German Studies, B.A.

German Studies, B.A.

The German Studies major provides students with the opportunity to become proficient in the German language while also becoming knowledgeable about social, historical, and political factors that shape and define German-speaking cultures. The German studies major in particular is interdisciplinary, and it creates connections among a number of disciplines which are cornerstones of the liberal arts tradition. The combination of these courses under a cohesive curriculum allows students to gain proficiency in the German language while also learning to think and reason across disciplinary boundaries. Additionally, the current trend toward globalization means that students must become not only informed citizens and leaders within their own community and country but also in the world at large. By becoming knowledgeable in global political and social processes through German, students will learn to understand complex international relationships and gain an appreciation for different cultures. The German studies major supports students in their developing roles as leaders in their community and the world.

Students pursuing the German Track must complete 27 upper-division credit hours of German courses. All students pursuing the German studies track must complete 18 upper-division credit hours of German courses and 9 upper-division credit hours from at least two of the following disciplines: philosophy, history, political science, fine arts, and theology. Students pursuing a German major (either track) are also required to spend at least six weeks studying German in a German-speaking country. Should a student be unable to study abroad, the department chair, in consultation with the German faculty, may approve a substitute language immersion experience such as a local internship. Options for study abroad include the University’s year-long program in Salzburg, Austria; German-immersion courses in Salzburg during a summer session; and IES German-immersion programs in Freiburg, Vienna, and Berlin.

Both tracks of the German Studies major require at least six weeks of study abroad in a German-speaking country or participation in the University's programs in Salzburg.

Students studying abroad in Salzburg will take the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (ÖSD), an internationally recognized standardized language test at no cost to the student. In addition, students graduating from the University of Portland with a B.A. in German studies are required to take the computerized Oral Proficiency Interview (OPIc) for graduation.  Majors will be contacted to take the exam during the spring semester. The testing of the students’ oral proficiency will give the students national certification of their actual skill level; such certification should provide students and employers with an accurate comparative indicator of a student’s oral competency in the language.  See statement on learning outcomes for language majors for further details on OPIc.

University Requirements - 39 hours

See Core Curriculum

College Requirements - 21-33

See College Requirements BASee statement on learning outcomes for language majors for further details on OPIc.