German Language and Culture Major

Total units 48 Units

Major code GERM-MAJ

Academic career Undergraduate

The German Language & Culture Major is aimed at students developing a high level of competence in the German language as well as a critical understanding of the German-speaking cultures. Students can choose from courses in German language, linguistics, literature, society and film. The exact sequence of courses depends on the student’s language proficiency when beginning with the major. Students are encouraged to study abroad and take advantage of exchange agreements with partner universities in Germany and Austria. Some scholarships are available.

German is the most commonly spoken first language in the European Union, being spoken by about 100 million people in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. With a rich literary and philosophical heritage, German is a language of culture, science, technology, trade and international relations. This role has increased since Germany's reunification which is reflected in Berlin having become a centre of global youth culture (“Berlin ist cool!”).

Language level placement tests are held prior to commencement.

Students commencing at introductory level follow a different pathway to complete the major.

Students are advised to check prerequisites carefully and plan their major accordingly.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Due to structural changes in the undergraduate program rules in 2012, the courses that make up the new 2012 majors may be different to the pre-2012 majors, and therefore some courses cannot be counted between majors. Students are advised to contact the CASS Student Office if they are unsure about their Majors.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion, students will have a range of language enabling them to express viewpoints and develop arguments without much searching for words, using some complex sentence forms to do so. Students who begin the German Language & Culture Major without prior knowledge in the language can expect to achieve approximately the B2 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Students with previous knowledge can expect to achieve approximately a C1 level or higher.
Students will be able to express themselves confidently, clearly and politely in a formal or informal register, appropriate to the situation and person(s) concerned.
Appropriate for the language level, students can use the language for academic purposes, e.g. essay writing with referencing and class presentations.
Through language, students will be able to demonstrate intercultural awareness and communicative ability.
Students will be able to read literary texts and understand German films in the context of German-speaking cultures and will be able to analyse and critique them.
Students will have an understanding of modern history of the German-speaking countries and will be able to relate this knowledge to their own cultural background.
Students will be able to conduct a research project on a topic related to the German language and associated cultures and to write a report on their project.