GERST-BA - German Studies (BA)

The mission of the undergraduate program in German Studies is to provide students with the German language skills, the ability to interpret literature and other cultural material, and the capacity to analyze the societies of the German-speaking countries of Central Europe. In addition, its interdisciplinary component prepares students to understand other cultures from the perspectives of multiple disciplines. The program prepares students for careers in business, social service, government, teaching, and for graduate work in German Studies.

A maximum of 10 Advanced Placement (AP) units may be counted towards the major with the approval of the Chair of Undergraduate Studies.

The department expects undergraduate majors in the program to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes. These learning outcomes are used in evaluating students and the department's undergraduate program. Students are expected to demonstrate: 

1. oral proficiency in German beyond the interpersonal level with interpretive and presentational language abilities;

2. writing proficiency in German beyond the interpersonal level with interpretive and presentational language abilities;

3. close reading skills of authentic texts in German. 

4. the ability to develop effective and nuanced lines of interpretation;

5. knowledge of the cultural, political, and social histories of the peoples of the German-speaking lands.