Language Programs: German
The German Program in the Department of Modern Languages offers a German certificate. A regular rotation of courses are offered on the WKU Main Campus in Bowling Green. Many students of German also develop their proficiency by studying abroad. German can be combined with almost any other major to help increase your career opportunities.
German is spoken by over 100 million people worldwide. German is the language of culture and music. Goethe, Kafka, Mozart, Bach and Beethoven all spoke German. Germany is important politically. It lies at the heart of the European Union, on an axis between Paris and Warsaw, Stockholm and Rome. Today it is known for its innovative engineering, and its support for renewable energy and sustainable technologies. Product names like Nivea, Ritter Sport, Krups, Braun, Miele, Porsche and Volkswagen are familiar to many Americans. German companies are building more and more manufacturing facilities in Kentucky. And Kentucky seeks to learn from Germany's "dual system" of education, as a press release from the Governor's office in March 2014 indicated.
GERM 101 German I: Fundamental Communication
GERM 102 German II: Social Communication
GERM 201 German III: Cultural Communication
GERM 202 The German-Speaking Lands
GERM 306 Experiencing German Abroad
GERM 314 Introduction to German Literature
GERM 330 German Composition and Conversation
GERM 331 Business German
GERM 332 Advanced German Translation
GERM 333 German Civilization and Culture
GERM 335 Contemporary Culture and Civilization
GERM 389 Internship in German
GERM 430 Advanced German Stylistics
GERM 435 German Literature of the 19th and 20th Centuries
GERM 436 German Literature of the Classical Period
GERM 437 German Literature and Film
GERM 455 Topics in Germanic Literary and Cultural Studies
GERM 499 Advanced Studies in German
21 semester hours are required for the German Studies certificate (reference 1756). 12 credit hours of core courses develop basic German language proficiency and cultural expertise, and 9 credit hours of electives provide students the flexibility to tailor the certificate to support their professional interests. Some of the required course work may be accomplished through approved methods for demonstration of previous knowledge. Study abroad is encouraged. Students must earn a C or better in courses for the certificate.
Required core courses:
GERM 101 (3 hours)
GERM 102 (3 hours)
GERM 201 (3 hours)
GERM 202 (3 hours)
Total credit hours in required core courses: 12
Elective courses:
GEOG 364
HIST 335
HIST 425
PHIL 346
PS 361
PS 369
or
German courses at the 300 and 400 level
Total credit hours required in elective courses: 9
Total required hours: 21
The German Club meets several times each semester for movies, German food potlucks, parties, and field trips. Club members sometimes attend cultural events related to Germany, make a banner for Homecoming, and compete in the annual Christmas Tree decorating contest sponsored by the Kentucky Museum. Joining the club is a great way to find friends with similar interests while continuing to learn about German language and culture. Contact German Club Advisor professor Tim Straubel for more information.
Would you like to know more about studying German at WKU? Professor Laura McGee is the German Program Coordinator. Contact her for questions about placement, departmental exams, majoring or minoring, prestigious scholarships, and study abroad opportunities.
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