German Studies
Our program is a welcoming community of scholars, teachers, and students who are passionate about German language and culture and committed to the rich, lifelong benefits of cross-cultural exchange. We believe that in encountering different cultures, languages, and ways of seeing, you will learn to examine your own entrenched beliefs about yourself, your communities, and your place in the world.
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.
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
Lucia Sheridan BA ’23More about LuciaMy favorite class has been Key Monuments with Professor Benjamin David. He brought new and remarkable perspectives to Western art history. 10/10, would recommend!
Jack Hanning BA ’21More about JackMy decision to double major in German studies and art history was easy. Both departments’ professors showcase their love of the subject so well that it made me want to follow them and learn more.
Alie Cicero BA ’24More about AlieMy 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.
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
Niall Gifford BA ’22More about NiallThe most important thing I learned at L&C is that when trying to accomplish something, there isn’t necessarily one perfect recipe to follow. Having the confidence to forge one’s own path is incredibly valuable.
Ocean Eale BA ’19More about OceanLewis & Clark taught me to look at the bigger picture and to approach my work holistically and with care. I have the tools to be more flexible in solving problems, and I can also take a step back when I need a better, more informed perspective on things.
Annika Clunk BA ’20More about AnnikaL&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
Featured News
Fulbright Winner to Pursue Passion of Teaching Language
As the recipient of a prestigious Fulbright award, Alexandra Flory BA ’24 will serve as an English teaching assistant in Germany beginning this fall.
