Foreign Languages

Studying German at UW-Stevens Point

As a student at UW-Stevens Point you have the opportunity to become a German speaker with a marketable set of skills in education and business, and well-versed in the culture and literature of German speaking peoples. We offer a variety of options for those wishing to major in German. Those interested in education may pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Teaching of German. Business, cultural and literary studies constitute excellent companions to a range of majors. A minor in German is also available. See links below for specific requirements, and / or contact any German professor on campus (Tobias Barske, Thomas Leek, Richard R. Ruppel) for more information.

The UW-Stevens Point German club is active and holds a weekly Stammtisch in which you can hone your language skills in an informal setting.

Be sure to investigate study abroad opportunities in Marburg, Germany.

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

1. Language and Literature

Minimum of twenty-four credit hours of German courses (beyond the 200-level), including GERM 313, GERM 314, GERM 340 – Introduction to German Literature, GERM 345 - Advanced Composition and Conversation, GERM 481 – German Culture, one advanced German literature course beyond GERM 340, and two elective German courses at the 300/ 400 level.

2. Cultural Studies

Minimum of thirty credit hours (beyond the 200-level), including GERM 313, GERM 314, GERM 340 – Introduction to German Literature, GERM 345 – Advanced Composition and Conversation, one elective German course at the 300/ 400 level, and two German culture courses (GERM 481 is offered with varying subtitles). – Three courses related to German studies totaling 9 credits taken outside the department to be approved by your department advisor.

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Second Majors or Second Degrees with German

To enhance their education and increase their chances for future employment, many students pursue double majors. There virtually is no limit on subjects you can combine with German: another foreign language, history, political science, a business degree, and international studies. If you combine two subjects within the College of Letters and Science (COLS) for a double major, such as German and History, the total number of hours required for graduation will be the same as for a single major (120 hours minimum). A double major normally will not prolong studies beyond the customary four years. If you combine a major in German with a major in another college, for example, German with Wildlife Ecology in the College of Natural Resources, or German and Music, which is in the College of Fine Arts, the number of hours required for graduation is also 120 hours. Although there will be some overlap between both degrees, you have to fulfill both sets of degree requirements. This double degree program is likely to prolong your studies by a semester or even a year. Consult with your advisors for more details.

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Curriculum Preparatory to the Teaching of German

In order to remain in good standing in this program and be recommended for certification, candidates are required to maintain UW-Stevens Point, cumulative, content area, and education grade-point averages. Candidates should consult Tobias Barske or the School of Education for the list of courses used to compute these grade-point averages.

1. German Major for Teacher Certification

Minimum of thirty credit hours of German courses (beyond 200-level courses) and Foreign Language Education courses, including GERM 313, GERM 314, GERM 340 – Introduction to German Literature, GERM 345 – Advanced Composition and Conversation, GERM 420 – German Phonetics, GERM 481 – German Culture and Civilization, one literature course beyond GERM 340, and two electives from literature and culture courses - FLED 333 – Methods in Teaching Foreign Languages - FLED 398 – Student Teaching or FLED 498 – Internship taken concurrently with FELD 400 – Seminar in Student Teaching.

2. German Major with Concentration in Cultural Studies for Teacher Certification

Minimum of thirty-six credit hours of German courses (beyond 200-level courses) and Foreign Language Education courses, including GERM 313, GERM 314, GERM 340 – Introduction to German Literature, GERM 345 – Advanced Composition and Conversation, GERM 420 – German Phonetics, one literature course beyond GERM 340, and two electives from literature and culture courses - 6 credit hours of GERM 481 – German Culture and Civilization - 9 credit hours in coursework outside the department, selected with advisor approval. - FLED 333 – Methods in Teaching Foreign Languages - FLED 398 – Student Teaching or FLED 498 – Internship taken concurrently with FELD 400 – Seminar in Student Teaching.

Degree title: Bachelor of Arts in the Teaching of German

Consult Maggie Beeber, the certification officer at 469 College of Professional Studies (CPS), for additional information.

NOTE: The state of Wisconsin requires a study abroad experience for German teaching certification.

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Minor in German

The minor in German offers students a background in the language through the advanced undergraduate level, an introduction to the study of German literary classics, and knowledge of the history of German culture. See information below for specific requirements, and/ or contact any German professor on campus (Tobias Barske, Thomas Leek, Richard R. Ruppel) for more information.

Minimum of 15 credit hours of German courses (beyond 200-level courses), including GERM 313, GERM 314, GERM 340 – Introduction to German Literature, and a culture or advanced literature course.

Business German (Area of Concentration within Business Administration Major)

The area of concentration in a foreign language provides a cross-cultural experience for students planning to work in international or multicultural environments. The area of concentration emphasizes practical language skills and knowledge of appropriate cultural forms and behavior. The concentration in Business German trains students in different aspects of the German business world and the German economy within the European context. Courses familiarize students with some of the essential vocabulary of German business language as it is used in basic operations in retail/ wholesale, export/ import, and banking transactions.

Minimum of 20 credit hours of German courses including GERM 211, GERM 212, GERM 313, GERM 314, GERM 340 – Introduction to German Literature, and GERM 355 – Business German.

Suggested Four Year Sequence

The Department of Foreign Languages encourages students to graduate in four years. The suggested four year sequence provide a suggested sequence of courses that illustrate how a student could successfully complete a Foreign Languages major or minor in 4 years. Please consult with and advisor when planning your major or minor.

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