German
In Europe and in the new European Union, German is the second language of choice after English.
Anyone who wishes to deal with the European Community in day-to-day commerce, politics, science and industry can make the greatest impact with a proficiency in German. We incorporate literature, linguistics and culture into the study of the German language, and we strongly encourage students to study abroad.
Learn more than just a language
Your studies will couple rigorous training in the German language with advanced study in the history, literature, and culture of the German people. This gives you important insight into a magnificent cultural heritage that has been lost in the last century.
Examine culture and social justice
There are courses in every genre and genre period, each presented with care to the details of the subject matter, but also with an eye to larger questions concerning the culture, particularly those that concern our conceptions of ethics, morality and social justice.
Make a meaningful impact on modern society
You will engage in discussions of ethics and morality that explore the literary artifacts of the past centuries and the philosophical heritage of the Germans — a rich tapestry of thought that goes back to the time of St. Augustine. You will not merely read the works of the great German philosophers, but apply their ideas to the history, literature, and cultural topics under discussion in each course.
At a Glance
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts
Department
School/College
College of Arts and Science
Next Steps
Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:
With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the german program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.
Program Details
Find out what it takes to earn a degree in german and explore the courses.
Highlighted Courses
Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.
GERM 301: Conversation and Composition
Designed as an accelerated course to enable students to quickly improve their understanding, competence, and proficiency in German through a format of reading, writing, speaking, and film. The course is specifically designed as "writing intensive" in order to help students become more adept at articulating their ideas and expressing them most clearly in written form.
See descriptionGERM 340: Business German
An introduction to the German business environment that deals with marketing, import/export, business transactions, banking, resumes and effective correspondence.
See descriptionGERM 343: Women in German Literature
An in-depth study of women in Germany and Europe after the industrial revolution. The course deals with both female and male writers and the way in which women are portrayed, what roles they assume and how they must attempt to resolve conflicts in modern society.
See descriptionGERM 401: Advanced Grammar and Composition
A functional review of all phases of communication skills, including the more intricate grammar and idiom. Required of all candidates for a teaching major.
See descriptionGERM 437: Goethe's Faust
This course will undertake a close, thorough reading and critical textual examination of Goethe's world masterpieces, Faust I and Faust II. In so doing, the course will examine the literary, historical, and contemporary creative forces that went into the production of these two dramatic masterpieces. The course will also undertake a study of Goethe and his works within the context of the time in which he wrote them and how his work and his individual literary language developed and took shape to form a unique worldview.
See descriptionGERM 447: German Cinema
A comprehensive review of German cinema from the inception of motion pictures to the present. The course treats the historical and social implications of film in Germany during its volatile first 40 years and the contribution of German Exile filmmakers.
See descriptionRecommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.
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Collaborative Experiences
The program includes creative individual and group projects, digital tools and the use of social media to enhance language learning and cultural literacy. From beginner to advanced levels, our curriculum is crafted to cater to diverse language proficiency levels.
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Study Abroad
Cal Lutheran offers a range of options for study abroad, from semester programs to short-term travel seminars.
Benefits of studying abroad include:
- Gain international perspective
- Build proficiency in a language
- Learn to navigate a different environment
- Develop intercultural awareness
- Enhance your resume for jobs
German is important to me because I love learning new languages and find them very fun and exciting. German is also important to me because my family is from Germany. I have really enjoyed all of the German classes I’ve taken here so far and looking forward to learning from Dr. Stewart and sharing my knowledge with other students as a Department Assistant. After I graduate from Cal Lutheran, I plan on moving to Washington DC to work in intelligence and/or translation.
Leilani Horowitz '23
Our graduates have regularly found careers in education, government, business and the clergy. These include jobs as teachers, government agents, translators, banking administrators, interpreters and travel agents. When combined with business studies, a degree in German can provide you with even broader career opportunities.
Potential Careers
Travel Agents
Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.
See descriptionInterpreters and Translators
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
See descriptionForeign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
See descriptionPhilosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
See descriptionTraining and Development Specialists
Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.
See descriptionCustoms Brokers
Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.
See descriptionFinancial Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
See descriptionLooking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at:
- Apache Corporation
- Dyer Sheehan Group, Inc.
- Kennesaw State University
- Progressive Insurance
- The Asia Foundation
- TOPA Diagnostics Inc.
- United Airlines
- US Navy
- Ventura County Community College District
Graduate Schools
Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:
- George Mason University
- New York University
- The University of Chicago
- Tufts University
- Tulane University Law School
- Schiller International University
- UCLA
I am a master’s student at the London School of Economics in the European and International Public Policy program with the European Institute. I've been able to freely communicate with professors and students not only in English, but also in German. It has also given me an advantage when looking for internships and job opportunities. Bilingual skills are highly praised and valued in Europe. If you want to work on an international level, speaking more than one language is very important and can be necessary, even if it is just basic conversation skills.
Charlotte Biegalski '19
German Major
Master's Student, London School of Economics
This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.
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of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months
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