German Concentration
Core German Language Requirement:
Completion of the Intensive German Course in Fall (part I) and Spring (part II)
The German concentration:
Consists of any four courses beyond the intensive course
Basic Requirements for the German Major:
Thirty advanced credits (10 courses) in all at the 3000 level or above including the
senior thesis.
The major in German allows students to choose from one of three possible tracks or
areas of primary focus related to German and German studies. The three focus areas
are:
1) German Literature - the German Literary Tradition sequence as well as other Literature-based
courses in the German language.
2) German Linguistics - course work in the three main areas of foreign language linguistics
(Diachronic, Synchronic, and Applied). These courses offer a meta-discussion of language
in the theoretical framework of the field as it currently is practiced in the US.
3) German Intellectual History - Offers a focus on broader areas of German culture
within the history of ideas in various epochs. This area of study seeks to define
a German cultural context for ideas and events in History, Philosophy, Religion, Music,
Art and the social sciences. This track, interdisciplinary in nature, incorporates
courses offered in other departments, giving students maximum flexibility in defining
an area of concentration.
Comprehensive Examination - In the fall semester, seniors generally take oral and written comprehensive exams.
A reading list for comprehensives is supplied for preparation. In the written comps,
the student addresses three topics from a list of essay topics. The oral exam covers
both the written essays and the other topics.
Senior Thesis – In the spring semester seniors write a senior thesis on a topic related to their
chosen track (Literature, Linguistics, or Intellectual History). Students register
for the thesis as a course and present their thesis in a public setting as part of
their grade.
Internships – as part of course work students may also opt to do an internship with a German
business, political, or non-profit entity. The Dallas Goethe Center (housed on UD’s
campus) offers a great opportunity for students to use their German skills in a hands
on professional setting, gaining both credit and valuable professional experience.
Study Abroad – UD’s sister university the Catholic University of Eichstätt offers summer programs
in Bavaria that students also may take part in for up to 6 credit hours (2 courses).
We encourage our majors and concentrators to spend at least one summer in Germany.
Scholarships for these programs are also available.
