German, B.A.

Member of the Division of Humanities

Chair(s):

Daniel Patrick Reynolds

Faculty:

Vance Byrd
Sigmund Barber
Jennifer Michaels

Knowledge of German opens another window on the human scene, making possible an expanded perspective not available to those whose powers of comprehension and expression are confined to a single language. Students taking German develop an awareness of other modes of thinking about and interpreting human experience. Whether through the acquisition of a second language or the immersion in a new culture, students of German increase their sensitivity to their own linguistic and cultural practices, habits, and assumptions. Encounters with the cultures of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland help students develop a critical understanding of Western civilization. In a liberal arts setting, the study of German can be its own reward, while also leading students to a greater appreciation of the arts, the sciences, politics, and the past. German is valuable for students contemplating graduate study in numerous fields, planning careers in government service, joining businesses engaged in international trade, communicating with activists committed to global change, or embarking on a lifelong journey of continued intellectual, cultural, and personal enrichment.

Technology is integral to work in all courses in the Department of German. Films, recordings, and digital media supplement class instruction at all levels. A weekly dinner meeting at the German Table provides opportunity for students and faculty to speak German in an informal setting. A departmental assistant who is native to a German-speaking country acts as an informal resource person and tutor. A German writer is in residence for half of spring semester.

The 100-level courses introduce students to the language and contemporary culture, the 200-level courses further develop reading and speaking skills through analysis and discussion of modern German texts, and the 300-level courses cover the development of German culture from its beginnings to recent times.

Independent study is encouraged for those who wish to pursue intensive study of individual authors or special topics. Qualified students have the option of doing some reading in German to supplement designated German courses.

Students majoring in German should broaden their understanding of literature, film, theatre, and other modes of cultural expression by taking courses in other languages and literatures, as well as in fine arts and social studies. German courses completed in approved off-campus programs are counted toward the major in German at Grinnell.

Two tracks are offered. Proficiency in the German language is fundamental to both. For both tracks, we strongly encourage students to study for at least a semester in a German-speaking culture.

1. The German Literature and Culture track has as its focus the study and analysis of German literary and other cultural texts. A minimum of 32 credits. At least 20 credits from 300-level (or higher) German courses, 14 credits of which must be taken within the Department of German at Grinnell. Required are    GRM 302 , GRM 303 , GRM 372  (for 2 credits), and GRM 495 . Related courses in humanities and social studies and a reading knowledge of a second foreign language are strongly recommended. Courses numbered GRM 101 , GRM 102 , GRM 121 , and GRM 212  do not count toward the major. With permission, up to 8 of the 32 credits may be taken in related studies outside the department.
2. The German Studies track allows students to pursue interdisciplinary interests in German by doing coursework outside the Department of German. A minimum of 32 credits. Required are German GRM 302 , GRM 303 , and GRM 495 . At least 12 credits from approved courses at the 200 level or above in departments outside the Department of German are required. Courses numbered GRM 101 , GRM 102 , GRM 121 , and GRM 212  do not count toward the major.