German Major
The study of languages, literatures, and cultures is central to a liberal arts education and one of the key disciplines in the humanities. Since the emergence of Jesuit education in the sixteenth century, the studia humanitatis have been at its heart. Like all humanities majors, German challenges students to address pressing and enduring questions about the human condition. In reflecting on the nature and scope of the human itself, humanities majors develop skills and dispositions that remain vital at all stages of their professional and personal lives and result in a fulfilling life. Humanities majors learn how to: ask insightful questions, think flexibly, and develop comfort with diverse approaches to new problems; conduct, synthesize, and interpret research; and communicate effectively.
German majors develop a deep knowledge of language and culture, and leverage that knowledge to gain insight into historical, social and political issues. The study of German at Xavier prepares students for interdisciplinary and problem-based inquiry that spans many professions. Students are therefore encouraged to combine a modern language major with a second major or a related minor and to peak with faculty advisors about opportunities to incorporate study abroad into their program of study. Majors go on to use their skills in the corporate world, STEM fields, diplomacy, arts and culture, and many other arenas. Undergraduates who wish to be licensed as teachers are advised to consult with the department education coordinator and with the School of Education regarding specific requirements for language teacher licensure
To major in German students may count up to two approved courses taught in English as German electives. This allows students to study more advanced questions in history, culture, and other areas while still completing language acquisition sequences. For more information about approval of coursed in English, speak with the German Program Coordinator.
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in German. Students are encouraged to pursue a second major or a minor.
The block schedule incorporates the New Core Curriculum requirements and is just one example of how to structure courses for a German major. You should see your German advisor each semester to work out the schedule that best suits your needs and interests.
Freshman Year
| First Semester | Semester Hours | Second Semester | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERMAN 201 Intermediate German I |
3 | GERMAN 202 Intermediate German II |
3 |
| CORE 100 First Year Seminar |
3 | HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES | 3 |
| CREATIVE PERSPECTIVES | 3 | SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES | 3 |
| THEOLOGY 111 Ignatian Imagination |
3 | PHILOSOPHY 100 Ethics as Intro to Philosophy |
3 |
| ENGLISH 101 or 115 English Composition or Rhetoric |
3 | MATHEMATICAL PERSPECTIVES | 3 |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 |
Sophomore Year
| First Semester | Semester Hours | Second Semester | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERMAN 300 level course |
3 | GERMAN Major Elective |
3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCE Elective |
3 | ORAL COMMUNICATION FLAG Elective |
3 |
| THEOLOGY Elective |
3 | PHILOSOPHY Elective |
3 |
| HUMANITIES Elective |
3 | GERMAN 205 or CLAS/ENGL/FRENCH/SPAN 205 Literature and the Moral Imagination |
3 |
| GENERAL Elective |
3 | GENERAL Elective |
3 |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 |
Junior Year
| First Semester | Semester Hours | Second Semester | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERMAN Major Electives |
6 | GERMAN Major Electives |
6 |
| QUANTITATIVE FLAG Elective |
3 | DIVERSITY FLAG Elective |
3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE Elective |
3 | WRITING FLAG Elective |
3 |
| GENERAL Elective |
3 | E/RandS Focus Elective |
3 |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 |
Senior Year
| First Semester | Semester Hours | Second Semester | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERMAN Major Electives |
6 | GERMAN Major Elective |
3 |
| GENERAL Electives |
9 | GENERAL Electives |
12 |
| GERMAN Senior Project |
1 | ||
| Total | 15 | Total | 16 |
A minimum of 121 hours is required for the degree.