German Studies prepares you to be a global citizen. Language is central to learning, communication, communities, and cultures. In interdisciplinary courses, you will study literature, film, art, music, history, politics, performance, and new media. Through our active, student-centered classes, you will develop the skills to speak, read, and write in German, while also growing your capacity for critical and creative thinking, oral and written communication skills, digital literacy, and intercultural competence. We encourage students to explore their interests through exciting combinations with second majors and minors - your major in German Studies opens unique opportunities for you in education, business, politics, STEM fields, non-governmental organizations, and the arts. UMD German Studies offers short and long-term study abroad opportunities in Potsdam/Berlin and Passau, small class sizes, committed advisors, individualized attention, and dynamic faculty.
Placement Information
The table below provides you with suggested courses based on your language background. If you have any additional questions concerning what course you should take, please contact a German instructor for more information.
Enrolling in the right course
| Take this.. | If you've.. |
|---|---|
| Beginning German I (Ger 1101, Fall Semester only) | never before studied German, or taken one year of a German language course in high school |
| Beginning German II (Ger 1102, Spring Semester only) | taken two years of recent high school German language courses |
| Intermediate German I (Ger 1201, Fall Semester only) | taken three years of high school German language courses |
| Intermediate German II (Ger 1202, Spring Semester only) | taken 4 years of high school German language courses |
| Ger 3xxx | taken 5 years of high school German language courses (instructor permission required) |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate, at a minimum, the Intermediate level of proficiency in speaking the target language (as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).
- Students will analyze relevant topics in spoken form in the target language.
- Students will analyze relevant topics in written form in the target language.
- Students will interpret the practices, products, and perspectives of cultures using the target language.
- Students will demonstrate cultural competence through investigation of the target culture.
- Students will demonstrate advanced written communication and information literacy skills.