2023-24 Edition

German Studies, Minor

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 101GERMAN 105  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 , GERMAN 120 .

Additional courses (GERMAN 150GERMAN 160GERMAN 170 , EURO ST 9, EURO ST 10, EURO ST S10, EURO ST 11, EURO ST S11, EURO ST 12, EURO ST 13, EURO ST 101A, EURO ST 101B, 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 counseling office, for assistance in determining which UCI course to take.

A. Select four of the following:
Topics in Introduction to German Literature and Culture
Topics in German Culture and Society
Topics in German Film
Topics in German Linguistics
German for Professions
Topics in Advanced German for Business and Economics
Topics in 20th Century German Literature and Culture
B. Select three of the following:
Topics in Introduction to German Literature and Culture
Topics in German Culture and Society
Topics in German Film
Topics in German Linguistics
German for Professions
Topics in Advanced German for Business and Economics
Topics in 20th Century German Literature and Culture
German Literature and Culture in Translation
German Cinema
Topics in German Linguistics
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)
European Studies Core I - Early Europe (Pre-1789)
European Studies Core II: Modern Europe (Post-1789)
Introduction to Linguistics
Comparative Literature 1
German history 1
German philosophy 1
German political science 1

Residence Requirement for the Minor: Four upper-division courses required for the minor must be completed successfully at UCI. By petition, two of the four may be taken through the UC Education Abroad Program, provided that course content is approved in advance by the German Undergraduate Director and the Humanities Office of Undergraduate Study.