Courses offered by the department are listed separately under "German" and "Russian."

Chair, Associate Professor Ursula Reidel-Schrewe

The Department of German and Russian offers courses in the languages, literatures, and cultures of two of the major European countries. German students may complete a major in German studies or a major or minor in German language and literature. Russian students may choose a major in Russian language and culture, or a minor in Russian language and literature.

Both the German and Russian programs are dedicated to the idea that foreign countries and peoples are impossible to understand fully without a thorough knowledge of the national language and literary and cultural traditions. It is our firm belief that as the language itself becomes increasingly less foreign, so do its people. The study of foreign languages and literatures also inevitably increases awareness of one's own culture.

Majors in both German and Russian are expected to supplement their on-campus courses with study programs in the target language in the German-speaking countries and Russia. Minors in both languages are also strongly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad. In addition to the January Program in Konstanz, German students participate in several semester and full-year study programs in Germany and Austria. Of particular note among the variety of options for study in Russia is the Colby in St. Petersburg Program, which emphasizes individualized study of Russian language, literature, and history, and also includes the opportunity to teach English in a private high school.

Requirements for the majors and minors in German and Russian are listed in the appropriate sections "German" and "Russian."