German Major
Why study German at CMU?
Students in a foreign language-related program will develop skills in foreign language teaching, interpreting, and translating. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Study-abroad possibilities in many countries
- Wider employment opportunities for students who combine a foreign language with other majors
- Outstanding language learning center containing audio, visual, and computer laboratories
- Professional development through German student organizations
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to increase 18 to 26 percent
- Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will vary from good to excellent, depending on the locality, grade level, and subject taught.
- Travel agents increasingly specialize in specific destinations or type of travel or traveler. American travel agents now organize more tours for the growing number of foreign visitors.
Career options
Graduates of the foreign language-related programs at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Anthropologist
- Elementary, Middle, or High School Teacher
- Interpreter
- Journalist
- Technical Writer
- Translator
- Travel Agent
- Travel Guide
- TV Announcer
- University or College Professor
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
German Major
At least 30 hours of GER courses at the 300 level or above.
( Total: 30-33 semester hours )
3
GER 311 Advanced German I
Study of standard High German using current conversational and literary sources. Designed to improve oral and written language skills. Required for majors and minors. Recommended: GER 202.
3
GER 312 Advanced German II
Continuation of GER 311. Required for majors and minors. Recommended: GER 311.
3
GER 570 Advanced Grammar and Composition
Analysis of grammatical structures and extensive practice in oral and written expression. Recommended for majors. Prerequisite: GER 312.
(12 hours)
Required Courses I
Select courses in German culture and/or literature from:
( Note: GER 370 and 470 can be taken more than once with permission of the advisor. )
3
GER 335 The Culture of the German Economy
Development of proficiency through readings, discussions, and assignments dealing with the culture of the German economic system and Germany in world trade. Taught in German. Recommended: GER 202.
3
GER 336 The Culture of German Business
Readings, discussions, and assignments based on materials dealing with key areas of the German business culture such as management and corporate hierarchies. Taught in German. Recommended: GER 202.
3
GER 341 German Cultural History I
The civilization of Germany and German-speaking areas with emphasis on the social, political, artistic, philosophical, and literary aspects. Recommended: GER 202.
3
GER 342 German Cultural History II
Continuation of GER 341. Recommended: GER 202.
3
GER 343 Survey of German Literature I
Survey of the chief literary periods through the early 19th century, reading representative authors and works within their social contexts. Recommended: GER 202.
3
GER 344 Survey of German Literature II
Survey of the chief literary periods from the mid-19th century through the present, reading representative authors and works within their social contexts. Recommended: GER 202.
3
GER 347 German Cultural History III
Investigation of the cultural history of 'Germany' from post-war division through reunification and after, as seen through a wide variety of texts and other media. Recommended: GER 202.
3
GER 350 Highlights of German Film
A survey of German film from the Weimar Republic through the present, with the focus on significant and representative feature films. Taught in German. Recommended: GER 202.
1-12
GER 370 Advanced Studies in German
Special topics may include language, literature and/or culture. May be repeated when the content is not a duplication of a previous special topics offering. Recommended: GER 202.
3
GER 403 German Literature to 1776
The Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, and the Enlightenment. Modern German translations from Old High German and Middle High German periods. Prerequisite: 6 hours of 300-level courses.
3
GER 405 German Classicism
The classical age culminating in the works of Goethe and Schiller. The authors' lives, thoughts, and impact on their contemporaries. Prerequisite: 6 hours of 300-level courses.
3
GER 407 German Literature of the Nineteenth Century
Romanticism, Poetic Realism, and Naturalism through representative authors. Prerequisite: at least 6 hours of 300- level courses.
3
GER 409 German Literature of the Twentieth Century
Impressionism, Expressionism, Neo-realism, and other current trends. Prerequisite: At least 6 hours of 300-level courses.
1-12
GER 470 Advanced Studies in German
To develop advanced proficiency in German. Special topics may include language, literature, and/or culture. May be repeated when the content is not a duplication of a previous special topics offering. Recommended: 6 hours at the 300 level.
(3-6 hours)
Required Courses II
Select one of the following for a minimum of 3 hours:
( Note: Students unable to study abroad must take an additional 6 hours of coursework on campus that is at the 300 level or above and approved by an advisor. )
1-12
GER 310 German Language Study Abroad
Intended for advanced students studying abroad. Prerequisites: GER 202.
1-24
GER 410 Study Abroad
Intended for students on the exchange program with the Federation of German-American Clubs. Prerequisites: 6 hours at the 300 level; permission of the instructor.
Choose electives at the 300 level or above.