The German Program
German is a major world language that is spoken in Austria, Germany, Luxemburg, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland. In the European Union it is the principal business language, second only to English. Knowledge of the German language and of the German-speaking cultures gives students access to positions in international business, government and communications as well as careers in education, music, theater, and the arts.
The German program at DePaul University provides students with a strong linguistic and cultural background, develops their creative and critical thinking skills and prepares them for life in a multicultural, global world.
Drawing on the interdisciplinary interests of its faculty, the program offers courses in German language and culture, cinema, translations, and German Intellectual History, literature, and civilization. Students learn through innovative pedagogical techniques including films, video interviews, interactive CD Rom and Internet applications. Class projects include a poetry contest and the translation of a Reader Of Contemporary Culture. In-class learning is complemented by campus cultural events, such as symposia and visiting guest speakers sponsored by the German faculty.
Major and Minor in German
Major
The major consists of 11 courses from the 200 and 300-level:
Students who begin their study of German at DePaul with GER 202 or higher may substitute a 300-level German elective course for any of the 200-level courses.
Minor
The Standard Minor consists of five courses from the 200 and 300 levels. No more than 3 courses may be taken at the 200 level.
Study Abroad
Majors and minors are strongly encouraged to participate in one of the Study Abroad Programs, sponsored by the university. At DePaul's Spring Quarter in Bonn Program, managed by the DAAD, students attend Bonn University where such luminaries as Marx and Nietzsche studied! A DePaul faculty member accompanies the students as an instructor and academic advisor. Excursions and cultural events are organized by the DAAD and the instructor. Students take a total of 5 courses for 20 credits. The Bonn program is a semester long, from April 1 - July 15.
These Study Abroad Programs fulfill the Liberal Studies Junior Year Experiental Learning Requirement. Financial aid is available.
German Club
The German Club organizes film series, visits to exhibits, dinners at German restaurants and German tables, where students meet in local caf¨¦s for relaxed discussions in German.
Cultural Events
The German faculty sponsor cultural events and lectures by visiting scholars and writers in the fields of literature, Cinema, and political sciences. Recent speakers include a contemporary novelist, an Afro-German activist and poet, the Austrian General Consul who spoke on the European Union; the German consul, an expert translator himself, who lectured on the art of translating; a concert of poetry and music - in cooperation with the Music School - in honor of Goethe; and, in cooperation with the Theatre School, a staged reading of a drama.
Students are also able to participate in citywide events (forums, readings, round tables) at other universities and institutions such as the Chicago Cultural Center, the Goethe Institute, and the International Film Festival.
Student Grants and Research
Students in the program are successful in obtaining grants and fellowships at DePaul. In recent years, students have received Fulbright scholarships to pursue research in their fields, and/or teach English in Germany or Austria. Other students obtained internships with German businesses.
After DePaul
German majors and minors pursue many different careers after graduation. Students have been successful in getting funding for graduate work in German and International Studies in Yale, Georgetown, Northwestern and other prestigious universities. Others have gone on to Law schools or internships with the US government such as NASA, or secured jobs with German businesses in Chicago and other US locations.
Faculty