German Studies Minor
This program is on Administrative hold as of Fall 2024. No new students may enroll at this time.
This minor provides students with an active command of written and spoken German and with a knowledge of historical and contemporary Germany. It is designed to complement programs such as Film Studies, Management, English, History, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Music, and Education. German minors may elect to study in Germany or Austria during their junior year through the Marburg University, the University of Maine's Junior Year in Salzburg, the Collegium Palatinum in Heidelberg, or other approved programs. Students planning to study abroad must consult with the Global Education Office and German faculty before departure to arrange for program approval and transfer of credit.
New students who have had no prior German should register for IHGER-101 Elementary German I. Students with one or two years of successful high school study or one college semester should register for IHGER-102 . Students with three or more high school years or two college semesters should register for IHGER-201 Intermediate German I. Consult German faculty to find the most appropriate level.
This program is on Administrative hold as of Fall 2024. No new students may enroll at this time.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Requirements (20 credits) | ||
| Select three of the following, according to the student's level of German knowledge: | 12 | |
| Elementary German I | ||
| Intermediate German I | ||
| Intermediate German II | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select a minimum of 8 credits of the following electives from at least two different subjects: (at least one course must be at the 300-level or higher) | 8 | |
| German | ||
| Intermediate German II | ||
| Intermediate Special Topics | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| English | ||
| Literature of the Holocaust | ||
| Film | ||
| Intro to Film Analysis | ||
| Intro Film History | ||
| Topics & Genres 1 | ||
| History | ||
| Weimar and the Rise of Hitler | ||
| Imperial Germany | ||
| World War I | ||
| Nazi Germany & Holocaust | ||
| Holocaust and Genocide Studies | ||
| Literature of the Holocaust | ||
| The Holocaust | ||
| Film & the Holocaust | ||
| Nazi Germany & Holocaust | ||
| Total Credits | 20 | |
- 1
Can be substituted if it contains substantial German cultural or historical material (as determined by the chair of Modern Languages and Cultures)
Students placing higher than Elementary German 1 or 2 will substitute these courses with other IHGER or GER courses in the list of electives.
Students may have one course from their major count for one of the electives, if appropriately related to German Studies. The chair of Modern Languages and Cultures will make this determination.
This program is on Administrative hold as of Fall 2024. No new students may enroll at this time.
Upon completion of the German Minor, students will:
- Learn how to read, write, listen, and speak in German beginning in German 101 (IHGer101), and these skills diversify and deepen throughout the program, currently through the intermediate level of language proficiency. Students also begin to learn informal and formal ways of addressing people, which includes the workplace and the education system in Germany. Students learn about German-speaking artists of various fields (e.g., music, painting, literature, filmmaking) and this is often the way they also learn about diversity in German culture. For instance, many refugees and immigrants from various countries have chosen Germany as their new home, and students learn about current multicultural issues in Germany through studying prominent immigrant artists.
- Demonstrate knowledge of diversity and global issues through the lens of studying German language and cultures. This not only reflects the courses that are part of ISP, but also the entire program.
- Address the first three of the college-wide learning outcomes: critical thinking, creative inquiry, and intercultural competence. One cannot have intercultural competency without knowing the language of the culture they are trying to understand. Language and intersectionality of culture and social location are central aspects of understanding Germany, and German-U.S. relationships in commerce and foreign relations. With Germany host to a variety of cultures in the 21st century, it is not simply another similar western country in comparison to the United States, but one that is strengthened by its multiculturalism and inclusion of people from various underdeveloped as well as war-torn countries.
- Learn critical thinking throughout the program, from IHGER 101 introducing them to the language through reading texts, watching videos and films, and speaking practice, to more advanced levels, where students can apply critical thinking to analyze language in literary and theoretical works. To reach the outcome of language proficiency at an advanced level, a major would be needed, which the College no longer offers. However, students could potentially transfer to the German program at the University of New Hampshire to complete the major and build language proficiency beyond the intermediate level. Students may also study abroad in Germany or Austria.
- Use creative inquiry and engage in research and creative work in the German program. With more of an interdisciplinary focus, as is proposed here, students could, for instance, combine their skills and learning of film production to a German topic. Students also have opportunities as early as the elementary levels of the German language to engage in research and projects related to their major or interests.