Central to the success of our program are the many opportunities open to our majors for experience abroad in the German-speaking nations of Europe. In addition, the department has funds for our majors to enable them to travel to Europe for research related to the junior and senior independent work. The program in German literature focuses on the major periods and forms of German literature. The German cultural studies program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the understanding of modern Germany through a combination of literary, cultural, historical, political, philosophical, and economic perspectives. The study of two literatures allows students to develop a focused comparative program, and the program in German linguistics concentrates on the history and structure of the German language.
Students design their own programs in consultation with the departmental representative.
These programs often include independent work that draws on faculty from other departments. The linguistic and cultural skills gained here are particularly suited to further study and work in international law and business.