German Studies, B.A.
The German Studies program emphasizes the humanistic endeavor of understanding and evaluating culture. Courses are focused on language, literature, and film in context, that is, within the historical, social, philosophical, linguistic, intellectual, and political circumstances of their production and continuing reception. Courses on German-language literature, film, and culture offer a variety of critical perspectives from historical, social, or politically engaged readings to feminist analysis and cultural studies. Topics range from authors, periods, and genres to the history of German-language literature and film, philosophy, theory and criticism, European cultural relations, and cultural artifacts in a globalized social and political context.
The German Studies major can be combined as a double major with any other UCI course of study, and the minor may be taken in tandem with any UCI major.
Courses in the program are taught in German to the extent compatible with the aim of the course. In the lower-division language courses, students develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through an engaging, collaborative, task-based curriculum. The courses place a great deal of emphasis on meaningful cultural literacy in German, employing a diverse range of authentic texts and materials from the beginning. During the second year (intermediate), students benefit from a curriculum based on authentic literary and cultural content (theatre, media) and simulation of “real world” situations. These courses have the additional goal of contributing to students’ education in the humanities and developing their skills in critical thinking.
After completion of the intermediate level, students enroll in the GERMAN 101–GERMAN 103 series, which emphasizes advanced reading, writing, and speaking skills while providing an introduction to a variety of German topics and texts in literature, culture, film, linguistics, and business. These courses are taken either in preparation for, or concurrently with GERMAN 115.
Additional courses (GERMAN 150, GERMAN 160, EURO ST 9, EURO ST 10, EURO ST S10, EURO ST 11, EURO ST S11, EURO ST 12, EURO ST 13, EURO ST 100A, EURO ST 100B, EURO ST 100C, EURO ST 150, LSCI 3) are taught in English for both German Studies students and those who do not speak the language, and cover topics in German-language literature and culture, literary theory, philosophy, linguistics, and criticism in periods ranging historically from the Reformation to the present, as well as German-language cinema and linguistics.
Students are encouraged to participate in work- and study-abroad programs in German-speaking countries. The Department recommends the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) in Berlin where students may enroll at any of the city universities (Free University, Humboldt University, Berlin Technical University) and take courses at others as desirable. UCEAP students complete an advanced language program before enrolling in university courses.
German placement tests are recommended for students who have successfully completed foreign language classes in high school or elsewhere. To obtain information about the German placement test, contact the UCI Academic Testing Office at 949-824-6207. Students with college-level course work should present their transcript to their academic advising office, for assistance in determining which UCI course to take.
All students must meet the University Requirements.
All students must meet the School Requirements.
Major Requirements
| A. Select six of the following: | |
| Topics in Introduction to German Literature and Culture | |
| Topics in German Culture and Society | |
| Topics in German Film | |
| Topics in Advanced German for Business and Economics | |
| German Internship | |
| B. Select six additional courses chosen from Section A and below: 1 | |
| German Literature and Culture in Translation | |
| German Cinema | |
| Topics in Europe in the Middle Ages | |
| Topics in Historical Foundations (1500-1800) | |
| Historical Foundations: Europe and the Foundations of the Modern World | |
| Issues and Institutions in Modern Europe (1789-1945) | |
| Europe's Futures: 1755-Present | |
| What is the Origin of Language? | |
| Topics in Contemporary Europe (1945 – Today) | |
| Topics in European Literatures and Visual Cultures | |
| Topics in European Identities: Race, Nation, Religion, Migration | |
| Topics in European Thought, Culture, and Society | |
| Topics in European Culture and Society | |
| Introduction to Linguistics | |
| Comparative Literature 2 | |
| German history 2 | |
| German philosophy 2 | |
| German political science 2 | |
- 1
GERMAN 150, GERMAN 160 are variable topics courses and may be repeated for credit as topics vary; one of which can be taken in satisfaction of the upper-division writing requirement.
- 2
Must be approved by the advisor for the major.
Residence Requirements for the Major: Five upper-division courses must be taken in residence at UCI for the major. However, if a student participates in the Education Abroad Program, two of those can be taken abroad, pending approval from the department.
The ability to speak and write German can open up opportunities in communications, international business and banking, transportation, government, science and technology, tourism, library services, and teaching, as well as in social justice and non-governmental organization (NGO) work. Because German plays an important role in modern technology, employers in international law, business, the film industry, the airline and travel industry, journalism, professional translating, and all levels of education increasingly seek students with a knowledge of German. German is excellent preparation for professional schools. It can be combined successfully with work in the natural sciences, business and management, and computer sciences, and it is invaluable for advanced work in the humanities and the arts.