German Major (BA)

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Major Programs

Students are encouraged to take MODL 1010: The Language Phenomenon, or 1020: Language and Society, early in their careers. If possible, students should declare their major as sophomores. Such a time frame allows for adequate discussion with advisors, and appropriate course and study abroad planning.

Students without a specific career objective are encouraged to complement their language major with a second major and to discuss possible objectives with a member of the department. In the past, students have chosen to double major in such fields as anthropology, biology, communication studies, global studies, management and economics, mathematics, political science, and psychology. The LEAP program offers opportunities for internships and for exploring both work and community service. Those seeking teaching licensure as a co-major with Spanish or German are encouraged to discuss their career plans with faculty in the School of Education and in Modern Languages as soon as possible.

Language Placement Exam

All 1st year, transfer and returning students are required to take the placement exam before registering for their first Hamline German, French or Spanish language class. (There is currently no placement test for Chinese; incoming students should e-mail faculty teaching Chinese for placement advice.)

The test takes 10-25 minutes on average.
Test results are available on-line within a few minutes of taking the exam.
The test results indicate clearly which appropriate level students should register for, including 1st (1110), 2nd (1120), 3rd (3210) and 4th (3220) semester language level. Scores higher than 4th semester should register for an Advanced Composition, Conversation or Reading course.

See the Courses section of this Bulletin or the Modern Languages Department webpages for course descriptions.

For more information and to access the test, visit www.hamline.edu/languageplacement.

Major Requirements

A German major consists of nine courses as follows:

One of the following:

Six additional courses in German

Six additional German courses numbered above 1120 are required.

Also accepted, with the prior approval of the Modern Languages department chair:

Advanced German courses taken through study abroad and/or the ACTC.
One course in English (in addition to MODL 1010 or 1020) whose content focuses significantly on the German-speaking world.

Note

Courses in language study through the minimum level required for the major, GERM 1120, are counted toward breadth of study.