Bachelor of Arts Degree in German (Code RGR_BA02)

A degree in German emphasizes competency in the use of language and a thorough understanding of important aspects of contemporary society in German-speaking countries (literature, political life, film, social issues).  At the heart of the European unification process and serving as the new bridge towards Central and Eastern Europe, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland play a pivotal international role in politics, in trade and in cultural exchanges.

The major in German consists of 30 upper-division units in the 300- and 400 level courses.  The number of lower-division units will depend on the amount of German studied previously in high school or college, since students with prior study of German may enter at advanced standing (usually second or third year).  The major program satisfies the requirements for the Single-Subject teaching credential in German for which credential candidates must take German 303 & 410.  The Department also encourages inclusion of relevant History, Comparative Literature, and Political Science courses in the program of study.  The courses provide additional enrichment to the cultural component of the German degree.

Students are encouraged to participate in the German-American Business Student Workshop, arranged with the Fachhochschule Hamburg.

REQUIREMENTS:

Lower Division:
Students who have completed sufficient high school German may take upper-division courses as soon as lower-division requirements have been met.

Upper Division:
A minimum of 30 upper division units are required which must include German 301 & 302, 415 & 416, and six units of 400-level culture and literature courses.

Students should select their courses in consultation with the major advisor.

SPECIAL RESOURCES:
The German Program offers students free tutorial assistance provided by Oldenburg students and by interns from Germany, and supports a weekly Stammtisch for good cheers and German dialogue.

SPECIAL COMBINATIONS OF MAJORS:
Many German Studies Majors also pursue a major in International Business, Engineering, or a certificate in Travel and Tourism.

Minor in German (Code RGR_UM03)

Requirements:
A minimum of 20 upper division units which must include German 301 & 302, 415 & 416.

Master of Arts Degree In German (Code RGR_MA02)

ADMISSION to the Program:

• Apply for admission to the University, with objective of M.A. in German
• Have a copy of transcripts of all previous University-level study sent to Graduate Advisor, German Department.
• Contact the Graduate Advisor for an appointment within 4 weeks after transcripts have been sent.

PREREQUISITES for Admission to Classified Standing in German:
Either a B.A. degree in German, or at least 24 units of upper division courses in German.  These courses must be comparable to those required of Major in German at this university.  Deficiencies will be determined by the Graduate Advisor after consultation with the student and after study of transcripts.  The candidate must pass the CSULB Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE).

REQUIREMENTS for the M.A. Degree in German:

• Completion of a minimum of 30 units of approved upper-division and graduate courses with 24 units in German.
• A minimum of 18 units in the 500 and 600 series in German, which must include Germ 510.
• A reading knowledge of French, Italian, Latin, Russian, or Spanish.  Another language may be substituted under special circumstances.
• A comprehensive examination or a thesis., chosen in consultation with the Graduate Advisor.

Recommendation for those students heading into a career in teaching:
RGR 524, 570, 601.

GERMAN PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS:
THE AMY KIMBALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP, and THE WILM PELTERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ($1000) ea.) are available on a competitive basis for students to study at a German-speaking university.

TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS in German:
A limited number of Teaching Assistantships well as Research  Assistantships are available for qualified students in the German M.A. Program. New applicants for Teaching Assistantships must have been accepted into the Program and must present a letter of application, a resume, a complete set of transcripts, and arrange for three confidential letters of recommendation to be sent to the Graduate Coordinator.  Teaching Assistants are required to enroll in RGR 524 (Second Language Acquisition).  New Teaching Assistants are normally assigned only one class to teach during their first semester and will receive training and supervision. Students are also encouraged to apply for financial assistance under the Federal Work-Study Program.

CSULB Graduates:
Our graduates successfully compete for research scholarships and fellowships in outstanding Ph.D. programs (Berkeley, Chicago, Michigan, Minnesota, and others). A number of them have presented research papers at national conferences, and the university provides financial support for travel. Our T.A. training program makes CSULB German graduates desirable applicants for teaching positions at all levels.

German Program Advisor:
Graduate and Undergraduate Students

Jeff High, Students, 562/985-7674, jhigh@csulb.edu