• <a href="/live/image/gid/491/width/650/86485_German_Studies_main_image.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image86485"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/491/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86485_German_Studies_main_image.rev.1607647105.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/491/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86485_German_Studies_main_image.rev.1607647105.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/491/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86485_German_Studies_main_image.rev.1607647105.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/491/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86485_German_Studies_main_image.rev.1607647105.jpg" alt="German Studies students who study abroad get to enjoy a full-year program at the University of Munich." width="720" height="690" data-max-w="1059" data-max-h="1015" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> German Studies students who study abroad get to enjoy a full-year program at the University of Munich.</div>

Why Choose a Degree in German?

Studying literature and other cultural materials in a language other than your own teaches you to be flexible and open to different viewpoints, provides you with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of historical and contemporary events, and allows you to gain clarity with respect to your own views and experiences. Our faculty devote individual attention to students both in and outside the classroom.

What You’ll Study

We offer a major and minor in German through the Department of World Languages and Literatures. Our classes are small, focused, and taught by expert faculty. Topics range from German composition and conversation, to major periods in German literature, to examinations of German society during various historical periods.

Many of our students earn course credit on overseas programs. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students (including one in Berlin with an optional chemistry focus), the yearlong language-intensive overseas program in Munich is renowned for its high-quality academic offerings, direct access to German university programs, and outstanding internship and research opportunities. This program is required for all German majors.

Outside the classroom, the Keck Interactive Learning Center is a language center and community area that is packed with linguistic and cultural resources. The Global Languages and Cultures Living-Learning Community is a unique on-campus housing option with an immersive language-based focus. Our students are supported each year with a visiting international Language Assistant who teaches our conversation courses and offers tutoring support for each of our language sections.

Curriculum

Complement Your Education With One of These Minors

The most popular minors for our German studies majors are economics, history, and political science.


What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark

  • My favorite class was Cold War Culture with Associate Professor Therese Augst. I was able to tap into both my knowledge of international affairs and German studies to evaluate what happened during this crucial period of history.

    Tiffani Wong BA ’22
    International Affairs, German Studies (double) | San Francisco, California
    More about Tiffani
  • My favorite class has been Key Monuments with Professor Benjamin David. He brought new and remarkable perspectives to Western art history. 10/10, would recommend!

    Lucia Sheridan BA ’23
    Psychology and German Studies (double) | Art and Art History | Saugatuck, Michigan
    More about Lucia
  • My two mentors are Professors Bob Mandel and Therese Augst. They work with me to find interesting opportunities to further my education, challenge me, boost my confidence and comfort in classes, and help me feel part of the L&C community.

    Alie Cicero BA ’24
    International Affairs, German (double) | Arcadia, California
    More about Alie

What Can You Do With a Degree in German?

Our alumni use their BA in German in a variety of endeavors. In addition to receiving Fulbright and other grants to teach English or do research in German-speaking countries, our students pursue careers in teaching, academia, library science, cultural exchange, law, and other fields.

Dedicated Faculty

Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.

Invest in Yourself

A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.

Find Your People

The student-led German Club organizes numerous events on and off campus, including Oktoberfest, Sankt Martinstag, Fasching (Carnival), cooking and baking lessons, and excursions to local restaurants and film festivals. One of the oldest journals at L&C, Polyglot gives the opportunity to students of all levels to publish their work in German.


Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You

  • L&C taught me to never shy away from voicing my perspective—because your perspective matters even if 99 percent of the people in the room would disagree with you

    Annika Clunk BA ’20
    Economics, German Studies (double)
    More about Annika
  • L&C taught me how to engage with different fields of study, which has prepared me for my jobs and law school, and gave me the skills to think critically and analytically.

    Nicolas Read BA ’18
    German Studies and International Affairs (double)
    More about Nicolas
  • L&C taught me how to work collaboratively in a high-stakes environment with deadlines without extensions.

    Vanja Pešić BA ’22
    German Studies, Psychology (double) | Leskovac, Serbia
    More about Vanja

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