German Studies, Minor

SLU’s German studies minor is interdisciplinary in its approach to developing linguistic and cultural proficiency. It requires six courses in German language, literature and culture, preparing students for immersion and research in German. Furthermore, students develop intercultural competencies for global careers and international and domestic opportunities through the minor in German studies at Saint Louis University.

A German studies minor complements other fields such as medicine, health sciences, engineering, sciences, education, international business and international studies, and many humanities majors, such as history, political science, library science, philosophy and theology.

Being competent in more than one language makes students highly competitive in the job market and in the workplace, but also develops sensitivity to different customs and practices. With the help of SLU’s dedicated and experienced German faculty, German studies minors at SLU participate in vigorous and personalized learning. They refine their language skills, develop intercultural competencies, explore the German cultural legacy, and gain familiarity with German within professional and research contexts.

Program Highlights

• SLU’s intimate and vibrant German studies program highlights the crucial role of German-speaking countries in the development of Western civilization, modern-day Europe and our global world. Students enjoy a rich and varied curriculum that draws from Germany’s centuries-long contributions to literature, architecture, painting, sculpture, music, philosophy, theology economy and businesses, and the sciences.
• Saint Louis University offers German studies minors opportunities for summer, semester and year-long study abroad programs that count toward degree options, especially through the department’s affiliation agreements with the University of Heidelberg and its U.S. counterpart Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio; the University of Frankfurt; and the University of Stuttgart. 
• SLU’s German program places a strong emphasis on language proficiency, intercultural competence, and knowledge of both the earlier and modern times. For example, students choose from courses including “Fluency in German,” which is taught around contemporary issues in German-speaking countries, “German for Professional Use,” “Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Parzival: Gender, Race, and Otherness,” or “Modern German Prose and Film.”

Careers

A minor in German studies can prepare students for a number of rewarding careers. Opportunities are rich in fields such as comparative literature, performing arts, cinema, engineering, politics, sports, fashion and industry. Hundreds of American companies operate in Germany and vice versa. Students might pursue a career as a(n):

• International business representative
• Scientific researcher
• International lawyer
• Foreign service officer
• Social service employee
• Teacher/professor
• Medical doctor
• Interpreter/translator
• Museum curator

A German Studies minor requires 18 credit hours, regardless of whether a student starts at GR 1010 Communicating in German I (3 cr) or later. 

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In the event that an incoming student is placed above GR 3010 or 3020, s/he would take additional 3000 or 4000-level courses to meet the 18-credit requirement.

‡

GR 3300 satisfies “Equity and Global Identities: Identities in Context” in University CORE
GR 3500 & GR 3510 satisfies “Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History and Culture” in University CORE

Continuation Standards

All German Studies minor courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher in order to count for the minor and for the student to continue in the minor. If a student earns a grade of C- or lower in a course, the student may retake the course or take an additional course in the minor in which the grade earned is a C or higher.

For additional information about this program, please contact languages@slu.edu or call 314-977-2617.