German, BA BA
German is the third most studied foreign language in the world, and, at 51ÁÔÆæ, we offer more than just instruction in language. In addition to German fluency, students learn how to apply that fluency by studying German culture, literature, customs, and history.
Wisconsin has a strong German heritage and many students find it both professionally useful and personally satisfying to explore the State's German influences. Many may come into college having already taken German in high school. Students can take a placement test to determine their starting course and may be able to earn retroactive credits if they place above the level of ³Ò·¡¸é²Ñ´¡±·Ìý101.
Fluency in German can provide a career advantage in all types of industries where Germany and other German-speaking countries are leaders: finance, marketing, manufacturing, politics, government work, electronics and technology, chemical and biochemical, environmental science, and architecture. At 51ÁÔÆæ, language students receive an education in not just language fluency but also in the culture surrounding that language. Context matters in communication, and we believe it is important for students to understand the history, literature, and customs of native speakers of German in order to successfully apply their fluency.
Students are encouraged to participate in 51ÁÔÆæ's well-established  program. Destinations are available in more than 70 sites around the world and vary in length from a few week immersion, to semester-long, to even a full year. Because of the complexities of planning a study abroad experience, students are encouraged to start planning early in sophomore year. Most students engage in study abroad during the second half of sophomore year or during their junior year.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Return on Your Investment
A college degree can lead to increased job satisfaction and a higher salary. College graduates even report higher levels of happiness and better health.
Stand out
By 2020, 35 percent of job openings will require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Get a job
More than 1,700 employers recruit at 51ÁÔÆæ.
Earn more
Nationally, college graduates earn 56 percent more than high school graduates.
Join the state’s largest alumni network
Seventy-four percent of 51ÁÔÆæ alumni live, work, hire and inspire right here in Wisconsin.
Major Requirements
All majors are required to take an advanced language proficiency exam, normally during the semester in which they complete 24 credits in the major. The College of Letters & Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at 51ÁÔÆæ. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.
Majors must register with the program at the beginning of their candidacy.
The major requires a minimum of 30 credits. At least 18 of the 30 credits must be at the 300 level and above and taken in residence at 51ÁÔÆæ. No more than 18 credits will be accepted from study abroad.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| Fourth-Semester German | 3 | |
| German Grammar in Practice | 3 | |
| Presentation and Composition | 3 | |
| Texts and Contexts | 3 | |
| Introduction to German Studies | 3 | |
| Select 1 course fulfilling the research requirement | 3 | |
| Select 6 credits from courses taught in the German program numbered between 470 and 488 | 6 | |
| Select 6 credits from courses in German at the 300-level and above; OR 3 credits from courses in German at the 300-level and above and 3 credits from pre-approved electives listed below | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Research Experience
The College of Letters & Science requires students to complete a research experience in their major. Students fulfill this requirement in the context of the following courses. Depending on the course chosen, the research course can also count for the requirement for a 300-level and above course or for a course numbered between 470 and 488, but cannot count for both. Â
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| German Phonetics | 3 | |
| German for Professional Purposes | 3 | |
| Seminar on the History and Structure of German | 3 | |
| Reading Older German Handwriting | 3 | |
| Seminar on German Studies: | 3 | |
| Seminar on Themes and Motifs in German Literature: | 3 |
Pre-Approved Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| History of Film I: Development of an Art | 3 | |
| History of Film II: Development of an Art | 3 | |
| Rococo to Revolution: European Art, 1750-1850 | 3 | |
| Modernism and the Avant-Garde, 1900-1960 | 3 | |
| German Painting, 1800-1933 | 3 | |
| Dada and Surrealist Art | 3 | |
| History of Film I: Development of an Art | 3 | |
| History of Film II: Development of an Art | 3 | |
| Europe: East and West | 3 | |
| German Life and Civilization: Part I | 3 | |
| German Life and Civilization: Part II: | 3 | |
| Views of Germany: | 3 | |
| The History of Medieval Europe: The Early Middle Ages | 3 | |
| The History of Medieval Europe: The High Middle Ages | 3 | |
| Women and Gender in Europe: 1350 to 1750 | 3 | |
| The First World War | 3 | |
| The Second World War in Europe | 3 | |
| Germany: Hitler and the Nazi Dictatorship | 3 | |
| The Holocaust: Anti-Semitism & the Fate of Jewish People in Europe, 1933-45 | 3 | |
| Topics in European History: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Jewish History | 3 | |
| Representing the Holocaust in Words and Images | 3 | |
| General History of Western Music I | 3 | |
| General History of Western Music II | 3 | |
| German and French Lyric Diction | 1 | |
| Music of the Baroque Era | 3 | |
| Music of the Classic Era | 3 | |
| Music of the Romantic Era | 3 | |
| Music since 1900 | 3 | |
| Song Literature I: Italy, Germany, France, Great Britain | 2 | |
| Existentialism | 3 | |
| Phenomenology | 3 | |
| Modern Political Thought | 3 |
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at 51ÁÔÆæ, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.Â
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.Â
Currently enrolled students should use the  to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.