Program in German

Willkommen! Study German, the language behind such works of art as the poetry of Goethe and the latest Porsche. The German language program at North Central College can provide you with important skills for your personal and professional development.

German language skills can enhance your competence in areas as diverse as music, the biological sciences, engineering, literature and film. At North Central, learning German has a personal touch as well. You’ll acquire the relevant cultural information as well as linguistic proficiency. That means you’ll learn the German you’ll need in real-life situations and interact often with your classmates.

We have many formal and informal opportunities for you to practice your skills:

  • courses ranging from the elementary level to the advanced levels
  • trips to German-related sites in Chicago, from the opera to fine restaurants;
  • the various services of the Language Resource Center.

We recommend that all of our students study abroad. You may choose to spend some or all of your junior year in a German-speaking environment.

German, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see World Languages and Cultures.

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.

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

For additional programs and courses in this department, see World Languages and Cultures.

At minimum of 20 credit hours in German language, including four credit hours from the following electives:

German Studies, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see World Languages and Cultures.

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.

German Studies Electives

Seven credit hours from the following:

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.

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.

NOTE: This page contains all of the regular course descriptions for this discipline or program. Academic credit for each course is noted in parenthesis after the course title. Prerequisites (if any) and the general education requirements, both Core and All-College Requirements (ACRs), which each course fulfills (if any) are noted following each course description. Not all courses are offered every year. Check Merlin, our searchable course schedule, to see which courses are being offered in upcoming terms.

GRMN 101 - Experiencing Germany I (4.00)

Introduction to the basic structures of the German language, with emphasis on listening and speaking. Cultural contexts emphasized. Taught in German.

GRMN 102 - Experiencing Germany II (4.00)

Continued introduction to the basic structures of the German language, and to the practices and cultures of German-speaking regions of the world. Special emphasis on listening and speaking in German. Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): GRMN 101.

GRMN 201 - Exploring the German-Speaking World I (4.00)

Speech, writing and reading for the discussion of literary, historical and cultural topics in German. Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): GRMN 102.

GRMN 202 - Exploring the German-Speaking World II (4.00)

Continued development of speech, writing and reading for the discussion of literary, historical and cultural topics in German. Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): GRMN 201.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities, Global Understanding.
iCon(s): Thinking Globally.

GRMN 291 - Readings in German (1.00-2.00)

Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.

GRMN 293 - German Enrichment (1.00-2.00)

Individual projects related to other courses that support the development of proficiencies in German. Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.

GRMN 295 - Practicum (1.00-4.00)

Students assist faculty with pedagogical or other projects in German. Activities vary according to the project needs and student background, but may include such work as the preparation of materials for language learning or assisting faculty through bibliographic research.

GRMN 297 - Internship (0.00-12.00)
GRMN 299 - Independent Study (1.00-12.00)
GRMN 310 - Fairy Tale in German Culture (4.00)

Multimedia Introduction to the significance and the various forms the fairy tale has taken in German culture. Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): GRMN 202.

GRMN 320 - German History and Culture (4.00)

Study of major sociological, political and artistic developments in German-speaking lands. Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): GRMN 202.

GRMN 325 - Survey of German Literature (4.00)

Survey of German authors and texts. Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): GRMN 202.

GRMN 330 - The Weimar Republic (4.00)

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.

Prerequisite(s): GRMN 202.

GRMN 350 - German History Through Visual Arts (4.00)

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.

Prerequisite(s): GRMN 202.

GRMN 370 - The Urban Landscape: Berlin to Vienna (4.00)

A study of the dynamic urban contexts of German- speaking regions of Europe. Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): GRMN 202.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities, Global Understanding.

GRMN 390 - Topics (4.00)

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.

Prerequisite(s): One 300-level German course.

GRMN 391 - Readings in German (1.00-2.00)

Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.

GRMN 393 - German Enrichment (1.00-2.00)

Individual projects related to other courses that support the development of proficiencies in German. Taught in German.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.

GRMN 395 - Practicum (1.00-4.00)

Students assist faculty with pedagogical or other projects in German. Activities vary according to the project needs and student background, but may include such work as the preparation of materials for language learning or assisting faculty through bibliographic research.

GRMN 397 - Internship (0.00-12.00)
GRMN 399 - Independent Study (1.00-12.00)
GRMN 480 - Capstone Portfolio (1.00)

Preparation of a collection of documents including revised work from prior courses, and reflections on the student’s growth as a German major and on intercultural issues. Additional assignments may be included but the portfolio must represent all five skills. Required for the German major. Taught in German.

GRMN 490 - Topics (4.00)

Advanced study of selected literary and cultural topics. 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.

Prerequisite(s): One 300-level German course.

GRMN 497 - Internship (0.00-12.00)
GRMN 499 - Independent Study (1.00-12.00)

Extra-curricular and professional activities that will enrich your German language education.

Auf dem Kampus

At North Central we know you want opportunities to use your German in real-life situations. We have organized an extremely active German club which sponsors activities on and off campus. Considering our close proximity to Chicago, the German Club in conjunction with courses has organized excursions to points of interest in Chicago.

Im Ausland

Studying abroad is a great way to improve your abilities in German, experience German culture,and encounter different modes of thinking. In addition to our official program at the Freie Universität in Berlin during the academic year, students also have an opportunity to travel to German-speaking countries over North Central's D-Term.