About the Program
The Department of German and Russian in the School of Languages and Cultures offers undergraduate majors and minors in German and Russian, as well as courses of study and expertise leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. in German literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present, and the M.A. and Ph.D. in German linguistics and Second Language Acquisition. It is also possible to study for the M.A. or Ph.D. in Comparative Literature with a focus in German.
The Education Track prepares students to teach German in grades 5-12. Students will take courses in the School of Languages and Cultures and in the College of Education, will do student teaching in a local school, and, upon successful completion of the degree program, will receive the teaching licensure required to teach in Indiana public schools.
This program meets state and national licensure standards and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the State of Indiana, State Board of Education. Admission to and successful completion of the Teacher Education Program (TEP) are required.
Business German at Purdue
The Business German Program at Purdue consists of three courses, beginning at the second-year level. Our goal is to develop students’ communicative competence in a variety of activities in the specialized field of German for Business and Economics (Wirtschaftsdeutsch). Topics covered in our courses include Germany’s major industries and companies, the German market economy, Germany’s role in international trade, marketing, the European Union and the Euro, applying for internships and jobs in Germany, and intercultural communication in German-American business encounters.
German for Science and Engineering
The German Program at Purdue offers a track German for Science and Engineering consisting of three courses, beginning at the second-year level. Our goal is to develop students’ communicative competence in a variety of activities with focus on German for Science and Engineering. Topics covered in our courses include the history of science and scientists in German, articles on scientific research in a variety of fields in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, energy sources, approaches to these sources, to ecology, recycling methods, dealing with issues of pollution, information on various auto industries, live reports by students returning from study abroad or participating in other work abroad or research abroad programs. This course will further help with writing how to apply for jobs, practicing for interviews, and to prepare oneself in a culture-specific way for a global market in a German speaking environment. It will incorporate presentations by students propelled by their own interests and involving aspects of intercultural communication as most interesting for those studying German and disciplines of Science and Engineering.
Degree in 3
The College of Liberal Arts offers the opportunity for students to complete their degree in three years. Degree in 3 majors allow students to enter the work force or graduate school a year earlier than traditional plans of study while also providing a cost-effective way to complete an undergraduate degree.
Students can complete the three-year option with or without AP credit by adding summer sessions to traditional coursework in Fall and Spring semesters. Degree in 3 offers a great combination of cost-savings and the opportunity to accelerate your future and achieve your goals.
Please visit German for more information.
Liberal Arts Curriculum
Each liberal arts major is designed as a four-year plan of study and includes three types of courses: Major, Core, and Elective. Most students take five courses per semester, with some of each type.
Professional academic advisors meet individually with each of our students on a regular basis to help with course selection, academic planning, and career development, as well as to help students find additional resources on campus.
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