German

German is the second most widely spoken language in Europe, and Germany is the financial and economic powerhouse of the European Union. It is also one of the three world leaders in science and technology. Small wonder that German is an increasingly popular major for those students interested in careers in business, science, research and technology. On its own or combined as a double major with other programs, a degree in German helps you to stand out and gives you an edge in competing successfully for jobs and places in graduate programs. In fact, graduate programs in some fields require a proficiency in German.

German majors have followed various paths after graduation:

Fulbright Teaching Fellowship in Linz, Austria
MD program, Medical University of South Carolina
MA program in German, Florida State University
MIB (master’s of international business), University of South Carolina
PhD program, modern German history, University of Pennsylvania
U.S. Peace Corps, Kingdom of Tonga
Brand manager, Royal Labs Natural Cosmetics
Assistant manager, Bank of America
Marketing representative, GTIS, Inc.

College of Charleston advantages

Our program is recognized as the best undergraduate German program in South Carolina.
Our curriculum encompasses not just literature, but also German culture, history and politics.
You can expand your career opportunities and customize your academic program by combining a major in German with another major such as international business, education, physics, communication or another language.
You have the opportunity to engage in paid internships in Germany.

Active Learning Opportunities

Study abroad. You can select from a wide variety of different studyabroad programs offered through the college’s Office of International Education and Programs. Programs most suitable for students of German include:

Austria: University of Linz, University of Vienna
Germany: University of Bamberg, University of Cologne, University of Ludwigshafen, University of Mainz, University of Mannheim, University of Tübingen

Independent studies. Independent study courses offer the chance to explore a specific area of interest, working one-on-one with a professor. Titles of independent studies completed by students in the past three years include:

German for Physics
Gender Theory
German Legends and their Contexts [deutsche Legenden im Kontext]
German Higher Education Reform [deutsche Hochschulreform]
Mozart in Context [Mozart in Umwelt und Folgezeit]
Contemporary Culture through Film
Klaus Mann’s Exile Writings [Klaus Mann im Exil]
Theodor Storm

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals. This scholarship program includes a career internship and annually provides 75 American students nationwide with education and professional training in Germany. Five College of Charleston students have been among those chosen by this prestigious program since 2001. Their six-month paid internships have included Cayenne Werbeagentur (advertising agency in Düsseldorf) and Robert Bosch Powertool Division in Stuttgart.

Summer internship program in Germany. Along with universities such as Yale, Harvard and the University of Michigan, College of Charleston participates in this credit-bearing program offered through CDS International. Accepted participants attend language classes for a month in Berlin before beginning a two-month internship with a German company. Opportunities exist in many fields, such as banking, marketing, customer service, engineering, cultural exchange, import/export and tourism. Recently, our students have interned at sites such as:

Drogenberatungszentrum Saarland (drug clinic in the Saarland)
Krankenhaus Dresden-Friedrichstadt (hospital in Dresden)
Autohaus Fleischhauer (an automobile dealership)
Radio Mephisto in Leipzig (radio station)
Schloß- und Gartenverwaltung, Coburg (castle administration in Coburg)
Filmmuseum in Düsseldorf
Hotel de Saxe and Ringberg Hotel und Resort (hotel positions in Suhl and Leipzig).

German Club. This very active student group sponsors many events, including:

Spring Film Festival. This weekend-long event presents German language films (with subtitles) centered on a different theme every year – free of charge.
Stammtisch. Based on a longstanding German tradition, the College of Charleston Stammtisch is a regularly scheduled event during which students gather for a meal and practice German in a fun, informal environment.
Fussball. Pick-up soccer games on Sunday afternoons.
Oktoberfest. An annual celebration held at a local resort featuring German food, music, drinks and a great time for all.

Learning Resources

Tutoring. Any student taking a course in German is eligible to receive up to two free hours of tutoring per week through the Center for Student Learning.

Language lab. The center contains the main language lab/computer lab with a Sony 9000LC console, 26 student carrels, 11 Mac and three Dell computers. There is equipment students need in order to practice language skills in pairs or groups, while recording their work. The center also maintains a vast collection of foreign language films and computer programs.

Films. We have a large and growing collection of German films available for viewing that help you learn more about German language and culture.

College of Charleston is the only testing site in the southeast for the internationally recognized Goethe Institute language exams (ZD, ZDF, ZDfB).

The college’s television network includes a German channel.

“In the German program, classes are small so professors can give each student individual attention. The faculty are all highly qualified and have much to offer in the classroom. They also go the extra mile. For instance, one of my professors suggested we submit our class papers to a conference in Atlanta. Mine was accepted, and I was honored to present my research to faculty and other scholars. This year, I’m working with my professor to polish that paper and have it become my senior thesis.”

Geoffrey Shideler ’07