
German
Why pursue a degree in German at North Central College?
German speakers are in high demand in international business, marketing, education, government, travel and media industries worldwide. Learning German extends beyond language fluency building critical thinking skills that are transferable to many career fields. Individuals that can speak, read, write and understand German will find that the knowledge of the German language is often a priority to a potential employer over other job skills for positions they may be applying for. This program is designed to provide robust language skills along with the experiences necessary to succeed in a global work environment.
At North Central College you will acquire the skills necessary to live and work in an international community. You will also gain exposure to cultural perspectives that will provide an in depth understanding of the German culture and how to operate within it. Whatever you choose to do with what you learn, studying German is sure to provide a wide array of rewarding employment opportunities as a result of this in demand skill.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Researching information related to foreign markets, trade, environment work. law, labor relations, marketing and news to assist international companies with making informed business decisions
- Providing leadership in the travel industry for organizations with locations, clients or customers in Germany
- Working or studying abroad using both English and German languages to educate others
then a degree in GERMAN might be for you.
Why study German at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- 28 or more credit hours taught in German
- Experiencing Germany
- Exploring the German-Speaking World
- Fairy tale in German Culture
- German Enrichment
- German History Through Visual Arts
- German Practicum
- Internship
- Professional Portfolio
- Readings in German
- The Urban Landscape: Berlin to Vienna
- The Weimer Republic
Beyond the Classroom
As a German major, you can:
- Travel to Austria or Germany as part of study abroad or spend your May Term in Berlin and Erfurt.
- Participate in language roundtables to boost your language skills.
- Conduct independent research with your professor and apply for a Richter Grant enabling research travel.
- Present your research at our Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.
- Earn an English language learner (ELL) minor to qualify to teach English abroad in a French-speaking country or teach ESL in Illinois schools.
- Participate in the College Scholar Honors Program.
- Take advantage of on-campus tutoring options and the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center for individualized tutoring or audio and video support.
- Qualify for induction into Delta Phi Alpha, the German honor society, or Phi Sigma Iota, open to students who study more than one language.
German, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Modern and Classical Languages.
The German major consists of a minimum of 33 credit hours (GRMN or GRST), at or above the 102 level. Of the 33 credit hours, at least 28 credit hours must come from courses taught in German (GRMN) and five credit hours must be at the 400-level including
Note:
Students seeking teaching licensure must also complete the Secondary Education major requirements.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
German Studies, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Modern and Classical Languages.
A major in German Studies (GRST) consists of at least 33 credit hours including the following coursework. This major will automatically satisfy the elementary competency in a foreign language requirement of the B.A. degree as noted in the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.
- 24 credit hours taught in German (GRMN)
-
GRST 480 - German Studies Capstone
GRST 480 - German Studies Capstone
2.00 credit hours
Advanced analysis of a problem related to German studies. Includes a portfolio consisting of a collection of documents including revised work from prior courses, and reflections on the student's growth as a German Studies major. Additional assignments may be included, but the portfolio must represent any two of the four communicative skills and then three artifacts demonstrating three different avenues of study of German cultures. Finally, the portfolio includes evidence of the student's extracurricular participation in the German program. Required for the German Studies major. Taught in English.
German Studies Electives
Seven credit hours from the following:
-
GRST 240 - Dictators, Terrorists and Hooligans: Sport in Germany and Europe
GRST 240 - Dictators, Terrorists and Hooligans: Sport in Germany and Europe
4.00 credit hours
This course examines the confluence of violence and sport in Germany and beyond. Topics include the Third Reich and the 1936 Berlin Olympics, terrorism and the 1972 Munich Olympics, as well as professional soccer leagues. Taught in English.
-
GRST 360 - War, Revolution and Chaos: Germany and Two World Wars
GRST 360 - War, Revolution and Chaos: Germany and Two World Wars
4.00 credit hours
An interdisciplinary examination of German society from the fall of the monarchy, WWI, revolutions, the Third Reich, WWII, and the division of Germany. Taught in English.
-
GRST 364 - Castles, Cathedrals and Culture I: German History and Identity
GRST 364 - Castles, Cathedrals and Culture I: German History and Identity
2.00 credit hours
Examination of historical and geographic factors that have contributed to the creation of German identities historically, and their implications for today. Supports GRST 365 (May-term travel/study course in Germany). Taught in English.
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GRST 365 - Castles, Cathedrals and Culture II: German History and Identity
GRST 365 - Castles, Cathedrals and Culture II: German History and Identity
1.00 credit hours
Study of German culture, history and identity in Germany. Taught in English.
-
GRST 380 - Vampires, Seductresses, Villains and Misfits: German Film and the Individual
GRST 380 - Vampires, Seductresses, Villains and Misfits: German Film and the Individual
4.00 credit hours
This course introduces students to German films which thematize the individual in a social context while simultaneously teaching students about the history German film, its style and perspective, as well familiarizing students to epochs of German history, and how each film problematizes the individual as a product of and reaction to history, society, and culture. Taught in English.
Note:
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
German Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Modern and Classical Languages.
At minimum of 20 credit hours in German language, including four credit hours from the following electives:
-
GRMN 310 - Fairy Tale in German Culture
GRMN 310 - Fairy Tale in German Culture
4.00 credit hours
Multimedia Introduction to the significance and the various forms the fairy tale has taken in German culture. Taught in German.
-
GRMN 320 - German History and Culture
GRMN 320 - German History and Culture
4.00 credit hours
Study of major sociological, political and artistic developments in German-speaking lands. Taught in German.
-
GRMN 325 - Survey of German Literature
GRMN 325 - Survey of German Literature
4.00 credit hours
Survey of German authors and texts. Taught in German.
-
GRMN 330 - The Weimar Republic
GRMN 330 - The Weimar Republic
4.00 credit hours
A contextualized study of the life and culture during the Weimar Republic in Germany. Special attention is given to the literature, film and visual art of the period. Taught in German.
-
GRMN 350 - German History Through Visual Arts
GRMN 350 - German History Through Visual Arts
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to the history and development of traditions in the German visual arts. Works are analyzed within their historical epoch, but also as cultural documents problematizing aspects of German life and history. Taught in German.
-
GRMN 370 - The Urban Landscape: Berlin to Vienna
GRMN 370 - The Urban Landscape: Berlin to Vienna
4.00 credit hours
A study of the dynamic urban contexts of German- speaking regions of Europe. Taught in German.
-
GRMN 390 - Topics
GRMN 390 - Topics
4.00 credit hours
Advanced study of selected literary and cultural topics. Course topics may include studies on specific authors, such as Bertolt Brecht, periods and epochs, such as Expressionism or Exile Literature, or specific themes. Taught in German.
German, b.a.
Major Requirements
The German major consists of a minimum of 33 credit hours (GRMN or GRST), at or above the 102 level. Of the 33 credit hours, at least 28 credit hours must come from courses taught in German (GRMN) and five credit hours must be at the 400-level including GRMN 480. This major will automatically satisfy the elementary competency in a foreign language requirement of the B.A. degree as noted in the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.
Note:
Students seeking teaching licensure must also complete the Secondary Education major requirements.
Additional Requirements for the B.A. Degree
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.
German Studies, B.A.
Major Requirements
A major in German Studies (GRST) consists of at least 33 credit hours including the following coursework. This major will automatically satisfy the elementary competency in a foreign language requirement of the B.A. degree as noted in the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.
- 24 credit hours taught in German (GRMN)
- GRST 480 - German Studies Capstone
German Studies Electives
Seven credit hours from the following:
- GRST 240 - Dictators, Terrorists and Hooligans: Sport in Germany and Europe
- GRST 360 - War, Revolution and Chaos: Germany and Two World Wars
- GRST 364 - Castles, Cathedrals and Culture I: German History and Identity
- GRST 365 - Castles, Cathedrals and Culture II: German History and Identity
- GRST 380 - Vampires, Seductresses, Villains and Misfits: German Film and the Individual
Note:
Up to four credit hours from the following electives may be substituted for any of the above electives:
- ARTH 100 - World Histories I
- ARTH 102 - World Histories II
- ARTH 302 - Modern Art
- COMM 317 - Intercultural Communication
- HIST 256 - Renaissance and Reformation Europe
- HIST 258 - Early Modern Europe
- HIST 285 - Twentieth-Century Europe: Hitler Versus Stalin
- PHIL 265 - Modern Philosophy
- PHIL 270 - Aesthetics
- PHIL 370 - 20th Century Philosophy
- With approval, the following courses may also serve as electives:
- GLST courses focusing on German Studies
- POLS 300 - Great Decisions in International Politics
- POLS 321 Model United Nations
*Students may not complete both the German major and the German Studies major.
Additional Requirements for the B.A. Degree
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.
German Minor
At minimum of 20 credit hours in German language, including four credit hours from the following electives:
German Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
Recent graduates in German have done the following: • German
- German Parliament, Berlin, Germany
- Aldi Management, Batavia, IL
- Internet banking intern, Coldwell Banker, Naperville
- Office Max, Naperville
- Campaign intern, 2010 U.S. Rep. candidate Ben Lowe, Lombard, IL
- Archives intern, North Central College
- Teaching assistant, Hölderlin Gymnasium, Heidelberg, Germany
- Assistant at the brewery, Brauerei Zum Klosterhof, Germany
- German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Chicago
Careers
Recent graduates in German include:
- International marketing
- International banking
- International business
- Cultural liaisons
- Teacher
- Foreign operations secretaries
- Lawyers
- Brewery and brewer
- Communication specialists
- Hotel managers
- Directors of cultural studies program
- Librarians
- Travel guides
- Translators
- Fulbright Scholar English Teaching Assistant
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