERMS CR
Total Credits
CR.
_______
Semester 6 ______________
ADD’L COURSES/TERMS
CR.
CORE/ARHU/ELECTIVES
Total
CR.
3/27/2009
Germ302Conversati
Germ403Advanced
on and Composition
Composition:
II: Current Topics in
German Cultural
German Society
and Social Issues
(Lang 2)
(Lang 3)
Germ381E German
Germ320Survey of
Civilization I
German Studies
(Cult 2)
(Lit 1)
YEAR 4
Semester 7
______________
Total Credits
_________ CORE/ARHU/ELECTIVES
CORE/ARHU/ELECTIVES CR.
MAJOR
Germ401Advanced
Total Credits _______
Semester 8 ______________
CR.
MAJOR
CR.
ADD’L COURSES/TERMS CR.
CR.
ADD’L COURSES/TERMS CR
GERM439 Special
Conversation:
Topics in German
Germany within
Literature (Lit 3)
Europe (Lang 4)
Germ322Highlights
Germ389Topics in
of German
Germanic Culture
Literature II (Lit 2)
(Cult 3)
Germ419Topics in
German Language
Study (Lang 5)
3/27/2009
GERM offerings – typical fall
Course No.
Course Title
Category
103
Intensive Elementary German
prereq
103
Intensive Elementary German
prereq
103
Intensive Elementary German
prereq
203
Intensive Intermediate German
prereq
203
Intensive Intermediate German
prereq
204
German Grammar Review
core lang 1
283E
Viking Culture and Civilization
cult
285E
Film and Literature
cult
301
Conversation and Composition I
core lang 2
302
Conv and Comp II
core lang 3
322/322H
Highlights of German Literature
lit
381E
German Civ I
0101
cult
401
Advanced Conversation
0101
lang
421
Medieval
0101
lit
671
Middle High German/Old High German
0101
10
828
Gender and War
0101
10
839G
Theory
0101
10
Grad
GERM offerings – typical spring
Course No.
Course Title
Category
103
Intensive Elementary German
prereq
103
Intensive Elementary German
prereq
103
Intensive Elementary German
prereq
203
Intensive Intermediate German
prereq
203
Intensive Intermediate German
prereq
204
German Grammar Review
core lang 1
282E
Germanic Mythology
cult
301
Conversation and Composition I
core lang 2
302
Conversation and Composition II
core lang 3
320
Survey of German Studies
lit
368E
Scandinavian Women in the Viking Age
cult
403/403H
Advanced Composition
lang
423
From Enlightenment through Storm and Stress
lit
Grad
689J
Literature for young adults
620
Introduction to German Studies
689W/83W
War and Peace: Literature and Film in the 20th century