German
The Annual Undergraduate Research Conference in German Studies
The Major in German
Comprised of eight courses (or fewer, if students demonstrate greater proficiency) beyond Elementary German 101-102. While students are normally required to complete the language sequence up to and including Advanced German (101-102, 111-112, and either 211 or 225), a student who demonstrates an exceptionally high degree of proficiency might be considered for advanced placement and, therefore, exempt from completing the regularly stipulated eight-course minimum needed for the major.
Following completion of the language sequence, majors are required to take five courses on either the 300 and/or 400 level. While up to three of these upper-level seminars may be taken during an approved study-abroad semester in Germany and/or Austria, at least one must be taken in residence during the senior year. The Department highly recommends that students who plan to undertake graduate studies in German pursue work on an honors project during their senior year. The Department also recommends that all majors take at least one course in Comparative Literature (CL 101, 102, 225).
In exceptional cases, courses taken at other approved academic institutions in the United States may be used to satisfy a portion of the requirements for the major in German.
The Minor in German
Comprised of five courses beyond Elementary German 101-102. While students are normally required to complete the language sequence up to and including Advanced German (101-102, 111-112, and either 211 or 225), a student who demonstrates an exceptionally high degree of proficiency might be considered for advanced placement and, therefore, exempt from completing the regularly stipulated five-course minimum needed for the minor. Following completion of the language sequence, minors are required to take at least two courses at the 300 or 400 level.
In exceptional cases, courses taken at other approved academic institutions in the United States may be used to satisfy a portion of the requirements for the minor in German.
Course Requirements in German
Language Courses (GERM 100s & 200s): Students with two or more years of high school German should submit their AP, IB, or SAT II score to the Registrar or take the placement test administered by the Department. First-year students should take the online placement test prior to registration. Continuing students should make an appointment with the Foreign Languages & Literatures Department Head to take the exam prior to registration.
Business German (GERM 225): Business German is required of majors in International Economics and Commerce.
Literature, Culture, and Civilization Courses (GERM 300s): The general prerequisite for courses in this group is German 211, German 225, or equivalent proficiency. Students who perform exceptionally well in German 112 may be admitted with approval of the instructor.
Courses in German
Please see the Lafayette Course Catalog for official descriptions of the German courses and other subjects offered by the Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures.
Please see the Course and Exam Schedule for a current list of courses and times, including special-topics courses not listed in the permanent Course Catalog.
