German
The program strives to offer a diversified curriculum capable of accommodating a variety of student interests and professional goals connected with German studies. The aims of the program are:
- To give students a solid command of the German language(s) and Germanic cultures for use in professional, academic, and personal life.
- To acquaint students with the history, literature, and cultures of the German-speaking countries and to familiarizes students with the role these countries and their cultures play in the world today.
- To prepare students for study abroad and a variety of careers in a global world through diverse course offerings.
- To educate students in the tradition of a liberal arts setting.
German degrees and tracks offered
- Major in German (BA)
- Minor in German
- International Engineering Program (IEP), dual degree program with German (BA) and Engineering (BSCE, BSCPE, BSEE, BSME)
German Honor Society
The University of St. Thomas is chartered as the Tau Omicron chapter of Delta Phi Alpha
The German National Honor Society, Delta Phi Alpha (Deutsche Ehrenverbindung), seeks to recognize excellence in the study of German and to provide an incentive for higher scholarship. The society aims to promote the study of the German language, literature, and civilization, and endeavors to emphasize those aspects of German life and culture which are of universal value, and which contribute to humankind's eternal search for peace and truth. Delta Phi Alpha was founded in 1929 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the Alpha Chapter still resides. Currently chapters are active on over 270 college and university campuses in the United States.
Qualifications for student membership are:
A minimum of two years of college level German, or the equivalent.
A minimum GPA of B+ (3.3) in German courses.
A minimum cumulative GPA of B- (2.7).
An indication of continued interest in the study of German language and literature.
Major in German
- Completion of GERM 212 or its equivalent
- GERM 300 Introduction to German Studies (4 credits)
Plus:
- Twenty-four additional credits numbered above GERM 300
- At least six of these 28 credits must be literature courses.
- At least 12 of these 28 credits must be completed at the University of St. Thomas.
- No more than 12 credits may be in the area of advanced language skills development.
- Elective courses for the major in German should be selected in consultation with a member of the German faculty.
Plus Allied Requirement:
Four credits in a neighboring field with a German cultural component. Examples of approved allied courses are listed below. Students should consult with the German program director prior to enrolling in the class, or to request approval for a course not listed below.
- Department of Modern and Classical Languages:
- German Program: Courses offered with an intercultural focus, but not counting toward the German Major course load such as
- GERM 330
- GERM 475
- Courses offered in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages with an intercultural competence focus
- German Program: Courses offered with an intercultural focus, but not counting toward the German Major course load such as
- Theology Department:
- THEO 222: History: Reformation
- THEO 224: Bridges: Theology & Politics
- THEO 227: Contexts: Nazism & Apartheid
- History Department:
- HIST 226 Modern Europe since 1914
- HIST 227 Global History of Genocide 1900-
- HIST 335 Nazi Germany and the Holocaust
- HIST 337 History of the First World War
- Interdisciplinary Courses:
- IDSC 287: German Cultural Heritage
For administrative purposes, students will complete assessment measures at the beginning of their major (in their 300 class) and during their final semester.
Recommended:
- Courses in a second foreign language.
- The department strongly urges all students planning to major in German to spend some time, (a summer, a J-Term, one semester, or a year) studying in a German-speaking country and to enroll in a German course at St. Thomas upon their return. See a member of the German faculty for information on study-abroad opportunities and scholarships for University of St. Thomas’ students in Germany or Austria.
- Interdisciplinary courses offered at the University of St. Thomas with a German Studies component
- Department of Theology
- THEO 222: HISTORY: Reformation
- THEO 224/433: Theology & Politics
- THEO 227: Contexts: Naziism & Apartheid
- Department of History
- HIST 226 Modern Europe since 1914
- HIST 227 Global History of Genocide 1900-
- HIST 335 Nazi Germany and the Holocaust
- HIST 337 History of the First World War
- Interdisciplinary Courses
- IDSC 287: German Cultural Heritage
- Department of Philosophy
- PHIL 304: Modern Philosophy
- PHIL 306: Contemporary Philosophy
German: International Engineering Program (IEP)
(https://www.stthomas.edu/catalog/current/engr/)
The German Major for the International Engineering Program (IEP) is designed for students pursuing an international career or with a global company. It provides engineers with language and culture skills through an international experience and diverse course offerings including those focused on intercultural/global competence and German for the Professions. Students in this dual program will acquire skills to prepare them for a wide variety of opportunities in industry or academia.
Upon completing, students receive a B.A. in German and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical (BSME), Electrical (BSEE), Computer (BSCPE), or Civil Engineering (BSCE).
This dual degree requires approximately five years to complete. Plans of study for the International Engineering Program are available online, through the German program director, or in the School of Engineering Main Office.
For more information see: https://www.stthomas.edu/academics/undergraduate/german-engineering-dual-degree/index.html
Students must:
- study abroad for at least one semester at a partner university in a German-speaking country
- complete a three-month local internship
- complete a six-month global internship
- fulfill the appropriate Engineering and German major requirements, as well as the respective Engineering and German allied requirements (see below).
- attend the Meet the Engineer Reverse Career Fair in their 1st, 2nd and 3rd year
German: International Engineering Program – Course work
- Completion of GERM 212 or its equivalent
- GERM 300 Introduction to German Studies (4 credits)
Plus:
- Twenty-four additional credits numbered above GERM 300 plus GERM 330 and GERM 475
- At least six of these 28 credits must be literature courses
- At least three credits must be from a Technical German course
- At least three credits must be from a German for the Professions course
- GERM 330: Intercultural Competence: Preparation Study/Work Abroad (2 credits)
- GERM 475 or 476: Experiential Learning: Study/Work Abroad (2 credits)
- ENGR 305.03: Domestic Internship, three months (0 credit)
- ENGR 305.A03: International Internship, six months (0 credit)
- At least 12 of these 28 credits must be completed at the University of St. Thomas
- No more than 12 credits may be in the area of advanced language skills development
- Elective courses for the major in German should be selected in consultation with a member of the German faculty.
For administrative purposes, students will complete assessment measures at the beginning of their major (in their 300 class) and during their final semester.
Recommended:
Interdisciplinary courses offered at the University of St. Thomas with a German Studies component, e.g. :
- Department of Theology
- THEO 222: HISTORY: Reformation
- THEO 224: Theology & Politics
- THEO 227: Contexts: Naziism & Apartheid
- Department of History
- HIST 226 Modern Europe since 1914
- HIST 227 Global History of Genocide 1900-
- HIST 335 Nazi Germany and the Holocaust
- HIST 337 History of the First World War
- Interdisciplinary Courses
- IDSC 287: German Cultural Heritage
- Department of Philosophy
- PHIL 304: Modern Philosophy
- PHIL 306: Contemporary Philosophy
Minor in German
- Completion of GERM 212 or its equivalent
- GERM 300 Introduction to German Studies (4 credits)
Plus:
- Twelve additional credits numbered above GERM 300
- At least three of these credits must be a literature course.
- Elective courses for the minor in German should be selected in consultation with a member of the German faculty.
German Undergraduate Courses
| Course Number | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERM 111 | Elementary German I | 4 | |
| Description of course Elementary German I : | Introduction to fundamentals of language structure and vocabulary. Practice in speaking, reading, writing and understanding. Students must be placed into GERM 111. | ||
| GERM 112 | Elementary German II | 4 | |
| Description of course Elementary German II : | Continuation of GERM 111. Prerequisite: GERM 111 or equivalent completed with a C- or better | ||
| GERM 211 | Intermediate German I | 4 | |
| Description of course Intermediate German I : | Review of fundamentals. Study of cultural texts with practice in speaking, reading, writing and understanding. Prerequisite: GERM 112 or equivalent completed with a C- or better | ||
| GERM 212 | Intermediate German II | 4 | |
| Description of course Intermediate German II : | Continuation of GERM 211. Prerequisite: GERM 211 or equivalent completed with a C- or better | ||
| GERM 243 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
| GERM 297 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| GERM 298 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| GERM 300 | Intro to German Studies | 4 | |
| Description of course Intro to German Studies : | Intended as an introduction to more advanced work in German, this course, which is required of all majors and minors, will offer an overview of the evolution of German culture and civilization (society, politics, the arts) within an historical context. The course will also contain a review of advanced grammar and offer students an opportunity to improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills. Oral and written skills will be assessed. Prerequisite: GERM 212 or equivalent completed with a C- or better | ||
| GERM 311 | Conversation/Composition | 4 | |
| Description of course Conversation/Composition : | Advanced practice in speaking and writing German in formal and informal situations. Instruction in the social patterns that govern language usage in various situations and discussion of contrasting linguistic and social practices among the German-speaking nations and among the regions within those nations. Prerequisite: GERM 300 | ||
| GERM 315 | Influential Ideas | 4 | |
| Description of course Influential Ideas : | A study of the initiation and development of influential ideas on the part of German-speaking thinkers such as Hildegard von Bingen, Luther, Angeles Silesius, Novalis, Buchner, Marx, Nietzsche and Freud. Works selected have had a profound impact not only in German-speaking areas, but also on a worldwide scale. In addition, students will read selections from the writings and speeches of influential German political figures, past and present. Prerequisite: GERM 300 | ||
| GERM 320 | Contemp Germany/Curr Events | 4 | |
| Description of course Contemp Germany/Curr Events : | Examinations of the development of the Federal Republic of Germany since 1949, and examination, evaluation and discussions of events as they develop during the course of the semester. Course materials include German pamphlets, newspapers, magazines, speeches by leading figures, and materials from the Internet. Attention is given to domestic developments in the Federal Republic of Germany as well as to international events as they concern Germany. Prerequisite: GERM 300 | ||
| GERM 330 | IC: Prep Study/Work Abroad | 2 | |
| Description of course IC: Prep Study/Work Abroad : | This course is designed for students planning to study abroad during the next semester/academic year, but any student interested in intercultural communication or in using German for professional purposes is welcome. The course prepares learners for studying and working in German-speaking countries (including advanced language study at a university and/or internships) as well as working at German-speaking companies operating in the USA. It will advance students intercultural communication: they will learn about cultural differences and discuss practical issues of coping with the experience of (living in) a foreign culture/country. Culturally relevant class content is supplemented with grammar and vocabulary review. Prerequisites: GERM 212 or equivalent | ||
| GERM 341 | Highlights of German Lit I | 4 | |
| Description of course Highlights of German Lit I : | A survey of German literature from 1770 to 1890. The course will focus on important works by Goethe and Schiller, German Romanticism, and the literature of the later-19th century. Prerequisite: GERM 300 | ||
| GERM 342 | Highlights of German Lit II | 4 | |
| Description of course Highlights of German Lit II : | Continuation of GERM 341 with emphasis on literary developments in the 20th century. The course will focus on the period preceding World War I, on literary developments during the Weimar Republic, and on the attempts by postwar German authors to deal with the legacy of the World War II. The course also will discuss more recent literature. Prerequisite: GERM 300 | ||
| GERM 345 | Austria: the Golden Age | 4 | |
| Description of course Austria: the Golden Age : | The course will examine historical and cultural developments in Austria from 1815 to 1918 with special emphasis on the literature and culture of turn- of-the-century Vienna. Students will read works by important Austrian writers such as Stifter, Nestoy, Schnitzler, Hofmannsthal, Freud and Stefan Zweig; listen to music by composers such as Schubert, Mahler and Lehar; and discuss relevant topics such as the Habsburg Empire, Biedermeier culture, art nouveau and operetta. Prerequisite: GERM 300 | ||
| GERM 350 | Genre Studies in German Lit. | 4 | |
| Description of course Genre Studies in German Lit. : | This course will focus on genres of literature in German. The particular genres to be studied will vary with each offering. They will include German Drama, the German Novel of the 20th century, German Novellas, German Film, and German Poetry. May be taken twice with different topic. Prerequisite: GERM 300 | ||
| GERM 393 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
| GERM 401 | German Poetry | 4 | |
| Description of course German Poetry : | A critical study of selections from important German poets. Prerequisite: GERM 300 | ||
| GERM 410 | The German Opera | 4 | |
| Description of course The German Opera : | Operas of the German masters from Mozart to Weill are studied. The primary emphasis is given to the German texts of the operas, but students are given the opportunity to listen to German language recordings of the operas and to investigate the unity of poetry and music. Attention is given to the literary trends of the times. Prerequisite: GERM 300 | ||
| GERM 440 | Intro to Business German | 4 | |
| Description of course Intro to Business German : | An introduction to the vocabulary of business and economics in German. A survey of German business structure, economic principles, business-government-union interrelationships and international trade status. Readings, discussions and tests are primarily in the German language. Prerequisite: GERM 300 | ||
| GERM 441 | Prof Communication/Tech German | 4 | |
| Description of course Prof Communication/Tech German : | This course is designed for students interested in the STEM fields and/or working in a German professional setting both locally and globally such as through research, internships, or future job placement. However, any student interested in German professional communication in STEM is welcome to join the course. Through this course you will advance your German technical language (listening, reading, speaking, writing), cultural skills, and learn to communicate effectively and appropriately in technical contexts. With exercises in listening and reading comprehension geared toward the STEM and business fields, vocabulary related to specialist communication is expanded, practiced, and consolidated through presentations, role plays, as well as debates and discussions. Prerequisite: GERM 300 or equivalent such as B1+ (CEFR). | ||
| GERM 475 | Experiential Learning (Abroad) | 2 | |
| Description of course Experiential Learning (Abroad) : | This interdisciplinary, intercultural, and interactive course is designed for students studying and working abroad in a German-speaking country. It accompanies you on your journey of acquiring intercultural competency, discovering real-world business and STEM concepts, and provides an opportunity to integrate academic learning with valuable work experience in the field. During your studies and internship(s), you will gain first-hand, practical knowledge augmenting what you have learned in the classroom. These opportunities will empower you to develop creative, effective solutions to challenges relevant to global companies. Prerequisite: Germ 300 and Germ 330/488. | ||
| GERM 476 | Experiential Learning | 1 TO 4 | |
| Description of course Experiential Learning : | No description is available. | ||
| GERM 488 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| GERM 489 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| GERM 490 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| GERM 495 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||