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German Studies

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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)
  • 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.

    Schedule Of Classes

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 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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