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College of Arts & Sciences

German

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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.

More Department information

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 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.

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 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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