The German major provides students linguistic proficiency and a broad knowledge of the literatures and cultures of German-speaking countries. The major can be completed by combining study of the literatures and cultures of German-speaking countries with other fields (such as history, political science, European studies, music, art history, philosophy, religion, and Jewish studies), exploring the rich and often vexed history of things German from diverse perspectives.

The degree comprises 36 credits arranged in the following manner: a set of core courses in German language (at any level), culture, and history; a coherent set of at least 15 credits to be selected from the German Studies Course List with the written approval of the Undergraduate Director. This list offers only a representative sample. Courses not included in the German Studies Course List may be considered toward the major at the discretion of the Undergraduate Director and the participating department. Majors are also encouraged to include 6 credits in history courses with a strong focus on German culture.

Note: 12 of the credits comprising the major must be completed in courses taught by faculty in the Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences. Students do not normally receive credit toward the major for taking German-language courses below a level at which they have already received a grade of C or higher. Courses with a grade of D are not counted toward the major.

Up to 18 credits (9 credits per semester maximum) may be credited toward the major from courses taken during study abroad. Such credits are assigned at the discretion of the Undergraduate Director of German on the basis of materials (transcripts, Scheine, syllabi, graded tests and quizzes, and graded papers) provided by the student after return to the U.S. Students studying in Germany are advised to remain in close contact with the Undergraduate Director of German during their studies in Germany. The German studies senior honors thesis option must be taken in New Brunswick.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • 36 credits total in German language and culture.
  • All German majors must complete the equivalent of 01:470:232 (Advanced German II).
  • 6 credits, taught in German, in course numbers 470:299 and higher.
  • At least 15 credits in which students are engaged in a thematically coherent examination of a period, topic, or set of questions from an interdisciplinary perspective (this is what we call the student's German Studies "concentration")

Also see:

Honors in German Studies

Learn about minoring in German!