Why study German Studies?

German is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the language, culture, history, politics and literature of Germany and other German-speaking countries, as well as their influence on other cultures in Europe and beyond. The Department of German Studies at UC specializes in contemporary Germany, which boasts one of the world's most powerful economies and holds a central leadership role within the European Union. We believe, however, that today's Germany cannot be understood without reference to German history. Therefore, we offer courses that range from the Middle Ages to the 21st century and deal with a wide variety of topics and texts. We also place a great deal of emphasis on the impact that German culture has had on Cincinnati and consider German-American studies to be a vital component of our program.

Through academic course work, participation in study-abroad programs and interaction with outstanding faculty and visiting lecturers from around the world, German majors and minors have the opportunity to broaden their horizons and develop skills that will enrich their lives and enable them to contribute to greater global awareness when they assume roles in careers and society.

Major Maps

• Guide: German Studies Minor Curriculum Guide

Advising

The Department of German Studies takes advising seriously. Our undergraduate director, Professor Kelley-Thierman, is available to speak to all students interested in German language instruction, in a German major, or in a German minor. In addition, students are invited to meet with any of our faculty members, all of whom hold regular office hours.

We encourage students to develop a relationship with our undergraduate director as soon as they enter the major. With careful planning, many students are able to include a study abroad experience in their course work. While earning their degree in German Studies, they are also able to acquire additional expertise through a certificate or major in another program.

To find out more, stop by the Department of German Studies office in 733 Old Chemistry, or contact the department's administrative assistant, Bob Randale at 513-556-2752.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

The German studies program at UC provides students with a solid background in the German language and all aspects of German, Austrian and Swiss culture. We have special strengths in film studies, German-American studies and contemporary German literature and culture. We have strong study-abroad programs in Germany  and work closely with other programs, such as European Studies and the international co-op program. We work with our majors and minors to customize their course of study to their needs and goals.

Study Abroad
The Munich program is a five-week, intensive-immersion language and culture course during the summer. There are three hours of intensive language instruction each day, Monday through Friday, plus a daily program of conversation classes conducted while visiting cultural and historical sites in and around Munich, and weekend excursions, all under the direction of a professor from UC's Department of German Studies the Munich program may be used to satisfy some core requirements for the German major and minor; see the undergraduate director for details.

The summer field trip to Berlin is an interdisciplinary course taught in English for undergraduate students from across the University of Cincinnati. The variety in the background and interests of the participants assures the vitality of the experience, one focused on Berlin’s material culture, past, present and future. Students finish the course with an individual project completed in the autumn semester.

German-American Studies Certificate
Students pursuing a degree at the university may also earn a certificate in German-American studies, which requires introductory courses on the German-American experience and German culture as well as an extensive independent project.

Admission Requirements

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the minor to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the minor using our online form.

In addition, the student must meet with the program director so that the department is aware of their pursuing the minor and can advise appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining the minor.

Graduation Requirements

If a student declares the minor, then it will appear on their application for graduation. Application for graduation as the same as it would for a bachelor’s degree.

Accreditation