The German program at Hillsdale effortlessly combines a true dedication to the liberal arts through a demanding curriculum of literature and culture courses with the practical means of learning the most widely spoken language in Europe.
Study Abroad
Students who wish to study overseas are encouraged to participate in our popular Summer Language and Culture Program at Würzburg, or in our Exchange Program with Saarland University in Saarbrücken. Departmentally approved summer courses available from Goethe Institut throughout Germany, offer additional off-campus study venues.
Requirements
Note: This represents a general overview of the major and minor. For more information, please consult the current college catalog, or contact the department.
German Major
For a major in German, students may pursue a Literature or a Language track.
Literature Track
A major degree in German (Literature Track) requires a minimum of 24 credit hours beyond the 201 level and shall include:
- German 202: Intermediate German
Students must also take a minimum of nine hours from the following:
- German 303: German Composition, Conversation & Grammar I
- German 304: German Composition, Conversation & Grammar II
- German 399: Advanced Written & Spoken German I
- German 400: Advanced Written & Spoken German II
- German 350: Study in a German-Speaking Country
In addition, students must take at least four of the following literature courses:
- German 412: Classical German Literature (The Age of Goethe)
- German 413: Nineteenth-Century German Literature
- German 414: Twentieth-Century German Literature
- German 420: German Literature & Culture from the Middle Ages to the 18th Century
- German 493: Seminar in German
Language Track
A major degree in German (Language Track) requires a minimum of 24 credit hours beyond the 201 level and shall comprise:
- German 202: Intermediate German
Students must also take a minimum of nine hours from the following:
- German 412: Classical German Literature (The Age of Goethe)
- German 413: Nineteenth-Century German Literature
- German 414: Twentieth-Century German Literature
- German 420: German Literature & Culture from the Middle Ages to the 18th Century
- German 493: Seminar in German
In addition, students must take at least four of the following language courses:
- German 303: German Composition, Conversation & Grammar I
- German 304: German Composition, Conversation & Grammar II
- German 399: Advanced Written & Spoken German I
- German 400: Advanced Written & Spoken German II
- German 350: Study in a German-Speaking Country
German Minor
A minor in German shall consist of a minimum of nine credit hours beyond the 201 B.A. requirement level and must include:
German 202: Intermediate German
Students must also take one course from the following:
- German 303: German Composition, Conversation & Grammar I
- German 304: German Composition, Conversation & Grammar II
- German 350: Study in a German-Speaking Country
- German 399: Advanced Written & Spoken German I
- German 400: Advanced Written & Spoken German II
In addition, students must take one 400-level literature course.