Teaching of German

Overview

Majors in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures are urged to consult the departmental undergraduate advisor by the second semester of their junior year for information pertaining to senior honors work and honors awards in the department. Majors whose university grade point average is 3.5 or higher should enroll in German 491, " Honors Senior Thesis," for a total of four hours of credit in their last year of study. These hours are not to be included in the total number of hours necessary for fulfilling the minimum departmental major requirements. Teaching of German students at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign may be awarded departmental distinction if the prescribed honors work is successfully completed. This can be done for "Highest Distinction" by students with at least a 3.67 university average and a 4.0 average in departmental courses who write a thesis of superior quality; for "High Distinction" by students with at least a 3.5 university average and a 3.67 average in departmental courses who write a distinguished thesis; or for "Distinction" by students with at least a 3.3 university average and a 3.5 average in departmental courses who write a paper of merit. Final determination of the merit of the thesis will be made by a committee of three faculty members appointed for each student.

Culture and Literature Concentration

Multidisciplinary approaches to the study of German, emphasizing a balanced knowledge of German language, literature, and culture, as well as exposure to contemporary politics and social issues in broader European and global contexts. Requirements include a minimum of 10 GER courses.

Business and Commercial Studies Concentration

Focus on the language and customs of the business world in German-speaking countries, together with study of international affairs and commerce, especially trade with Europe. Requirements include a minimum of 10 GER courses. 

Linguistics Concentration

Focus on the structure, development, and diversity of the Germanic languages, plus the flexibility to complement language study with a mixture of culture courses of the student's choice. Requirements include a minimum of 11 GER and SCAN courses.

For All Major Options:

• Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on-campus in Urbana-Champaign.

• All foreign language requirements must be satisfied.

• A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours). Please see the undergraduate advisor.