To major or minor in German, a student must first complete courses through the intermediate level (German 2020). Students who have a score of 620 on the CEEB German Achievement Test or the University’s German Placement Test or a 5 on the College Board German Advanced Placement exam may also commence work toward the major.
A German Studies Major consists of 30 credits (usually 10 courses) beyond GERM 2020. German Studies: GETR 3330, Introduction to German Studies (Pre-Req.); five (5) courses must have German as the language of instruction, three of which should include: GERM 3000 (Grammar Review), GERM 3010 (Texts and Interpretations), and either GERM 3110 or 3120 or an approved substitution. Students may be exempted from GERM 3000 based on their scores on the German Placement Exam." Additionally, German Studies majors will devise in consultation with their German Department advisor and, where necessary, an advisor from outside the German Department an individualized program that includes two relevant courses in a specific area of concentration (e.g. history, philosophy, politics, or art history) and three additional courses from departmental offerings (GETR or GERM) or from approved courses offered by the Departments of History, Media Studies, Drama, Art History, Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, Music, Religious Studies, Anthropology, and the School of Architecture. It is strongly recommended that all students take at least one course in modern German history. Up to 12 credits may be transferred from other institutions in the USA or abroad (prior approval required).
A German Literature Major consists of 30 credits (usually 10 courses) in German at the 3000 level or above, including GETR 3330, Introduction to German Studies, GERM 3010, 3110 or 3120, 4600, and at least one additional German literature course. GERMAN PROFICIENCY EXAM REQUIRED FOR EXEMPTION FROM GERM 3000, GRAMMAR REVIEW. Enrollment in any 5000-level course requires the instructor's permission. Beyond GETR 3330, one additional GETR/YITR course may be taken toward the major. Up to 12 credits may be transferred from other institutions (prior approval required).
A German Minor consists of 18 semester hours (usually 6 courses) in German at the 3000-level or above, including GERM 3000 (Intensive Grammar) and GERM 3010 (Introduction to Literature). One GETR/YITR course and one independent study may be counted toward the minor. Up to nine credits may be transferred from other from other institutions in the USA or abroad (prior approval required).
The DMP program is available both to German BA/German Literature and Interdisciplinary-German Studies BA students presenting an overall GPA of 3.400 and a letter of recommendation from a department faculty member. The honors thesis is to be submitted by April 25. For requirements, see the German Department’s Director of Undergraduate Programs.
The Department strongly encourages its students to spend a summer, semester or full academic year in Germany, Switzerland or Austria. Students can choose from a number of exchange programs available through accredited colleges and universities around the country. The student must check with the DUP for approval before applying to these programs.
Earn 3 credits in 2 weeks in Berlin (January). The J-Term course provides a unique opportunity to experience and learn about the central place Berlin occupies in the European past, present, and future. For more info. contact Gordon Stewart at: gstewart@virginia.edu.
The German House. The Department currently maintains a German House in which twelve undergraduates reside, as well as a native German graduate student. Being a part of University housing at UVA, the German House is located near the campus on Brandon Avenue and is often a meeting place for undergraduates, graduates and faculty of the Department.
Every spring semester, the German Department stages a play that is directed by a graduate student who is assisted by an undergraduate student. The play (GERM 3220) carries 3 credit hours and is usually performed at the end of April. It is sponsored by the Max Kade Foundation and has attracted huge crowds in recent years.