Minor in German

The minor in German is for students who seek to become proficient in the German language and acquire a good grasp of German cultural life, past and present. The minor’s six-course program of study is simple in structure, requiring a minimum of four courses taught in German above the third-term language level (CAS LG 211), and two additional courses in German language, linguistics, literature, film, or culture taught in German or in English.

Learning Outcomes

• Proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and the understanding of spoken German, at the ACFTL Intermediate Mid level (many students will reach Intermediate High or Advanced Low), and the ability to use these skills in a range of academic and everyday situations.
• Knowledge of German literature and film in several genres, with attention to historical or cultural context.
• The ability to read critically and closely, to interpret texts, and to evaluate arguments about literary and cultural texts and topics.
• The ability to formulate an organized, well-supported argument in writing and to write clearly and persuasively.
• The ability to demonstrate cross-cultural understanding, communication, and adaptability and to make connections across disciplines and areas of study.

Requirements

Prerequisites

• LG 111
• LG 112
• LG 211
• or equivalent proficiency

Required Courses

Six CAS LG courses completed with a grade of C or higher. All required courses are 4 unit hours.

• Four advanced courses taught in German numbered LG 212 or higher. Courses or internships during a Study Abroad program in a German-speaking country may also be counted with approval of your minor advisor.
• Two LG courses in German language, linguistics, literature, film, or culture numbered 220 or higher, taught in German or English.

Students placed higher in the language sequence, according to placement test results, should begin with the appropriate level for them.

With advisor’s approval, students may include up to three equivalent transfer courses from other colleges, universities, or non–Boston University study abroad programs and must take a minimum of three courses on the Charles River Campus.

Placement Examination

A placement test is required of all students whose most recent course in German was taken while in high school or at a college other than Boston University and who wish to continue their study of this language here. Information on testing dates and times is available in the department. Information about online testing is available at the World Languages & Literatures Department website.