
German Studies
Why pursue a degree in German Studies at North Central College?
German speakers and culturalists are in high demand in international business, marketing, education, government, travel and media industries worldwide. Specializing in German Studies extends beyond language fluency building critical thinking skills that are transferrable to many career fields. Individuals that can understand German will find that the knowledge of German culture 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 in-depth exposure to German culture necessary to succeed in a global 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, German Studies is sure to provide a wide variety of rewarding employment opportunities.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Researching information related to foreign markets, trade, environmental 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 STUDIES might be for you.
Why study German Studies at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- 24 or more credit hours taught in German
- Castles, Cathedrals and Culture: German History and Identity
- Dictators, Terrorists and Hooligans: Sport in Germany and Europe
- Experiencing Germany
- Exploring the German-Speaking World
- Fairy tale in German Culture
- German Enrichment
- German History Through Visual Arts
- Professional Portfolio
- The Urban Landscape: Berlin to Vienna
- Vampires, Seductresses, Villains and Misfits: German Film and the Individual
- War, Revolution and Chaos: Germany and Two World Wars
Beyond the Classroom
As an German Studies major, you can:
- Travel to Austria or Germany as part of study abroad or spend your May Term in Berlin or Erfurt.
- Participate in language roundtables to boost your language skills.
- Conduct independent research with your professor or apply for a Richter Grant enabling research travel.
- Earn an English language learning (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. Meyers 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 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)
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Studies Internships and Jobs
Internship Experience:
Our internships will provide you with experience pertaining to specific job cultures, practices and challenges in your field of interest. North Central's Office of Career Development can assist you in crafting an internship that best meets your needs.
Careers:
- International Business
- International Banking
- International Marketing
- U.S. Government and Foreign Affairs
- Communication Specialists
- Lawyers
- Hotel Managers
- Directors of Cultural Studies Program
- Travel guides
- Translators
- Teachers
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