With this degree, you will achieve practical and culture-based proficiency in German through studying German literature, philosophy, film, art, and news as well as related fields such as history, politics, economics, and the arts. We offer a great variety of curricular and extracurricular means to meet your academic, professional, and personal goals—whether studying German language and culture in preparation for learning and working in a German-speaking country or for your major or double-major.
Program Highlights
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Course content is both literary and more broadly cultural, drawing on fields such as history, philosophy, politics, economics, and the arts
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Small discussion-based classes which meet 2-3 times a week
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Courses taught in an interactive seminar format with a focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as intercultural competence, which sets students apart on the job market
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Instructors are experienced native or near-native German speakers, who are either from Germany or have lived, worked and studied in Germany
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Students have access to the Language Learning Center as a resource
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Interpreters and Translators
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Foreign 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.
Requirements
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Must complete the Lower Division General Education requirements and the core requirements and select one of the followingconcentrations.
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A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is required for the 30 hours of upper-division courses in German.
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No more than two GER courses taught in English can be counted for the major.
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At least 12 hours in the concentration must be taken at Old Dominion University.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Featured Courses
This is a writing intensive course designed with writing assignments that examine various cultural contexts that enable students to understand cultural content, style, audience and organization. The main objective of the course is increased awareness of and sensitivity to appropriate word choice, and syntax in the language. Students will engage in writing for different cultural audiences and in varied contexts such as literary, artistic and media expressions around the world. Special emphasis is placed on the methodology of close reading as students hone the analytics skills and vocabulary necessary to interpret idioms, regionalism, cultural expressions and overall intercultural skills observed in various genres and cultures. Students will analyze compelling global issues and the diverse cultural perspectives that inform them. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENGL 211C, ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C and a grade of C or better in GER 202, advanced placement or permission of the instructor.
This course is primarily a conversation course to develop linguistic and cultural proficiency in verbal communication. Task-oriented communication strategies in cross-cultural training will be practiced by presenting students with models that demonstrate appropriate linguistic and cultural competencies. Students will practice these skills by role-playing, giving presentations, enriching self-awareness with practiced in-group discussions on various topics (such as, prejudice, racism, values, and customs) that dispel stereotypes and foster more in-depth social-cultural understanding, and with participation in guided cultural encounters. Students will improve their listening and comprehension skills and deepen cultural proficiency by learning how to communicate and collaborate with other people and cultures in a global age. (This is an oral skills course.) Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in GER 202 or advanced placement or permission of the instructor.
A study of selected topics designed for non-majors, or for elective credit within a major. These courses will appear in the course schedule. Prerequisite: GER 202 or the equivalent.
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Contact
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