German Studies Requirements

The German Program emphasizes the acquisition of superior skills in the German language as the basis for the study of the literatures and cultures of the German-speaking world. Unless otherwise noted, all courses are taught in German as students continue to hone their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Upper-level courses provide training in close reading and analysis of literary and cultural texts in order to further students’ understanding of a culture different from their own. Students at all levels explore literature and film alongside culture and politics, as well as history and contemporary affairs.

Majors in German studies are encouraged to study their entire junior year in a German-speaking country; majors and minors are encouraged to spend at least one semester abroad. Study-abroad options include approved programs in Berlin, Munich, Freiburg, Tübingen, Vienna, and Salzburg. The German faculty welcomes inquiries from students regarding the different programs and the one-semester and full-year options.

The major in German studies and the German minor provide excellent preparation for students who wish to pursue German-related grant opportunities, employment in international companies and organizations, or careers in government or academics.

Chair, Associate Professor Arne Koch

Associate Professors Alicia E. Ellis and Arne Koch; Language Assistant Sophie Fröhlich

The major in German studies requires a minimum of 10 semester courses. Six courses must be taught in German numbered above 127, including a 200-, a 300-, and a 400-level course. Students who begin their study of German at Colby in the required 125-126-127 sequence complete eight additional courses. Students who begin their study of German at Colby at 128 or above also complete eight additional courses. Additional courses may be chosen from the German curriculum, study abroad, or from courses with a substantial German component in departments such as English, Government, History, Music, and Philosophy. Once declared, all majors must take at least one course in the German Program each semester they are on campus until graduation.

• The point scale for retention of the major and the minor is based on all required and approved courses numbered above German 127 for the major and German 126 for the minor.
• No major requirement may be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory.
• Transfer of credits for courses from other institutions, including study abroad, will be evaluated by the advisor in German on an individual basis.
• Teacher certification: Students desiring certification for teaching German should consult the faculty in German and in the Education Program.

• 221 Second Language Pedagogy

• 142 Introduction to Cinema Studies
• 200 Foundations of Literary Studies
• 271 Critical Theory

• 354 The European Union 
• 435 Seminar: Memory and Politics

• 111 The Not So Distant Past: Europe 1000-1600 
• 141 Genocide and Globalization: 20th-Century World History
• 224 Germany and Europe, 1871-1945

• 131 Introduction to Sociology
• 215 Classical Sociological Theory