BA in German Studies
Naperville, USA
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in German Studies at North Central College builds German language skills and explores cultures of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland while developing high language proficiency. You can take interdisciplinary humanities courses, study abroad (May Term in Berlin or Erfurt), join language roundtables, pursue Richter Grant research, or add an ELL minor.
Career Outcomes: Internships via North Central's Office of Career Development provide experience. Career paths include international business; banking; marketing; U.S. government and foreign affairs; communications; law; hotel management; cultural program director; travel guide; translator; teacher, plus roles like interpreter, ESL instructor, cultural consultant, or study abroad coordinator, international development.
Why pursue a German Studies degree from North Central College?
As a German Studies major, you have the opportunity to pursue your interest in the study of the cultures of German-speaking countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, while maintaining a high level of proficiency in the language. The study of German cultures has a number of obvious connections to other disciplines. You will choose from courses in arts, communications, English, history, philosophy, political science, and religion- additional courses can be requested to meet any of your interests.
You can also:
- Travel to Austria or Germany as part of the study abroad or spend your May Term in Berlin or Erfurt
- Participate in language roundtables to boost your language skills
- Qualify for induction into Delta Phi Alpha, the German honor society, or Phi Sigma Iota, open to students who study more than one language
- Conduct independent research with your professor or apply for a Richter Grant enabling research travel
- Participate in the College Scholar Honors Program
- Earn an English language learning (ELL) minor if you plan to teach abroad after college or be an ESL teacher in Illinois
Major Requirements
A major in German Studies (GRST) consists of at least 33 credit hours, including:
24 credit hours taught in German (GRMN)
- GRST 480 - German Studies Capstone
German Studies Electives
Seven credit hours from the following:
- GRST 240 - Dictators, Terrorists, and Hooligans: Sport in Germany and Europe
- GRST 360 - War, Revolution, and Chaos: Germany and Two World Wars
- GRST 364 - Castles, Cathedrals and Culture I: German History and Identity
- GRST 365 - Castles, Cathedrals and Culture II: German History and Identity
- GRST 380 - Vampires, Seductresses, Villains, and Misfits: German Film and the Individual
Note:
Up to four credit hours from the following electives may be substituted for any of the above electives:
- ARTH 100 - World Histories I
- ARTH 102 - World Histories II
- ARTH 302 - Modern Art
- COMM 317 - Intercultural Communication
- HIST 256 - Renaissance and Reformation Europe
- HIST 258 - Early Modern Europe
- HIST 285 - Twentieth-Century Europe: Hitler Versus Stalin
- PHIL 265 - Modern Philosophy
- PHIL 270 - Aesthetics
- PHIL 370 - 20th Century Philosophy
With approval, the following courses may also serve as electives:
GLST courses focusing on German Studies
- POLS 300 - Great Decisions in International Politics
- POLS 321 Model United Nations
*Students may not complete both the German major and the German Studies major.
Additional Requirements for the BA Degree
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language.
Internship Experience:
Our internships will provide you with experience pertaining to specific job cultures, practices, and challenges in your field of interest. North Central's Office of Career Development can assist you in crafting an internship that best meets your needs.
Careers:
- International Business
- International Banking
- International Marketing
- U.S. Government and Foreign Affairs
- Communication Specialists
- Lawyers
- Hotel Managers
- Directors of Cultural Studies Program
- Travel guides
- Translators
- Teachers
