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Programs of Study

Major Program
For a major in German literature and culture, a minimum of eight courses is required. Normally these eight courses include five 400-level courses (including a senior seminar) and three 300-level courses. Exceptions require the permission of the department chair. University regulations require that a student maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the courses comprising the major or minor program.

Honors
Students with an average of 3.3 in courses included in the major and with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 are eligible for honors in German. Students who have attained that average may declare their intentions to pursue honors in the spring of the junior year or, at the latest, the fall of the senior year. Each candidate must complete a thesis or its equivalent under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Research on this project begins in the fall semester of the senior year.

In the spring semester candidates register for GERM 490. This course must be taken in addition to the minimum of eight courses required for the major. The quality of the project resulting from this course, as judged by the adviser and one other faculty member, determines whether the student receives honors or a grade in GERM 491, independent study.

High Honors
Successful honors students whose departmental average is 3.7 or higher are eligible for high honors. For this distinction students must pass an examination on the project and a comprehensive examination in German language/literature studies.

Acceptance in Delta Phi Alpha (National German Honor Society) is possible for all students who have at least two years of college German, a minimum average of 3.3 in all German courses, and an overall GPA of 3.0, and who show a continued interest in the study of German language and literature.